Overview

Error Code P0335 is described as Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Malfunction. This means the vehicle’s ECM (Electronic Control Module) has not yet detected the crankshaft position sensor during the first second of cranking of the engine.

Definition

The role of the Crankshaft Position (CKP) is to measure the location and send this information to the PCM/ECM. Along with this information is the exact rotational speed and position of the crankshaft.

Depending on the make of the vehicle, the CKP information is used by the ECM to properly time the spark, and deliver the fuel, while on some relays it is only for misfire detection and doesn’t really control the timing of the spark. The CKP sensor is a stationary sensor, but it works in conjunction with a reluctor ring (also referred as toothed ring) attached on crankshaft. As this reluctor ring passes at the front of the sensor, the CKP will create a magnetic field is interrupted, creating a square wave voltage signal that the ECM reads as crankshaft position. If the signal is interrupted, or ECM interprets the information as “no crankshaft pulse” or if sees the problem with the pulse on the output circuit, it will set off the error code P0335.

Common Symptoms

  • Check Engine light is on
  • Stalling or hesitation of the engine
  • Engine dies and doesn’t re-start
  • Hard starting or cranking without starting
  • Abnormal symptoms such as rough running or misfiring

Possible Causes

  • Damaged or faulty Crankshaft Position sensor
  • Corroded or faulty CKP sensor connections or wiring
  • Defective reluctor ring (not turning because of sheared-off keyway, missing teeth)
  • Open, shorted to ground, or shorted to voltage sensor output
  • Defective crank sensor
  • Damaged timing belt
  • Failed ECM

How to Check

To bench test your CKP sensor, the first thing you need to do is to measure the resistance between particular pin pairs on your CKP sensor. This will give you a good idea of the condition of the sensor; whether it has gone bad, or if there are other problems that cause the trouble code.

There are a total of three pins and three combinations of pins to measure for resistance ranges. When removing the sensor, you will be looking at resistance of 0Ω or ∞. If the crank position sensor doesn’t return the values, then you definitely need to replace the CKP sensor for a new one. Once you have cleared the sensor, you can clear the trouble code and restart your car

Test Pin Combinations are:

Pins 2 – 3

Pins 1 – 2

Pins 1 – 3

How to Fix

To fix the engine from this error code, use a scan tool and inspect whether the engine is cranking or running. There should be an RPM signal.

If there is no RPM reading, then conduct a visual inspection on both the crank sensor and connector, and search for signs of damage. Repair as needed.

If there are no visible damage and you have scope access, then check the CKP 5 Volt square wave pattern. If you don’t, then you need to check with the repair manual and obtain a resistance reading of the crank sensor. There are lots of different types of crank shaft sensors, which is there is no way to put all the correct resistance reading for each crankshaft in this entry.

Next is to check the CKP sensor resistance by disconnecting the sensor and its measuring resistance. Check the resistance readings from the PCM connector. This step will rule out any wiring problems from start. However, it requires some mechanical skill, so if you’re not sure what to do and you don’t have a good background on automobile electrical systems then it’s better to leave this part to a professional technician.

Is the resistance of the sensor within the specs? If not, then you have to replace the CKP sensor. If yes, then recheck the resistance reading of the PCM connector. Is the reading still fine? If not, then repair open or short in the crank sensor’s wiring and re-check. If the repair is good, then it is either the problem is intermittent or the PCM is at fault. Reconnect and check for RPM signal again. If there’s already an RPM signal, wiggle the wiring harness so try and induce the fault.

This code is very similar to P0385, which refers to Crankshaft Position Sensor “B”.  Other related crank sensor error codes include P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0335, P0336, P0337, P0338, P0339, P0385, P0386, P0387, P0388, and P0389.

For more information about crankshaft position sensor error codes, feel free to browse through our website. For professional mechanical help, feel free to Contact Us.