The P0339 is a fault code for ‘crankshaft position sensor a circuit intermittent.’ Several issues can cause the car computer to throw this fault code. When the car computer stores this error code in the car memory, a technician will need to diagnose the culprit and proffer solutions.
Here at Rx mechanic, we always want you to save as much money as possible without compromising quality. That’s why we have provided this guide to walk you through the diagnosing and repair procedures.
But before we get there, we’ll explain and outline the causes and symptoms of a P0339 on Honda Accord and other car models.
What does error code P0339 mean?
The powertrain control module (PCM) throws a P0339 error code whenever it detects intermittent high voltage exceeding the car manufacturer’s specified reading or false signals from the crankshaft sensor.
When the PCM throws a P0339, it indicates a high voltage exceeding the maximum threshold from the crankshaft position sensor. The maximum difference between the automaker’s setting and the actual reading is 10%.
Once this happens, the car computer will log error code P0339 on Toyota or your respective car model. After that, it will project the engine warning light to notify the driver of an imminent issue within the system.
What is the symptom of error code P0339?
The most prominent signs of a P0339 error code are hard starting, no start conditions, performance issues, sudden engine stall, and check engine light.
Here are the common signs of a logged P0339 on Peugeot and other car models you should watch out for.
Check engine light
The check engine light is a sign of an underlying issue in the electrical or mechanical car system units. The PCM projects the engine warning light whenever it throws a fault code. While sometimes it won’t project the check engine light when it logs some error codes, it usually triggers it in P0339 cases.
Engine performance issues
The crankshaft position sensor measures the position of the crankshaft and reports the data to the car computer. If it fails and signals a false reading to the car computer, it will work with this false data, leading to several performance issues.
The engine may lose power while driving. Sometimes, you press down the gas pedal and no acceleration.
Bad gas mileage
With out-of-range timing information, fuel injection may be compromised. This means high fuel consumption, leading to extra bucks and frequent visits to the gas stations.
Rough idling
Your engine may feel like it’s vibrating when idling or driving at a low speed. Depending on the severity of the problem, you may hear a slight coughing sound from the engine.
Engine misfire
In most P0339 cases, an engine misfire is inevitable. You will likely experience random misfires on the cylinders.
Other probable symptoms you should watch out for include
- Rough acceleration
- Engine hesitation
- No start conditions.
What Causes error code P0339
The prominent causes of P0339 on Ford and other car models are a defective crankshaft position sensor, wiring issues, and a loose CKP connector.
Here is the list of probable causes of a P0339 code
- A damaged or malfunctioning crankshaft position sensor
- Opened or shorted circuits
- Burnt, frayed, or damaged wiring harness
- Faulty or corroded connectors
- A malfunctioning
How serious error code P0339 is?
A P0339 CKP sensor circuit intermittent interruption is a severe case even if you are not experiencing any drivability issues. When there are no drivability issues, loose, frayed, burnt, or damaged wiring is likely the cause. The problem will escalate if you ignore it, keeping you stranded on the road during a no-start condition. It’s just a matter of when.
How to diagnose
Since several parameters like an open or short circuit, burnt, frayed, or damaged wires, bad crankshaft position sensor, or malfunctioning ECM can cause P0339, it will be challenging or impossible to fix the problem without a proper diagnosis. If you want to track and fix the culprit at home without wrongly replacing parts, follow the instructions in this article.
Aside from the scan tool, you’ll need other tools for the diagnosis.
Tools and Items Needed
- Basic hand tools
- Multimeter
- Car-specific repair manual
- OBD2 diagnostic repair tools.
Step 1: Scan the registered codes
Locate the OBD2 port on the vehicle. It’s located underneath the steering wheel. After that, connect your scan tool to the OBD2 on the car and pull out the registered codes. Take note of additional codes because you may need to resolve them to rectify the present issue.
Step 2: Inspect the wiring harness and connectors
Examine the crankshaft position sensor wiring harness for frayed, burnt, or damaged wires. Most times, deterioration on the crankshaft position sensor connectors or burnt, frayed, or damaged wires causes the P0339 on Chrysler and other car models.
If you find wiring issues or any loose connections, fix or replace them.
Step 3: Examine the signal
Grab your digital multimeter and measure the ohms on the crankshaft position sensor. After that, find the specified ohm from your car repair manual. Then, compare the reading and replace the sensor if there’s a false reading or an open circuit.
Step 4: Consult your mechanic
Kindly note that this is an intermittent issue, meaning the problem does not occur at all times. However, if the problem persists, contact an experienced service technician. He will perform a proper diagnosis to track and fix the problem.
Common P0339 diagnosis mistakes
The most common P0339 diagnostics mistake amongst mechanics and DIYers is assuming and replacing the crankshaft position sensor without checking possible minor causes. A minor and common cause of a P0339 error code is deteriorated or damaged wiring harness due to oil leaks.
It is important to start from these minor probable causes and then navigate to costlier components.
How do you fix P0339?
You or your service technician will need to replace a few components to rectify the p0339 error code issues. Here are the repairs to fix the P0339 code.
- Clean or replace bad crankshaft position sensor connector
- Repair or replace frayed, burnt, or damaged wires
- Replace lousy crankshaft position sensor
- Recharge your battery
- Replace the PCM (not likely the cause, though possible).
Approx. Repair Cost
It is likely impossible to give an accurate estimate without tracking the root cause of the P0339. Most auto shops will start with an hour of diagnosis to track the culprit and estimate the repair cost. Most service technicians charge $75 to $150 per hour. After that, they can accurately estimate the repair cost of the problem.
Some service centers will forfeit the diagnosing fee if you have them do the work. Here are the probable repairs you need to fix error code P0339 with the part price and service fee.
- Repair or replace lousy CKP wires $20 to $200
- Cleaning or replacing crankshaft position sensors $20 to $100
- Replace faulty crankshaft position sensor $50 to $150
- Replace faulty ECM $500 to $1,000.
Final Words
While you may not notice any drivability symptoms in some cases, do not ignore a logged P0339 diagnostic trouble code. This is a severe error that may keep you stranded on the road. So it’s important to track the root cause and fix it as soon as possible.
We don’t want you to spend unnecessary money and get confused when your car logs a P0339 fault code. That’s why we published this article to help you know the signs, causes, and how to diagnose and fix the problem.
Finally, if you are unfamiliar with underhood working principles, consult an experienced auto mechanic to track and fix the problem.
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