P0339 Crankshaft position sensor A circuit intermittent

Crank sensor signal intermittent

P0339 in short

P0339 means the engine computer saw the crankshaft position sensor signal drop out or arrive irregularly. Common causes are the sensor, its wiring or connector, debris on the sensor, and engine computer software on some models. The engine may hesitate, stall or not start. Get it inspected soon, and stop driving if it stalls.

The crankshaft position sensor reads teeth on a wheel that turns with the crankshaft. The engine computer uses that signal to know engine speed and piston position, so it can time the spark and fuel.

P0339 is the intermittent version of the crank sensor code: the signal is there, but it drops out or does not match what the computer expects. Toyota's logic, for example, sets it when no crank signal arrives for 0.05 seconds or more above 1,000 rpm, and Dodge watches for the wheel's missing tooth going out of sync.

Because the fault comes and goes, a sensor that tests fine on the bench may still be the cause, and loose connectors or chafed wires are just as likely. Several manufacturers also fix P0339 with an engine computer update, so check for bulletins before buying parts.

Most likely causes

  1. Failing crankshaft position sensor

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    Crank sensors fail from heat and age, and an internal break that opens and closes with temperature gives exactly the on-and-off signal this code describes.
    What would change this
    Rises if the code sets when the engine is hot, or a scope shows dropouts with good wiring; falls if the signal is clean while the wiring is moved.
    How to test the crankshaft position sensor

  2. Loose, corroded or chafed sensor wiring or connector

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    An intermittent signal often comes from the circuit rather than the sensor. Honda links P0339 to corrosion at the crank sensor connector on some Accord and CR-V models, and Ford found wire chafe near the A/C compressor on the 2017 E-Series 6.8L.
    What would change this
    Rises if the connector is green or loose, a wire is rubbed through, or the code sets when the harness is moved.
    How to test the crankshaft position sensor

  3. Metal debris or contamination on the sensor tip (some Ford gas Super Duty)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    Ford found contamination on the crank sensor caused P0339 or rough running on 2020-2022 F-Super Duty trucks with the 6.2L or 7.3L gas engine.
    What would change this
    Applies to the listed trucks; rises if debris is found on the sensor when it is removed.
    How to test the crankshaft position sensor

  4. Engine computer software (some FCA and Chrysler models)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    FCA has engine computer updates that address P0339 on the 2019 and 2021 Ram 1500, the 2019 Jeep Wrangler and a range of 2005 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models.
    What would change this
    Rises if a bulletin covers your vehicle and the update has not been done.
    How to test the engine control module (ecm / pcm)

  5. Damaged reluctor wheel or a timing belt or chain problem

    Possible — needs testing
    Why it ranks here
    A damaged tone wheel or a stretched or jumped timing belt or chain can upset the crank signal or its timing against the cam, but these are less common and need testing to prove.
    What would change this
    Rises if a scope shows missing or bent teeth, or cam and crank correlation codes are stored too.

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 check for bulletins or software updates for your vehicle.

    Low riskTool: scan tool, service information

  2. With the engine off, find the crank sensor and follow its wiring: look for a loose or corroded connector, chafed insulation, and wiring near hot or moving parts.

    Low riskTool: flashlight, service information

    Warning:Keep the engine off while reaching near belts and the exhaust.

  3. With a helper, idle the engine and watch engine rpm on a scan tool while gently moving the crank sensor harness and connector.

    Use cautionTool: scan tool

    Warning:Keep hands, sleeves and tools away from belts, pulleys and the cooling fan while the engine runs.

  4. Have a shop scope the crank sensor signal and remove the sensor to inspect its tip and the tone wheel.

    Best left to a shopTool: lab scope, service information

    Warning:Scope testing with the engine running and sensor removal on some engines need shop tools and procedures.

Symptoms

  • Hesitation or stumble
  • Tachometer dropping to zero or jumping
  • Hard starting or no start Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
  • Engine stalls while driving Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

Compare with: Rough idle with the check engine light on

How to fix

  1. Write down every stored code and the freeze-frame data before clearing anything, so you can tell whether the code comes back.

  2. Ask a dealer whether a software update or bulletin covers P0339 on your vehicle before replacing the sensor.

  3. If you replace the crank sensor, clean the mounting area and secure the wiring away from belts and hot parts.

    Warning:Engine off and cool. Some sensors sit behind the starter or near the exhaust; follow the service information.

Parts and cost context

  • Crankshaft position sensor:Prove the wiring and connector are good, and check for software updates, before buying a sensor; an intermittent circuit fault looks the same as a failing sensor.

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

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

  • 2020–2022 · F-250 Super Duty · 6.2L, 7.3L

    Supported by vehicle data

    On the 6.2L and 7.3L gas engines, Ford links P0339 or rough running to contamination on the crank sensor (SSM 50386).

  • 2017 · E-Series · 6.8L

    Supported by vehicle data

    On the 6.8L, Ford links P0339 to wire chafe near the A/C compressor. Ask the shop to check SSM 46790 before replacing the sensor.

  • SSM 50386Status unverified

    Ford SSM 50386: P0339 or rough running from crank sensor contamination

    2020–2022f-250-super-duty · 6.2L, 7.3L · issued · NHTSA 10207056

    On 2020-2022 F-Super Duty with the 6.2L or 7.3L gas engine, P0339 or rough running with no codes can come from contamination on the crankshaft position sensor; technicians inspect and document it during pinpoint test JD.

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

  • SSM 46790Status unverified

    Ford SSM 46790: P0339 and P1336 from wire chafe near the A/C compressor

    2017e-series · 6.8L · issued · NHTSA 10119662

    On the 2017 E-Series 6.8L, an unsecured harness tie-down can let wiring chafe near the A/C compressor and set P0339 and/or P1336. Inspect for chafe before normal diagnosis.

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

Ram

  • 2019–2021 · 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    FCA addresses P0339 with PCM updates on the 2019 (18-074-20) and 2021 (18-016-23) Ram 1500. Ask a dealer whether the update has been done before replacing the sensor.

  • 18-074-20Status unverified

    FCA 18-074-20: PCM update for P0339/P0335 and crank-no-start

    20191500 · issued · NHTSA 10181592

    PCM reprogramming for the 2019 Ram 1500 with P0339, P0335 and other codes; listed symptoms include crank-no-start and rough idle after a cold start.

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

  • 18-016-23Status unverified

    FCA 18-016-23: PCM update for P0335/P0339

    20211500 · issued · NHTSA 10234469

    PCM reprogramming for the 2021 Ram 1500 with a MIL and P0335 and/or P0339.

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

Jeep

  • 18-114-22Status unverified

    FCA 18-114-22: PCM update for P0335/P0339 and other codes

    2019wrangler · issued · NHTSA 10221486

    PCM reprogramming for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler with a MIL and P0335, P0339 and other codes.

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

Dodge

  • 2005 · Neon

    Supported by vehicle data

    A 2005 PCM flash covers a MIL with P0339 on this and several other Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep models (18-035-04).

  • 18-035-04Status unverified

    FCA 18-035-04: MIL with P0339, PCM flash (2005 models)

    2005neon, caravan, stratus · issued · NHTSA 10010486

    PCM flash for a MIL with P0339 on 2005 Neon, Caravan, Stratus, PT Cruiser, Town and Country, Sebring and Wrangler.

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

Honda

  • 2013–2016 · Accord

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda links P0335/P0339 to corrosion at the crank sensor connector (A16-011). Check the connector before replacing the sensor.

  • 2015–2016 · CR-V

    Supported by vehicle data

    Honda links P0335/P0339 to corrosion at the crank sensor connector (A16-011).

  • 2023 · Accord

    Supported by vehicle data

    On the 2023 Accord Hybrid, Honda has a bulletin for no-start, rough idle or rpm hunting with P0017 or P0339 (A23-048).

  • A16-011Status unverified

    Honda A16-011: P0335 and/or P0339 from corrosion at the crank sensor connector

    2013–2016accord, cr-v · NHTSA 10087906

    Corrosion between the engine harness and the crank sensor connector 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.

  • A23-048Status unverified

    Honda A23-048: no start, rough idle or rpm hunting with P0017 or P0339 (Accord Hybrid)

    2023accord · issued · NHTSA 10239703

    The 2023 Accord Hybrid may not start, idle roughly or hunt with P0017 or P0339 stored. NHTSA's summary does not give the repair.

    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 Supported by vehicle data

    P0335 is the crank sensor circuit fault in general; P0339 is the intermittent version. FCA bulletins list both together, so they often share a cause.

All Ignition and engine position sensors codes

Sources and review

  1. P0339 Code: Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent — CarParts.com Research Team
  2. What are the symptoms of a bad crankshaft sensor? — Delphi Technologies Aftermarket
  3. Safety Recall H0H Remedy Notice: Certain 2016-2017 Model Year Tacoma Crankshaft Position Sensor, Frequently Asked Questions — Toyota Motor North America ,
  4. Toyota Recalls Tacoma Pickups for Stalling — Automotive Fleet ,
  5. FCA 18-074-20: PCM update for P0339/P0335 and crank-no-start, 2019 Ram 1500 — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
  6. Honda A23-048: no start, rough idle or rpm hunting with P0017 or P0339, 2023 Accord Hybrid — American Honda Motor Co. / NHTSA ,
  7. Honda A16-011: corrosion at the CKP sensor connector, P0335 and/or P0339 — American Honda Motor Co. (via NHTSA) ,
  8. Ford SSM 46790: P0339 and P1336 from wire chafe near the A/C compressor, 2017 E-Series 6.8L — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  9. Ford SSM 50386: P0339 or rough running from crank sensor contamination, 2020-2022 F-Super Duty 6.2L/7.3L gas — Ford Motor Company / NHTSA ,
  10. FCA 18-114-22: PCM update for P0335/P0339 and other codes, 2019 Jeep Wrangler — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
  11. FCA 18-016-23: PCM update for P0335/P0339, 2021 Ram 1500 — FCA US LLC / NHTSA ,
  12. FCA 18-035-04: MIL with P0339, PCM flash, 2005 Neon, PT Cruiser, Caravan and others — FCA US LLC (DaimlerChrysler) / NHTSA ,
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
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