P0315 The computer has not finished learning the crankshaft position pattern, or the pattern it sees no longer matches what it stored

Crankshaft position system variation not learned

Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected

No source here rates P0315 for driving risk. Some makers say it needs no repair and clears itself, while owners with misfires describe more serious cases.

Source: how we rate severity

P0315 in short

P0315 means the engine computer has not learned, or can no longer match, the small differences in the crankshaft position wheel. It often appears after a battery disconnect or computer replacement, and sometimes clears itself. If it comes with misfires, have the crank signal and engine checked.

The engine computer reads a toothed ring on the crankshaft to know where each piston is. It also learns tiny tooth-to-tooth differences so it can spot misfires. P0315 says that learned pattern is missing or does not match.

Several makers treat it as a learning or software matter. Nissan says a stored P0315 on 2018 Altima and Sentra 4-cylinders needs no repair and clears itself, and that erasing it just restarts the learning. Ford, Infiniti and GM bulletins call for software on certain models.

It can also be a real signal problem. Kia tells dealers to scope the sensor signal and replace the flex plate if the pattern shows a dip, and some owners report P0315 together with misfire codes.

Most likely causes

  1. Crankshaft learning not finished (new vehicle, battery disconnect, module swap)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Nissan says the code can clear itself after a few normal trips and that erasing it restarts learning. TroubleCodes.net lists battery disconnection and a skipped relearn as causes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code appeared after a battery disconnect, a computer replacement or a recent reset. Falls if the engine also misfires.

  2. Engine computer software that needs an update (some models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford (2020-2021 Super Duty 6.7L), Infiniti and Nissan (2019 Q70, 370Z), GM (2023 Corvette) and Ram (2025 2500/3500) have bulletins naming P0315. The Ford and Infiniti summaries point to software and the GM one says an update is coming.
    What would change this
    Rises if your vehicle and year match one of these and there are no drivability problems. Falls if the engine misfires or runs rough.

  3. Crankshaft sensor, wiring, toothed ring or flex plate signal fault

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Kia tells dealers to scope the crank sensor signal and replace the flex plate if it shows a dip. TroubleCodes.net lists wiring, the sensor and the toothed ring.
    What would change this
    Rises if the scope pattern shows a dip or the wiring is damaged. Falls if the signal is clean and an even pattern relearns.
    How to test the crankshaft position sensor

  4. Misfiring engine problem showing up alongside P0315

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    Two owners report P0315 with misfire codes, one with coolant in a cylinder. The owner text does not say that the engine fault caused P0315.
    What would change this
    Rises if P0300-series misfire codes are stored and the misfire stays after a relearn. Falls if there are no misfire codes.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Read all stored codes and any freeze-frame data, and note whether misfire codes are stored with P0315.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfP0315 is the only code and the engine runs normally

      It meansLikely a learning or software matter.

      Go to step 2

    • IfMisfire codes are stored too

      It meansLook at the misfire and the crank signal before treating this as a relearn.

      Go to step 3

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has a software update or relearn procedure for P0315, and whether the code followed a recent battery or module change.

    Low risk

  3. Have a shop view the crankshaft sensor signal with a scope or the scan tool and check the wiring and connector to the sensor.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with scope or oscilloscope

    Warning:The sensor sits near the flywheel or crank pulley and moving belts; the engine must be off and cool when the sensor is unplugged or removed.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light, sometimes with no change in how the car drives
  • Engine misfire or rough idle on some vehicles
  • Hard starting, stalling or flashing light with misfire codes Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Note whether the code came back after a battery disconnect or a computer or module change, and tell the shop.

  2. Ask a dealer whether your VIN has an open software update for P0315.

Parts and cost context

  • Crankshaft position sensor:Do not replace the sensor on the code alone. Kia and TroubleCodes.net point to the signal, wiring and toothed ring. Labor varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2020–2021 · F-250 Super Duty

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford SSM 49703 covers 6.7L Super Duty trucks with only P0315 and says to clear and retest. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • SSM 49703Status unverified

    6.7L Super Duty: MIL with only P0315

    2020–2021f-250-super-duty, f-350-super-duty, f-450-super-duty · NHTSA 10189609

    Clear the code and retest; if it returns follow normal diagnosis, if not wait for a PCM software fix. Ford says durability is not affected.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Nissan

  • 2018 · Altima

    Supported by vehicle data

    Nissan NTB17-123 says a stored P0315 on 4-cylinder 2018 Altima and Sentra needs no repair. Whether it is still current is not verified.

  • NTB17-123Status unverified

    2018 Altima and Sentra: do not erase P0315

    2018altima, sentra · NHTSA 10127453

    A stored P0315 does not turn the MIL on, needs no repair and clears itself after a few trips.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • NTB19-120Status unverified

    MIL on with P0315 stored

    2019370z · NHTSA 10170016

    Same wording as Infiniti ITB19-045: reprogram the ECM if the bulletin applies.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Kia

  • 2015 · Sorento

    Supported by vehicle data

    Kia PS417 covers the crank sensor pattern check, relearn and flex plate on certain Kia models with P0315.

  • PS417Status unverified

    P0315 crankshaft position sensor variation not learned

    2015–2016cadenza, sedona, sorento · NHTSA 10089625

    Check the crank sensor pattern; relearn if even, replace the flex plate if it shows a dip.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Chevrolet

  • 2023 · Corvette

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletins PIP5939 and 24-NA-023 address P0315 on the 2023 Corvette; PIP5939 says software is coming.

  • PIP5939Status unverified

    P0315 may be set erroneously

    2023corvette · NHTSA 10247771

    A software update is to be released to address the concern.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

Ram

  • 2025 · 2500

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ram bulletin S2518000001 names P0315 on 2025 2500 and 3500 trucks. One owner reports being told not to drive the truck until a fix is available.

  • S2518000001Status unverified

    MIL with P0315 no crank sensor learned

    20252500, 3500 · NHTSA 11016056

    The NHTSA summary does not say what the repair is.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

  • P0316A misfire was detected during the first 1,000 engine revolutions after start-up

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0316 is the misfire-at-start code in the same crank-learning family; check both when misfires and P0315 appear together.

  • P0335Crankshaft position sensor A circuit fault

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0335 is the crankshaft sensor circuit code and has its own page; it belongs to the same sensor.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

P0315 questions

Can I erase P0315 myself?

Nissan says erasing a stored P0315 on 2018 Altima and Sentra restarts the learning and it clears itself after a few trips. Other makers may differ, so check your own model.

Sources and review

  1. Nissan NTB17-123: 2018 Altima and Sentra 4-cyl, do not erase P0315 — Nissan North America
  2. P0315 trouble code explanation — TroubleCodes.net
  3. Ford SSM 49703: 2020-2021 Super Duty 6.7L, MIL with only P0315 — Ford Motor Company
  4. Infiniti ITB19-045: 2019 Q70, MIL on with P0315 — Nissan North America (Infiniti)
  5. GM PIP5939 and 24-NA-023: 2023 Corvette, P0315 — General Motors
  6. Ram S2518000001: 2025 2500/3500, MIL with P0315 No Crank Sensor Learned — FCA US (Ram)
  7. Kia PS417 Pitstop: P0315 crankshaft position sensor variation not learned — Kia Motors America
  8. NHTSA complaint ODI 11765012 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  9. NHTSA complaint ODI 11330439 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  10. NHTSA complaint ODI 11654501 — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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