A method and device for controlling a four-stroke internal combustion engine, including a step of producing a reconstituted crankshaft signal having an electrical signal extending over two crankshaft revolutions in the nominal direction of rotation of the engine, the electrical signal including: a single main pulse, having a predetermined first duration, corresponding to the passing of a predetermined reference tooth of the toothed wheel associated with the crankshaft of the engine; a plurality of secondary pulses, each having a predetermined second duration, each corresponding to the passing of a tooth of the toothed wheel associated with the crankshaft of the engine; the predetermined first duration being greater than the predetermined second duration.