P0335 Fault Code (Causes & Fixes) Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction
Updated: Jun 13
✔ This article has been fact checked.
P0335 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) standing for "Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction". This fault code could have multiple causes, so it is necessary to accurately diagnose the root cause specific to your vehicle.
If a DTC is associated to the powertrain, an OBD scanner will read it as starting with P, thus the letter "P". Generic fault codes are those of the format P0xxx.
P0335 is a diagnostic code for a malfunction in the crankshaft position circuit, as identified by the OBD-II system.
Table of Contents:
Meaning of a P0335 Fault Code
The P0335 diagnostic code indicates a problem with the crankshaft position sensor, which is responsible for providing the engine control module with information about the timing of ignition and fuel delivery.
When the powertrain control module (PCM) detects an issue with the crankshaft position sensor, it activates the check engine light on the dashboard and activates failsafe mode.
This code is specifically triggered when the engine control module is unable to detect proper functioning of the crankshaft position sensor, or when there is a problem with the square wave voltage signal being generated by the sensor's reluctor ring.
This P0335 code applies to the crankshaft position sensor "A" bank 1.
How Serious Is It?
P0335 is a serious fault code that may indicate mechanical or electrical issues within the engine. If you notice drivability problems or the check engine light comes on, it is important to have the vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
Continuing to drive a vehicle with this fault code can be dangerous, as it may cause the engine to stop running unexpectedly or result in further damage.
You should avoid driving the vehicle if it displays a P0335 code until it has been properly repaired to prevent a breakdown or further engine damage.
If you notice any issues with the performance of your vehicle, it is important to have it diagnosed to determine the cause and take appropriate action to repair it.
Potential Causes
Below is a list of some possible causes of a P0335 diagnostic code.
Open or short in the wiring harness: This may be caused by damaged or frayed wires, loose connections, or corrosion.
Poor electrical connections: These may be caused by loose or dirty terminals, damaged connectors, or corrosion.
Crankshaft position sensor failure: The crankshaft position sensor may fail due to wear, damage, or a malfunction in the sensor itself.
Damaged signal plate: The signal plate, which is located on the crankshaft, may become damaged due to wear, damage, or a malfunction in the plate itself.
Broken timing belt or chain: A broken timing belt or chain can cause the engine to stop running and may require extensive repairs to fix.
Faulty ECM/PCM: The engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM) may malfunction due to a software issue, hardware issue, or other problem.
Rough running/misfiring engine: This may be caused by a variety of issues, including problems with the ignition system, fuel system, or other mechanical issues.
Signs & Symptoms
The symptoms of a P0335 code can vary widely and may not always be immediately noticeable. Some possible symptoms include the following.
Check engine light: The check engine light may come on when the P0335 code is detected, although it may not always illuminate until the problem has occurred multiple times.
Vehicle stalling or hesitation: The vehicle may stall or hesitate when accelerating, particularly if the crankshaft position sensor is not functioning properly.
Difficulty starting the engine: The vehicle may have difficulty starting if the crankshaft position sensor is not providing the engine control module with accurate information about the timing of ignition and fuel delivery.
Rough running engine: The vehicle may run poorly or exhibit unusual vibrations if the crankshaft position sensor is not functioning properly.
Engine cutting out: In some cases, the engine may stop running unexpectedly if the crankshaft position sensor is not providing the engine control module with accurate information.
Other possible symptoms of a P0335 fault code may include poor fuel efficiency and a lack of engine power. It is important to have the vehicle repaired as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms to prevent further damage to the engine.
How Is the P0335 Fault Code Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a P0335 diagnostic code typically involves a series of steps that may require specialised equipment and mechanical knowledge. Below is a list of some common steps that a mechanic may follow to diagnose the cause of a P0335 code.
Use a scan tool to check for any codes stored in the powertrain control module (PCM). This may include current, history, and pending codes, as well as freeze frame data.
Clear any codes that are detected and perform a road test to try to duplicate the symptoms.
Conduct a visual inspection of the crankshaft position sensor and its wiring, looking for signs of damage or wear.
Use the scan tool to monitor the crankshaft position sensor readings and RPM signal. If both of these are within range, test the wiring to see if it is functioning properly.
Test the PCM using manufacturer-specific testing procedures.
If you are not familiar with vehicles or do not have the necessary tools or knowledge to diagnose a P0335 fault code, it is best to take your vehicle to a mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
Fixing this code at home can be a time and labor-intensive process and may require a higher level of mechanical knowledge than is recommended for beginners.
To assess whether the crankshaft position sensor has failed may wish to test the crankshaft position sensor. This will tell you whether the sensor is the cause of the P0335 code.
Common Mistakes
Proper diagnosis of a P0335 diagnostic code is important to ensure that the root cause of the problem is identified and repaired correctly. Even with experienced technicians, mistakes can be made if all diagnostic steps are not followed in the proper order.
The most common cause of a P0335 code is a faulty crankshaft position sensor, but it is important to check all potential causes to ensure that issues such as a broken sensor ring or timing belt are not overlooked.
Some other potential causes of a P0335 code may include problems with the wiring harness, electrical connections, signal plate, engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM), and other mechanical issues.
It is important to follow a thorough diagnostic process to identify the specific cause of the code and take the appropriate steps to repair it.
How to Fix a P0335 Code
There are a number of common repairs that may fix a P0335 diagnostic code, depending on the specific cause of the problem. Here is a list of some potential repairs that may be required.
Crankshaft sensor replacement: If the crankshaft position sensor is faulty or damaged, replacing it may fix the code (learn how to replace a crankshaft sensor here).
Repair or replacement of the wiring harness: If there is an issue with the wiring harness, such as damaged or frayed wires, it may need to be repaired or replaced.
PCM / ECM replacement: If the powertrain control module (PCM) or the engine control module (ECM) is malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.
Signal plate replacement: If the signal plate, which is located on the crankshaft, is damaged or malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.
Engine timing belt or chain repair: If the timing belt or chain is broken or damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced, along with any mechanical damage that may have been caused by the problem.
It is important to diagnose the specific cause of a P0335 code and follow the appropriate repair steps to fix the problem.
Can You Drive With a Faulty Crank Sensor?
It is generally not recommended to drive a vehicle with a faulty crankshaft position sensor, as it can cause a number of problems that may affect the drivability and safety of the vehicle.
Some possible issues that may arise if you continue to drive a vehicle with a faulty crank sensor include the following.
Stalling or hesitation: If the crankshaft position sensor is not providing accurate information about the timing of ignition and fuel delivery, the engine may stall or hesitate when accelerating.
Poor fuel economy: A faulty crank sensor may cause the engine to run poorly, resulting in poor fuel economy.
Lack of engine power: The vehicle may lose power or acceleration if the crank sensor is not functioning properly.
Unexpected engine shutdown: In some cases, the engine may stop running unexpectedly if the crank sensor is not providing accurate information.
Overall, it is best to avoid driving a vehicle with a faulty crankshaft position sensor until it has been repaired to prevent any of these issues from occurring.
P0335 Code Still Appears After Replacing the Crankshaft Sensor
If you have replaced the crankshaft position sensor but the P0335 code still appears, there may be other issues that need to be addressed. Some potential causes of this problem may include the following.
Incorrect installation of the new sensor: It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully when replacing the crank sensor to ensure that it is installed correctly. If the sensor is not installed properly, it may not function correctly and the code may continue to appear.
Faulty wiring: If the wiring to the crank sensor is damaged or has a poor connection, it may interfere with the sensor's ability to function properly.
Faulty engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control module (PCM): If the ECM or PCM is malfunctioning, it may not correctly interpret the information being provided by the crank sensor.
Other mechanical issues: There may be other issues with the vehicle's engine or other mechanical components that are causing the P0335 code to appear.
To troubleshoot this problem, it may be necessary to perform additional diagnostic tests to determine the specific cause of the issue and take the appropriate steps to fix it.