P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction

What is P0335?

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

The powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) logs Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0335 when it can’t confirm the crankshaft’s position.

Here’s what happens:
The crankshaft position sensor (CKP sensor) monitors the crankshaft’s exact position and rotational speed (or RPM signal) by creating a square wave voltage. The engine control unit (ECU) then reads this voltage signal to interpret the crankshaft’s position. 

Accordingly, your ECM uses this information to regulate the fuel injection and spark timing to ignite the air-fuel mixture. 

However, if the CKP sensor can’t send the correct signals to the ECM, it turns on the Check Engine Light and logs trouble code P0335. 

Apart from this, other engine trouble codes that may activate include:

• 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

P0335 Possible Causes

Here are a few potential reasons your vehicle’s computer will register the DTC P0335 crankshaft position sensor error: 

• Bad crank position sensor (CPS) — most common issue
• Faulty wiring harness or wiring issue
• Sensor circuit failure or loose CKP sensor connector 
• Cracked timing belt or chain 
• Torn harmonic balancer (a circular rubber component that dampens vibrations to protect the crankshaft)
• Damaged reluctor ring 
• Broken crankshaft
• Malfunctioning PCM or ECU

5 Warning Symptoms of P0335 Code

When the ECM fails to identify the crankshaft’s position, it activates the fault code and struggles with fuel ignition. This can lead to the following problems: 

1. The engine fails to start or misfires
2. Car idles roughly or unstably
3. The vehicle stalls or doesn’t accelerate
4. Check engine light illuminates
5. Fuel economy drops

Can You Still Drive with the P0335 Code?

No, you can’t. 

If your car’s ECM registers the P0335 code, you most likely have a crank sensor failure or bad reluctor ring. These can cause severe engine problems, such as stalling and misfiring. Driving with these problems is out of the question until the necessary repairs are completed. 

If the issue remains unresolved, it could lead to extensive engine damage and hefty repair or maintenance costs.

How to Diagnose P0335 Error Code

Since the P0335 code has many potential triggers, diagnosing the issue can be challenging for a beginner. For smooth troubleshooting, contact your local dealership or mechanic for help. 

Here’s how they’ll determine the cause of the P0335 crankshaft position sensor error: 

1. Use an OBD-II scan tool to identify other trouble codes, such as P0336 or P0017. Sometimes, simultaneous crank and cam sensor issues can trigger additional sensor codes. They’ll also check the freeze frame data stored in the ECM. 

2. Turn the ignition switch on and use the scan tool to check for an RPM signal. The engine speed reading should typically be between 100 and 500. If not, they’ll continue with the inspection to find the problem. 

3. Look for a loose connector or corroded wire around the crank position sensor. Physical damage or corrosion on wires can cause the ECM to activate the P0335 code.

4. Inspect the crankshaft for cracks.

5. Check the reluctor ring for missing teeth. If the reluctor ring is deformed, it can prevent the sensor from determining the crankshaft’s position.  

6. Ensure the timing chain and belt aren’t torn or misaligned.

7. Check the harmonic balancer for tears or cracks. An ill-fitting component can make it difficult for the sensor to determine the crankshaft’s position and trigger the fault code. 

8. Test the crank sensor to check whether it’s working. The steps for different sensors may vary. For example, if you have a: 

• Hall effect sensor: Connect the multimeter’s leads to the appropriate power and ground pins. Typically, they’ll attach the red lead to the sensor‘s power supply pin and the black lead to the ground pin. The multimeter should show a reading between 5 and 13 volts.

• Variable reluctance sensor: Disconnect the battery, set the multimeter to ohms, and measure the sensor’s resistance. The reading should be around 200 to 2,000 ohms, but they’ll use your service manual as a reference to cross-check the resistance values.  

If the reading isn’t as per the reference, you may need a sensor replacement.

9. Verify whether the engine control module sends or receives accurate information to and from the sensor.

3 Critical Mistakes to Avoid During P0335 Code Diagnostics

Identifying the culprit of the P0335 code can be time-consuming. However, it may get delayed further due to common errors such as: 

1. Not using appropriate tools: Inspecting P0335 requires tools like a digital multimeter and OBD-II scanner. Without these, you won’t be able to test the CKP sensor output or verify other active engine codes effectively. 

2. Not following a step-by-step approach: To determine which component is causing P0335, you need to check multiple parts one by one. Doing so will help identify a torn harmonic balancer or damaged reluctor ring quickly. If you skip checking any of these parts, the code will stay active.

3. Not checking the timing components: People often assume the P0335 code activates due to a bad crankshaft sensor or a wiring problem. However, an unaligned timing chain or belt is another common issue that can trigger the code.

To ensure every component receives undivided attention during the inspection, you should contact an expert. They’ll also clarify any diagnostics-related questions you may have.

Possible Repairs & Costs for Fixing P0335 Error Code

Once the mechanic identifies the culprit, they’ll fix it. Let’s look at some common repair and maintenance services they’ll perform to clear the code: 

• Install a new sensor (crank sensor)
• Clean the corrosion or fix the sensor’s wiring problem
• Swap out the damaged reluctor ring
• Switch the failing timing belt and chain with a new one
• Replace the harmonic balancer 
• Change the crankshaft
• Repair or update the ECM 

After the repairs, the mechanic will clear the existing sensor codes and perform a road test to see if they return. 

Now, let’s look at the costs of installing a new sensor or other related repairs (including labor rates): 

• • Crankshaft position sensor replacement: $200 to $400
  • Harmonic balancer replacement: $420 to $470
  • Timing belt replacement: $400 to $1,100
  • Wiring issue repair: $100 to $1,500
  • Engine control module replacement: $800 to $1,500
  • Timing chain replacement: $1,600 to $1,950
  • Reluctor ring replacement: $1,800 to $2,800
  • Crankshaft replacement: $400 to 3,000

Your final estimate will depend on the make and model of your car or truck. Your costs will also change depending on whether you choose an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or an aftermarket replacement part.