P0370: The engine computer is not getting the crankshaft timing reference signal it expects
Timing reference high resolution signal A malfunction
Severity: Severity not verified — if the car runs badly, have it inspected
The sources read give no severity guidance for this code. A timing or coil circuit fault can cause misfires or hard starting, so have it checked.
It gets more serious if:
- Inspect soon: Inspect soon if the engine misfires hard, the check engine light flashes, or the engine stalls or will not start.
P0370 in short
P0370 means the computer is not detecting the timing reference signal from the crankshaft position circuit. A damaged crank sensor, wiring or reluctor ring is the usual cause. Expect hard starting or no start, misfires, a check engine light and poor fuel economy.
The generic title is "Timing reference high resolution signal A malfunction". TroubleCodes.net says it sets when the computer fails to detect a timing reference signal from the crankshaft position sensor circuit.
Listed causes are damaged or corroded wiring and connectors, a defective crankshaft sensor, a clogged or damaged reluctor ring, and rarely a failed computer.
Most likely causes
These are general causes for this code across vehicles. None is specific to one make or model.
Cause 1: Crankshaft position sensor failure
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- TroubleCodes.net lists a defective crankshaft sensor among the main causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if sensor output is missing during cranking. Falls if output is normal.
Cause 2: Damaged or corroded wiring or connector
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Listed first on the page; the harness is the cheapest thing to inspect.
- What would change this
- Rises if damage or a missing reference voltage or ground is found. Falls if the harness tests good.
Cause 3: Clogged or damaged reluctor ring
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- Listed as a cause; it needs the ring to be accessible to inspect.
- What would change this
- Rises if debris or broken teeth are seen. Falls if the ring is clean and intact.
Cause 4: Engine computer failure
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- Described as rare.
- What would change this
- Rises only after sensor, wiring and ring are cleared.
What to test first
Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.
Step 1: Inspect the harness and connector between the sensor and the computer for damage or corrosion.
IfDamage or corrosion is seen
It meansRepair the wiring.
IfWiring looks fine
It meansHave the sensor signal tested.
Step 2: Have the sensor's reference voltage, ground and output checked while the engine cranks, and the reluctor ring inspected if reachable.
Warning:The sensor sits near the belt, flywheel or engine mounts; cranking with tools or hands nearby risks injury, and probing the wrong pin can damage the computer.
IfOutput is missing or erratic
It meansThe sensor is suspect.
IfSensor is good but the ring is damaged or dirty
It meansThe reluctor ring is suspect.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Hard starting or no start
- Misfire or poor performance
- Higher fuel use
Compare with: Check engine light with loss of power, Rough idle with the check engine light on
How to fix
Step 1: Have the sensor wiring and connector checked for damage or corrosion.
Parts and cost context
- Crankshaft position sensor:Test before replacing; prices and labour vary, so 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 P0370 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P0370 yet.
Sources and review
- TroubleCodes.net generic code pages for P0361, P0362, P0370, P0371, P0372
- 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