P0335 code: Crankshaft position sensor A circuit

What P0335 means

P0335 is a generic SAE code: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit. The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor reads teeth on a toothed wheel, called a reluctor or tone ring, on the crankshaft or flywheel. The signal tells the engine computer engine speed and crank position, which it uses to time spark and fuel injection.

The computer sets P0335 when it expects a CKP signal, such as when the engine is cranking or the camshaft sensor is reporting, but sees no signal or a signal that makes no sense. Related codes include P0336 (range or performance), P0337 (low input) and P0338 (high input). Look up any code with our code decoder.

Symptoms of P0335

Intermittent symptoms that get worse when the engine is hot are a common pattern with failing crank sensors, because heat can open a weak internal connection.

• Check engine light on
• Engine cranks but will not start
• Engine stalls while driving, sometimes when hot, and may restart after cooling
• Tachometer drops to zero or jumps around while driving
• Misfires, stumbling or hesitation
• Hard starting

Common causes of P0335

Start with the wiring and connector, because they are cheap to check, then move to the sensor itself.

Note.If the vehicle may stall, do not test it in traffic. Disconnect the battery before removing sensors or repairing wiring.

How to diagnose P0335

A scan tool that shows live engine RPM while cranking is the key tool here. See our guide to OBD2 scanners for DIY mechanics.

1. 1

   Read all codes and save the freeze frame data. Note engine temperature and speed when the code set. Also note camshaft codes such as P0340 or correlation codes like P0016.

2. 2

   With the scan tool connected, crank the engine and watch the RPM reading in live data. On a no-start, an RPM reading of zero while cranking points strongly to a missing crank signal.

3. 3

   Find the sensor. Locations vary: some are on the front of the engine near the crank pulley, some on the side of the block, some on the transmission bell housing. Check the service information for your vehicle.

4. 4

   Inspect the connector and wiring along its full route. Wiggle the harness with the engine running and watch for stalling or RPM drops.

5. 5

   Test the sensor. Two-wire sensors and three-wire sensors are tested differently, and specs vary by make. Follow the service information, or check the signal with a scope if you have one.

6. 6

   Remove the sensor and check the tip for damage, metal debris or oil soaking.

7. 7

   If the sensor and wiring are good, inspect the reluctor ring and consider a professional diagnosis.

How to fix P0335

Repair the wiring or replace the sensor based on what you found. Use a quality sensor, since cheap replacements can give a weak or noisy signal. Some vehicles require a crankshaft position variation relearn after replacing the sensor or engine computer, which needs a scan tool with that function. Our guide to bidirectional scan tools covers tools that can perform relearns.

After the repair, clear the code and confirm the RPM reading is steady during cranking and while driving.

Can you drive with P0335?

It is not a good idea. The engine can stall without warning, which can leave you without power assist for steering and brakes in traffic. If the engine still runs, drive only as far as needed to get it repaired, and avoid highways. If it will not start, it needs to be towed or repaired where it sits. See can you drive with the check engine light on.

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Related codes

Codes that often appear with P0335 or affect the same system: P0340 (camshaft position sensor circuit), P0016 (crank and cam correlation), P0300 (random misfire) and P0606 (control module processor fault).

Frequently asked questions

Will a bad crankshaft position sensor stop the car from starting? On most engines, yes. Without a crank signal, the engine computer cannot time spark and fuel, so the engine cranks but does not start.

Why does my car only stall when hot with P0335? Heat can cause a failing sensor or weak connection to lose signal. Once things cool down, the signal often comes back and the engine restarts.

Do I need to do a relearn after replacing the crank sensor? Some vehicles require a crank position variation relearn, especially some GM models. Check the service information for your vehicle.

Is P0335 the same as P0336? No. P0335 points to a circuit problem, such as no signal. P0336 means the signal is present but out of the expected range or pattern, which can point to a damaged reluctor or intermittent connection.