P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction

What is P0335?

The code P0335 is defined as “Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Malfunction.”

 The engine control module (ECM) logs DTC P0335 when it’s unable to detect the crankshaft position sensor (also known as the CKP sensor.) 

The key function of the crankshaft position sensor is to determine the precise position of the crankshaft and rotational speed (or RPM signal.) 

The CKP sensor works with the camshaft position sensor reluctor ring (attached to the crankshaft) to determine the exact position of the crankshaft by creating a square wave voltage. The engine control module reads this voltage signal to interpret the crankshaft position. 

Accordingly, your engine control module uses this information to regulate the fuel injection and determine when the spark plugs should ignite the air-fuel mixture. 

However, if the CKP sensor cannot send the correct signals to the ECM, it could prevent you from starting the engine.

Should the engine control module fail to detect the crankshaft pulse or find fault with the pulse on the output circuit, it’ll turn the Check Engine Light on and log the trouble code P0335. 

Typically, the code P0335 will be accompanied by the following service engine codes: 

• P0336: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range
• P0337: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Low Circuit Input
• P0338: Crankshaft Position Sensor A High Circuit Input
• P0339: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Intermittent Circuit

Common symptoms

Here are the most prominent signs associated with fault code P0335 and a faulty crankshaft position sensor: 

1. Engine Won’t Start Or Misfires

A bad crankshaft position sensor fails to determine the exact position of the crankshaft, causing improper spark timing and fuel injection. 

When this happens, you’ll be unable to start the engine or notice your engine misfiring. 

2. Reduced Fuel Economy

A sudden spike in your vehicle’s fuel consumption could signal fault code P0335. 

That’s because a faulty crankshaft position sensor will cause a host of issues with the ignition, resulting in your vehicle consuming more fuel than usual.

In addition to a faulty CKP sensor signal circuit, your vehicle could also consume more fuel due to a faulty fuel pump. 

3. Car Stalls Or Won’t Accelerate

A faulty crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor may result in the ECM failing to adjust spark timing and fuel injection as needed. 

When this happens, you’ll notice your vehicle stalling or fluctuations in the engine speed ─ another common sign of fault code P0335. 

4. Check Engine Light Illuminated

While an illuminated Check Engine Light or Malfunction Indicator Lamp on your dashboard could indicate the crank sensor code P0335, it may not come on immediately. So, you should check for the common signs associated with a faulty crankshaft sensor. 

Additionally, since the Check Engine Light could signify many other engine-related issues, you’ll need an OBD2 scan tool to verify its fault code P0335.

Can I still drive?

A crankshaft position sensor failure can lead to severe engine problems, so it’s better to avoid driving your vehicle until the issue is diagnosed and resolved. 

Should the P0335 code remain unresolved, it could lead to hefty repair costs and permanently damage your engine. 

P0335 causes

Here are all the potential causes of the DTC P0335 crankshaft position sensor error: 

• A faulty wiring harness or poor electrical wiring
• Damaged or cracked timing belt 
• A bad crank position sensor or cam sensor
• A faulty sensor circuit or CKP sensor connector 
• A faulty reluctor ring 
• A malfunctioning engine control module

Diagnosis

Since there are many potential triggers for the P0335 code, diagnosing the issue can be challenging. 

Here’s how a mechanic will determine the cause of the P0335 crankshaft position sensor error: 

• Your mechanic will use an OBD2 scan tool to read the freeze frame data stored in the ECM. They’ll then clear the existing fault codes and the Check Engine Light and perform a road test to see if the code return.  
• The mechanic will turn the ignition switch on and check if the RPM signal is working properly using an OBD2 scan tool. 
• They will visually inspect the reluctor ring, camshaft sensor, timing chain, and timing belt. If there are no signs of damage to the reluctor ring or timing belt, the mechanic will need to inspect the CKP sensor for damages. 
• Next, the mechanic will disconnect the battery and test the crank sensor wiring and the harness connector using a digital multimeter set to DC voltage at a low range. If the wiring and harness connector is fine, the mechanic will check the CKP sensor using a 5-volt square wave pattern.  
• Lastly, they will check for a fault with the engine control module and the ECM connector (although this is a rare cause.)

Possible repairs for P0335 & Costs

Here are some common repairs for the P0335 code: 

• Replace the faulty crankshaft sensor 
• Replace or repair the damaged wiring or wiring harness
• Replace the damaged timing belt 
• Replace faulty reluctor ring 

Repair costs

The repair costs of the P0335 code depend on the number of parts to be repaired or replaced. 

Here are the average estimated costs of some replacement components, including labor costs: 

• Reluctor ring: $60 to $300
• Crankshaft position sensor: $180 to $260
• Timing belt: $500 to $750
• Timing chain: $650 to $2000
• Engine control module: $200 to $1,200