P0371: The crankshaft timing signal shows more pulses than the computer expects
Timing reference high resolution signal A too many pulses
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.
P0371 in short
P0371 means the timing reference signal from the crankshaft sensor shows too many pulses. A failing sensor, damaged wiring, a deformed reluctor ring or metal debris on the sensor tip can cause it. Expect hard starting, poor acceleration and misfires.
The generic title is "Timing reference high resolution signal A too many pulses". TroubleCodes.net says the crankshaft position sensor or reluctor ring is producing excessive signals.
Listed causes: sensor failure, chafed or shorted wiring, reluctor ring damage, metal particles stuck to the sensor magnet, and an incorrect air gap from a loose mounting.
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
- Sensor failure from age, damage or poor aftermarket quality is the first cause listed.
- What would change this
- Rises if the sensor signal is erratic or absent. Falls if the signal is clean.
Cause 2: Chafed, shorted or open wiring
Common general cause- Why it ranks here
- Listed among the main causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if the harness is damaged. Falls if it tests good.
Cause 3: Reluctor ring damage, or debris on the sensor magnet
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- Deformed rings and metal debris on the sensor are listed causes.
- What would change this
- Rises if debris or damage is seen. Falls if clean.
Cause 4: Loose sensor mounting changing the air gap
Possible — needs testing- Why it ranks here
- A wrong air gap from loose mounting is a listed cause.
- What would change this
- Rises if the sensor is loose. Falls if it is secure.
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.
Points to: Reluctor ring damage, or debris on the sensor magnet
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Hard starting or no start
- Poor acceleration
- Misfires and 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 P0371 yet. The causes and tests above apply across vehicles.
Related codes
No curated relationships for P0371 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