P0320 Engine speed signal missing or unreliable at the engine computer

Ignition/distributor engine speed input circuit malfunction

P0320 in short

P0320 means the engine computer is not getting a clean engine speed (RPM) signal, usually from the crankshaft position sensor or its wiring. The car may run normally, stall, or fail to start. Get it checked soon, because a sensor that quits can leave you stranded.

The computer needs to know how fast the crankshaft is turning to time the spark and fuel. That speed signal comes from a sensor reading a toothed wheel, or from the distributor on older engines. P0320 sets when that signal is missing, erratic or out of range.

The sensor itself is the usual suspect, but the wiring and connector, a damaged toothed ring and even a weak battery are on the cause lists. A weak battery matters because low voltage during cranking can disturb the signal.

Some makers have bulletins that name this code: Ford lists it for 2003-2004 Expedition and Navigator and for 2012-2014 Focus with the 2.0L direct injection engine. Owners report it on Fords, Jeeps and Mercurys after water in a connector or a failed crank sensor.

Most likely causes

  1. Failed crankshaft position or engine speed sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    KBB lists a faulty engine speed sensor and defective crankshaft or camshaft sensors first among causes, and a Jeep owner reports a dealer naming the crank sensor behind P0320.
    What would change this
    Rises if the RPM reading stays at zero while cranking or the sensor tests out of specification. Falls if the sensor and its signal check out.
    How to test the crankshaft position sensor

  2. Damaged wiring, corroded connector or water in a connector

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Wiring and connection problems are on KBB's cause list, and a Mercury owner reports water in the powertrain computer connector with P0320 and a stall.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connector shows moisture, green corrosion or a chafed wire, or wiggling the harness changes the RPM signal. Falls if the harness and terminals are clean and tight.

  3. Damaged toothed ring (reluctor) on the crankshaft

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    KBB lists a damaged crankshaft reluctor ring; it ranks lower because it is less common than sensor or wiring faults.
    What would change this
    Rises if the sensor is new and good but the signal is still erratic. Falls if the toothed wheel looks intact and the signal is clean.

  4. Weak battery or low system voltage

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    KBB lists a weak battery affecting sensor communication as a possible cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if the battery tests weak or the code appears only on hard starts. Falls if the battery and charging system test normal.

  5. Model-specific Ford bulletins (2003-2004 Expedition and Navigator, 2012-2014 Focus 2.0L GDI)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford bulletins name P0320 for these vehicles. The NHTSA summaries do not say what the repair is, so this is vehicle data rather than a confirmed cause.
    What would change this
    Rises if you own a listed vehicle and a dealer finds your VIN covered. Falls if no bulletin applies.

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 freeze-frame data, and note any crank or cam sensor codes stored with P0320.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfP0335, P0340 or other speed sensor codes are stored too

      It meansA shared fault such as wiring, power or a weak battery is more likely.

      Go to step 2

    • IfP0320 is the only code

      It meansLook at the sensor connector and wiring next.

      Go to step 3

  2. Have the battery and charging system tested, since low voltage can disturb the signal.

    Low riskTool: battery tester

  3. With the engine off, inspect the crankshaft sensor connector and wiring for moisture, corrosion, chafing or a loose terminal.

    Low riskTool: flashlight, basic hand tools

  4. Watch engine RPM on a scan tool while cranking, and have the sensor and toothed ring tested.

    Best left to a shopTool: scan tool with live data, multimeter or scope

    Warning:Testing the ignition system involves very high voltage. Leave spark-side testing to a shop.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on, with no other change
  • Engine hesitates or misfires
  • Engine cranks but does not start
  • Engine stalls while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. With the engine off, look over the crankshaft sensor connector and visible wiring for moisture, corrosion or damage.

  2. Have the battery tested, and book a shop visit if the code returns.

Parts and cost context

  • Crankshaft position sensor:The sensor is a common replacement, but test the signal and wiring first. Labour varies by engine; 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

  • 2003–2004 · Expedition

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford bulletin 17693 names P0320 as the ignition engine speed input circuit malfunction on the 2003-2004 Expedition. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 2012–2014 · Focus

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford TSB18-2062 lists P0320 among codes on 2.0L GDI Focus models with rough running or no-start. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 17693Status unverified

    DTC P0320, ignition engine speed input circuit malfunction

    2003–2004expedition · NHTSA 10008210

    Ford service information for P0320 on the Expedition (Lincoln Navigator is covered too). 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.

  • TSB18-2062Status unverified

    Focus 2.0L GDI rough running, no-start, loss of power with P0320 and other codes

    2012–2014focus · NHTSA 10136582

    Lists P0320 among many codes for rough running, crank no-start or lost engine speed; the technician follows a service procedure that the summary does not describe.

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

Lincoln

  • 2003–2004 · Navigator

    Supported by vehicle data

    Ford bulletin 17693 names P0320 on the 2003-2004 Navigator. Whether the bulletin is still current is not verified.

  • 17693 (Lincoln)Status unverified

    DTC P0320, ignition engine speed input circuit malfunction

    2003–2004navigator · NHTSA 10008210

    Ford service information for P0320 on the Navigator. 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.

  • P0335Crankshaft position sensor A circuit fault

    Same system Possible — needs testing

    P0335 is the crankshaft position sensor circuit code. Both come from the same speed signal, so check the sensor and wiring for both.

  • P0340Camshaft position sensor circuit fault (bank 1 or single sensor)

    Same system Supported by vehicle data

    P0340 is the camshaft position sensor circuit code. A Dodge owner reports crank and cam codes (P0320 and P0340) together, with sensors needing replacement.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

P0320 questions

Can I drive with P0320?

Sometimes, but the engine can stall or refuse to start without warning. Get it checked soon, and stop driving if it stalls repeatedly.

Is P0320 always the crankshaft sensor?

No. The wiring, a wet or corroded connector, a damaged toothed ring and a weak battery are all on the cause lists, so test before buying a sensor.

Sources and review

  1. P0320 code page (OBD-II codes) — Kelley Blue Book
  2. P0320 fault code (scan data code list) — TAT (Australia) scandata
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 11144111: Jeep Grand Cherokee 2004, P0320 crank sensor — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 10454084: Mercury Monterey 2004, P0320 with water in PCM connector — NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
  5. Ford bulletin 17693 (NHTSA 10008210): DTC P0320, ignition engine speed input circuit malfunction, 2003-2004 Expedition and Navigator — Ford Motor Company
  6. Ford TSB 18-2062 (NHTSA 10136582): 2.0L GDI Focus runs rough, no-start, loss of power with P0320 and other codes — Ford Motor Company
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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