P0335 Error Code: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunctions

The crankshaft position sensor is an essential car sensor that monitors the precise location of the engine crankshaft and measures the engine rotational speed (RPM). Your car will not start without this sensor.

Some motorists may not know what the crankshaft position sensor does until the engine refuses to start or the engine triggers a P0335 error code on the memory.

Here, the Rx mechanic team of experts will explain the meaning and outline the symptoms, causes, diagnostics mistakes, and how to diagnose and fix the error code P0335 on Chevy and other car models.

What does error code P0335 mean?

A P0335 is a generic diagnostics trouble code showing a malfunction on the crankshaft position sensor. The engine control module throws this error code when it fails to detect the crankshaft position sensor.

The crankshaft position sensors calculate the engine’s rotational speed and forward the data to the car computer. The ECM then uses this data to determine when to send the air-fuel mixture and when to ignite the spark plugs for a seamless combustion process.

Once the PCM detects this, it’ll project an engine warning light on the dashboard to notify the driver of an imminent issue in the system. In most cases, the car computer will trigger limp mode, limiting the engine speed and some car features.

What is the symptom of error code P0335?

Typically, the car computer throws a P0335 on Isuzu or other car models when it detects a failed or malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor. So here are the signs of a lousy crankshaft position sensor you should watch out for.

Bad gas mileage

If the car computer receives improper timing data, it’ll work according to the information. It may sometimes inject too much gas into the cylinders, leading to high fuel consumption and frequent visits to gas stations.

Engine misfires

A malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor causes spark timing issues like random misfire or misfire on one or more cylinders. As a result, the engine may hesitate or stutter when idling or driving.

However, several parameters can cause random or specific misfires on one or more cylinders. You need to bear this in mind when your engine misfires. This will enable you to track the root cause outside the crankshaft position sensor horizon.

Engine vibration or rough idling

Another common sign of a registered P0335 on Suzuki or other car models is rough idling or vibration on a standing point. You’ll feel the vibration on idle and when driving slowly. And the poor spark timing is likely the root cause.

Sudden breakdown

A P0335 on Nissan pathfinder shows the crankshaft position sensor is out of range or not positioned where it is supposed to be. This will prevent your car from starting until a technician turns the sensor to where it’s supposed to be.

Again, a P0335 on Ford F150, especially the 2018 models with diesel engines, will cause a sudden breakdown. In such a situation, the sensor has shifted due to improper torquing.

You will likely experience similar issues with other car models.

Slow response from the gas pedal

As you increase your car speed, the powertrain control module should adjust the spark timing and fuel injections. However, if the crankshaft position sensor is bad, it’ll not send accurate information to the car computer. By doing so, the computer will not make proper adjustments, causing poor accelerations.

Check engine light

A bad crankshaft position sensor will cause the ECM to project the engine warning light on the dashboard to notify the driver of imminent issues. However, you may experience other symptoms before the check engine light pop up.

What Causes error code P0335?

A few issues can cause the engine control unit to throw a P0335 code. Here are some of the symptoms you should watch out for.

How serious error code P0335 is?

P0335 on Toyota and other car models indicates serious electrical or mechanical problems in the engine. If you experience drivability issues, do not continue driving the car until you track and rectify the root cause.

In some vehicles, the engine may lose power while driving and die. At this point, the vehicle may refuse to restart. Whatever the root cause is, you should run a proper diagnosis to determine and fix the culprit.

How to diagnose

As reiterated above, several parameters like malfunctioning PCM, lousy crankshaft position sensor, poor wiring, or loose connections can cause the car computer to throw P0335 on Dodge and other car models. Therefore you need an informed diagnosis to avoid throwing money at parts to no avail.

This section will walk you through a proper diagnosing procedure. However, keep in mind that this is not a beginner diagnosing task. On the contrary, this is an intermediate diagnostic and, therefore, not recommended for beginners.

Aside from the scan tool, you will need other equipment, and the procedure is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Tools and Items Needed

Step 1: Determine the engine speed

Locate the OBD2 port in the vehicle. It is located beneath the steering wheel. After that, connect the OBD2 scanner and determine the RPM speed using the live data on your advanced scanner.

The live data will pull the RPM speed information from the crankshaft position sensor. If the information is incorrect or erratic, you have a crankshaft position sensor or issues with the wiring harness or connectors.

Step 2: Inspect the sensor

Visually inspect the connectors and wiring harness and ensure they are not damaged, burnt, or frayed.

Step 3: Test the crankshaft position sensor 5-volt square wave pattern

Test the 5-volt square wave pattern if there is no visible damage on the sensor and wiring. But first, consult your car repair manual to know the specified resistance reading. The resistance reading will come from the engine control module. If you’re not an intermediate mechanic or DIYer, contact an expert auto mechanic to track and fix the root cause.

If you have an out-of-range reading, replace the crankshaft position sensor. But if the reading is within the specified range, you should navigate your search to something else. Recheck and replace any frayed or damaged wiring.

This should fix the root cause of the p0335 error code. However, if you are still unable to track and fix the root cause, consult an expert service technician. He will perform a thorough diagnosis and track and fix the problem.

Common P0335 diagnosis mistakes

Even experienced gearheads make mistakes when tracking the culprits of any diagnostic trouble codes if they do not follow the right procedures. For example, the major cause of a P0335 on Hyundai and other car models is a malfunctioning or bad crankshaft position sensor.

But, you still need to check other possible causes like frayed or burnt wiring, loose connections, loose or broken timing belt or chain. They can be the culprit. So, ensure you check them to avoid replacing parts wrongly.

How do you fix P0335?

Here are a few repairs that may fix error code P0335.

Approx. Repair Cost

Since several factors can cause error code P0335, it is impossible to say the repair cost without tracking the cause of the problem. So, if you want a mechanic to fix the P0335 error code, they’ll start with an hour of diagnosis.

Most mechanics charge $75 to $150 per hour. After the diagnosis, the technician can give you an accurate repair estimate. Some shops will forfeit the diagnosing fee if you have them fix the problem.

One or more of the below repairs will rectify the P0335 problem. The estimated repairs include the labor and service fee.

Final Words

Do not take a P0335 diagnostic error code lightly because it is a severe case. While minor issues like loose connections can be the culprit, major issues like timing belt or chain issues can also cause it.

Continuing driving with a P0335 code when the timing chain or belt is the culprit will only cause catastrophic damages. It’s just a matter of time.

The Rx mechanic team of experts doesn’t want you to waste unnecessary money. That’s why we outlined the causes, symptoms, diagnostics mistakes, and how to diagnose and fix error code P0335. However, this is not a beginner’s task. If you’re not an experienced DIYer, contact a professional mechanic.