P0335: Crankshaft position sensor A circuit fault
Crankshaft position sensor circuit
Severity: Inspect soon
P0335 means the engine computer is not getting a usable signal from the crankshaft position sensor. Many cars keep running, but the same fault can cause stalling or a no-start, and NHTSA has treated a crank-sensor stall as a crash risk. Get it inspected soon and stop driving if it stalls.
It gets more serious if:
- Stop: The check engine light is flashing. That means misfire bad enough to damage the catalytic converter is happening right now; Ford warns the extra exhaust heat can damage the converter and nearby parts and could cause a fire. Pull over when safe and avoid further driving, or at most drive gently and slowly to the nearest shop (EPA's own advice is to minimise driving and avoid speed and heavy loads).
- Stop: The engine stalls, cuts out while driving, or cranks but will not start. A crank or cam sensor signal that drops out can shut the engine off without warning, and Toyota recalled a crank sensor fault that could stall the engine because a stall at higher speeds may increase the risk of a crash. Do not keep driving; have it towed or checked where it sits.
P0335 in short
P0335 means the engine computer lost or rejected the crankshaft position sensor signal. Check the battery and the sensor wiring first, then the sensor itself. The engine may run normally, but this fault can cause stalling or a no-start, so get it inspected soon and stop if it stalls.
The crankshaft position sensor reads a toothed wheel on the crankshaft and tells the engine computer how fast the engine is turning and where each piston is. The computer uses that signal to time spark and fuel injection and to watch for misfires.
P0335 sets when that signal is missing or does not make sense. Because the engine depends on it, a sensor that drops out completely can stall the engine or stop it starting; an intermittent fault may only light the check engine lamp.
Weak batteries, damaged or corroded wiring, and failed sensors are all documented causes, so test before replacing parts.
Most likely causes
Cause 1: Failed crankshaft position sensor
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Delphi lists dirt on the sensor's magnet, magnet degradation and physical damage as typical failures, and a dead sensor removes the engine's main speed and position signal.
- What would change this
- Rises if wiring and battery check out but the signal is missing or drops out on a scope; falls if the signal is clean while the code sets.
Cause 2: Damaged, pinched or corroded sensor wiring or connector
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Wiring faults are a named cause in Delphi's guidance, and Honda and Ford bulletins trace P0335 to connector corrosion and to pinched harness wires on specific models.
- What would change this
- Rises with visible corrosion, chafing or rodent damage, or if wiggling the harness makes the signal drop out; falls if the circuit tests good end to end.
Cause 3: Low battery voltage during cranking
Supported by vehicle data- Why it ranks here
- Toyota notes that a weak battery makes cranking speed uneven, which can set P0335 or P0340 with nothing wrong with the sensors. It is cheap to rule out.
- What would change this
- Rises if the battery fails a load test or the code set during a slow crank; falls if the battery and charging system test good.
Cause 4: Mechanical fault at the trigger wheel or timing gear (some engines)
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- The sensor reads a toothed wheel on the crankshaft. Toyota released an improved intake camshaft gear for intermittent P0335 on 2AZ engines, so a mechanical cause is possible but should be tested, not assumed.
- What would change this
- Rises if a new sensor and good wiring do not cure it, or a scope shows a distorted or irregular tooth pattern.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Have the battery load-tested and check that it is fully charged, especially if the code set during slow or long cranking.
IfBattery is weak or discharged
It meansUneven cranking can set this code; fix the battery, clear the code and recheck.
IfBattery tests good
It meansMove on to the sensor wiring.
Step 2: With the engine off and cool, find the crankshaft position sensor and inspect its connector and harness for corrosion, loose pins, chafing, pinching or rodent damage.
Warning:The sensor is often low on the engine near exhaust parts. Let the engine cool, and if you must go under the car, support it on ramps or stands, never just a jack.
IfCorrosion, pinched or damaged wires found
It meansRepair the wiring or connector before replacing the sensor.
Points to: Damaged, pinched or corroded sensor wiring or connector
IfWiring and connector look good
It meansThe signal itself needs checking.
Step 3: Have a shop view the crankshaft sensor signal on an oscilloscope while cranking and running, and wiggle-test the harness.
Warning:This is done near moving belts and pulleys with the engine running. Leave it to a shop.
IfSignal is missing, weak or drops out
It meansWith good wiring, the sensor is the likely fault.
IfSignal drops out only when the harness is moved
It meansAn intermittent wiring fault.
Points to: Damaged, pinched or corroded sensor wiring or connector
IfSignal pattern is irregular or distorted
It meansCheck the trigger wheel or, on listed engines, the bulletin repair.
Points to: Mechanical fault at the trigger wheel or timing gear (some engines)
Symptoms
- Hard starting or long cranking
- Rough running, hesitation or misfire
- Engine stalls or will not start Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
- Check engine light flashing Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on, Car shaking with the check engine light on
How to fix
Step 1: Write down every stored code and the freeze-frame data before clearing anything, so you can tell whether the code comes back.
Step 2: Have the battery and charging system tested (many parts stores do this free) and charge or replace a weak battery.
Warning:Wear eye protection near the battery and keep sparks and flames away.
On your vehicle
ChevroletYour car
2007–2008 · Silverado 1500 · 5.3L V8, 6.0L V8, 6.2L V8
Supported by vehicle dataGM has a bulletin for crank-no-start, rough running or P0335 on these trucks with the 5.3L, 6.0L or 6.2L V8. The summary does not give the cause, so ask a dealer to check bulletin 3808.
2007–2008 · Tahoe · 5.3L V8, 6.0L V8, 6.2L V8
Supported by vehicle dataGM has a bulletin for crank-no-start, rough running or P0335 on these trucks with the 5.3L, 6.0L or 6.2L V8. The summary does not give the cause, so ask a dealer to check bulletin 3808.
2007–2008 · Suburban · 5.3L V8, 6.0L V8, 6.2L V8
Supported by vehicle dataGM has a bulletin for crank-no-start, rough running or P0335 on these trucks with the 5.3L, 6.0L or 6.2L V8. The summary does not give the cause, so ask a dealer to check bulletin 3808.
2007–2008 · Avalanche · 5.3L V8, 6.0L V8, 6.2L V8
Supported by vehicle dataGM has a bulletin for crank-no-start, rough running or P0335 on these trucks with the 5.3L, 6.0L or 6.2L V8. The summary does not give the cause, so ask a dealer to check bulletin 3808.
2006 · Impala
Supported by vehicle dataGM has a bulletin for stalling or rough running with crank or cam sensor codes on this model. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 4137.
2006 · Monte Carlo
Supported by vehicle dataGM has a bulletin for stalling or rough running with crank or cam sensor codes on this model. Ask a dealer to check bulletin 4137.
3808Status unverified
GM 3808: crank no start, rough running or P0335
2007–2008silverado-1500, tahoe, suburban, avalanche · 5.3L V8, 6.0L V8, 6.2L V8 · issued · NHTSA 10020031
Covers crank-no-start, rough running or P0335 on 2007-2008 GM full-size trucks and SUVs with 5.3L, 6.0L or 6.2L engines. NHTSA's summary does not give the cause or repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
4137Status unverified
GM 4137: stall, engine runs rough, P0335, P0336, P0340 or P0341
2006impala, monte-carlo · NHTSA 10020234
Covers stalling or rough running with crank or cam sensor codes on the 2006 Impala and Monte Carlo. NHTSA's summary does not give the cause or repair.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
HondaYour car
2013–2016 · Accord
Supported by vehicle dataHonda traced P0335 on this model to corrosion at the crankshaft sensor connector. Inspect the connector before replacing the sensor.
2015–2016 · CR-V
Supported by vehicle dataHonda traced P0335 on this model to corrosion at the crankshaft sensor connector. Inspect the connector before replacing the sensor.
A16-011Status unverified
Honda A16-011: CKP connector corrosion, P0335 and/or P0339
2013–2016accord, cr-v · issued · NHTSA 10087906
Corrosion between the engine harness and the crankshaft position sensor connector can set P0335 and/or P0339 on 2013-2016 Accord and 2015-2016 CR-V.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
FordYour car
2017 · F-250 Super Duty · 6.7L
Supported by vehicle dataOn the 6.7L engine, Ford says to check the crankshaft sensor wires about 15 inches from the connector for pinching before replacing parts.
SSM 46351Status unverified
Ford SSM 46351: P0335 and other codes from pinched CKP wiring
2017f-250-super-duty, f-350-super-duty, f-450-sd, f-550-sd · 6.7L · issued · NHTSA 10095233
On 2017 F-Super Duty with the 6.7L engine, inspect the crankshaft sensor reference and return wires about 15 inches from the connector for pinching or damage and repair the wiring.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
ToyotaYour car
2007–2011 · Camry · 2AZ 2.4L
Supported by vehicle dataOn the 2AZ engine, Toyota addresses intermittent P0335 with an improved intake camshaft gear. Ask a dealer about bulletin T-SB-0192-12.
2016–2017 · Tacoma · V6
Supported by vehicle dataToyota recall H0H covered about 32,000 2016-2017 V6 Tacomas built mid-September 2015 to late October 2016: excess coating on the crankshaft timing rotor could make the crank sensor malfunction and stall the engine. Check for open recalls with your VIN.
T-SB-0192-12Status unverified
Toyota T-SB-0192-12: intermittent MIL with P0335 on 2AZ engines
2006–2012camry, corolla, corolla-matrix, rav4 · 2AZ 2.4L · issued · NHTSA 10133978
Some 2006-2012 Toyotas with the 2AZ engine can set intermittent P0335; an improved intake camshaft gear assembly addresses it.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
T-TT-0010-10Status unverified
Toyota tech tip T-TT-0010-10: low battery voltage can set P0335 and/or P0340
1996–2015camry, corolla, rav4, tacoma, tundra, highlander, sienna · issued · NHTSA 10132812
Low battery voltage can make crankshaft speed uneven during cranking and set P0335 or P0340. Applies to many Toyota models from the mid-1990s to 2015; only a selection is listed here.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.
Related codes
P0335 questions
Is it safe to drive with P0335?
If the engine starts and runs normally, short careful trips to a shop are usually possible, but a failing crankshaft position sensor can stop the engine without warning. If it has stalled, cuts out or will not restart, stop driving it and have it towed.
Can a weak battery cause P0335?
Yes. Toyota notes that low battery voltage makes the engine crank unevenly, which can set P0335 or P0340 without a sensor fault. Have the battery load-tested before buying a sensor.
Should I just replace the crankshaft sensor?
Not first. Corroded connectors and pinched wiring are documented causes on some models, and a new sensor will not fix them. Inspect the wiring and check the signal, then replace the sensor if it is the fault.
Sources and review
- Safety Recall H0H Remedy Notice: Certain 2016-2017 Model Year Tacoma Crankshaft Position Sensor, Frequently Asked Questions
- Toyota Recalls Tacoma Pickups for Stalling
- What are the symptoms of a bad crankshaft sensor?
- ASE L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Test: Composite Vehicle Type 4 Reference Booklet
- Cal. Code Regs. tit. 13, § 1968.2 - Malfunction and Diagnostic System Requirements (OBD II)
- 2001 Lincoln Continental Owner's Guide - Warning lights (Check engine)
- Do you drive a 1996 or newer car or light truck? (On-Board Diagnostics, EPA420-F-02-016)
- GM 3808: Crank no start, rough running or P0335
- GM 4137: Stall, engine runs rough, P0335, P0336, P0340 or P0341
- Honda A16-011: corrosion at the CKP sensor connector, P0335 and/or P0339
- Ford SSM 46351: P0335 and other codes from damaged crank sensor wiring, 2017 F-Super Duty 6.7L
- Toyota Tech Tip T-TT-0010-10: low battery voltage can set P0335 and/or P0340
- Toyota T-SB-0192-12: intermittent MIL with P0335 on 2AZ engines
- GM 3375: Rough or unstable idle, hesitation, surge or stalling with P0300, P0335 or P0336
- Last reviewed
- Written by
- Saurabh K.
- Editorial review
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