Q: If my car needs a new crankshaft position sensor, will it still run?

Hello. The crankshaft position sensor will not usually cause a misfire, but in rare cases it can. Since there is a misfire on the number one cylinder, the source of that issue needs to be confirmed before you do anything else. It may be caused by a spark plug or ignition coil or even an internal engine problem. I would start by checking the plug and coil to see if they are bad, and if those are fine, then I would do a compression test. Typically, one of these areas will be the source of the problem. These would also cause the smell that you’re describing, as a misfire will overheat the catalytic converter. As for whether your car will still run with a misfiring cylinder, it certainly can, but to drive in this condition is risky. Consider contacting a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to properly diagnose and repair your misfiring cylinder.