P0322: No signal from the engine speed input (crankshaft or distributor) circuit
Ignition/distributor engine speed input circuit no signal
Severity: Inspect soon
A missing engine speed signal can stall the engine or stop it starting. In the complaints that name this code the engines stalled, lost power or would not stay running.
P0322 in short
P0322 means the engine computer is getting no signal from the engine speed input, which is usually the crankshaft position sensor, or the distributor or camshaft sensor on some engines. A failed sensor or damaged wiring is the usual cause. Have it checked soon, because the engine can stall or refuse to start.
The computer needs a pulse signal that tells it how fast the engine turns and where it is in its cycle. If that signal is missing while the engine is cranking or running, it sets P0322.
The sensor, its wiring or its connector are the usual causes. On engines with a distributor or a separate camshaft sensor, those parts feed the same circuit. A failed computer is rare and should be the last thing blamed.
In the complaints, owners describe stalling, loss of power and hard starting, sometimes with the engine going into reduced-power mode.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Failed crankshaft or camshaft position sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists the crankshaft or camshaft sensor first, and the VW Jetta dealer in the complaint suspected an intermittent crank sensor.
- What would change this
- Rises if the sensor shows no signal when cranking or looks damaged. Falls if the signal is present and clean.
Cause 2: Damaged wiring or a corroded connector at the sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- The reference points to wiring and connectors, and warns that replacing the sensor or computer before checking wiring is a common mistake.
- What would change this
- Rises if continuity is open or shorted or the connector is corroded. Falls if the wiring tests good.
Cause 3: Engine computer fault
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- Listed as a possible cause only after the sensors and wiring are cleared.
- What would change this
- Rises only after sensor and wiring pass. Falls if either of those is faulty.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Look at the crank and cam sensor connectors and wiring for damage, oil soaking or corrosion.
IfDamage or corrosion is found
It meansRepair it first.
Points to: Damaged wiring or a corroded connector at the sensor
IfWiring looks fine
It meansHave the sensor signal checked.
Step 2: Have a shop check sensor voltage and signal with a scan tool or meter while the engine is cranked, then test continuity of the circuit.
Warning:Cranking the engine with connectors unplugged can set extra codes; ignition and fuel systems carry high voltage and pressure. Leave it to a shop.
IfNo signal at the sensor, wiring is good
It meansSensor failure.
IfSignal leaves the sensor but not at the computer, or the circuit is open
It meansWiring.
Points to: Damaged wiring or a corroded connector at the sensor
IfBoth sensor and circuit are good
It meansComputer fault is possible.
Symptoms
- Hard starting or engine will not start
- Engine stalls while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Reduced power or limp mode Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power
How to fix
Step 1: With the engine off, check that the sensor connector is fully seated and not corroded or oil soaked.
Parts and cost context
- Crankshaft position sensor:Test the sensor and wiring before replacing; labor varies, get a quote.
Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.
Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuideOn your vehicle
We don't have reviewed vehicle-specific evidence for P0322 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
Sources and review
- NHTSA complaint ODI 11021038
- NHTSA complaint ODI 10545705
- P0322 Crankshaft Position Sensor No Signal
- On-Board Diagnostic Trouble Codes (generic code title list)
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
- Pending
- Technician review
- Technician review pending
This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error