No Check Engine Light is enjoyable to deal with. It can be even more troublesome when you find out that you are working with the P0335 trouble code. What does the P0335 DTC mean and how can you fix it? These are questions that must be answered if you are to drive any further.
In this guide, we cover the meaning of the P0335 trouble code, show you some common symptoms it presents with and give you the top causes. We also look at how to diagnose the problem and repair it before answering your top questions.
Code P0335 Definition
P0335 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Malfunction
What Does the P0335 Code Mean?
P0335 is a generic trouble code set by the powertrain control module (PCM) when it fails to detect normal operation from the crankshaft position sensor. While most automakers use this code, there are a few that have a different meaning, so it’s important to do your research.
The function of the crankshaft position sensor is to tell the PCM what the position of the crankshaft is and to measure its rotational speed (RPM). The sensor is normally located in the timing cover or on the block with a cylindrical portion that goes into the block.
This sensor works in conjunction with the reluctor ring, which is attached to the crankshaft. The ring creates a square wave voltage that tells the positioning of the crankshaft. Then, this voltage is read by the computer to determine the position.
With this information, the engine control module determines how much fuel needs to be injected to mix with the air. It also helps to determine when the spark plugs should ignite. Sometimes, other codes can be present at the same time, including these:
- P0336 – Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range
- P0337 – Crankshaft Position Sensor A Low Circuit Input
- P0338 – Crankshaft Position Sensor A High Circuit Input
- P0339 – Crankshaft Position Sensor A Intermittent Circuit
By piecing the different trouble codes together, you may be able to better diagnose the problem.
What Are The Symptoms Of P0335?
Once the P0335 code is triggered, you may start to notice a variety of symptoms. Here are some of the most common.
- Check Engine Light
- Hesitation
- Surging or bucking
- Stalling engine
- Trouble starting vehicle
- Rough idle
- Decreased fuel economy
What Are The Causes of P0335?
There are several causes that can create the P0335 trouble code. A proper diagnostic evaluation is needed to determine what’s wrong. Here are some of the most common reasons.
- Damaged wiring or connector
- Failed crankshaft position sensor
- Broken reluctor ring
- Bad timing belt or chain
- Faulty PCM (rare)
How Serious is the P0335 Code?
Severe – If the P0335 code is present, the car may not continue running for long. Once the performance problems get too severe, the car may stop running completely, leaving you to have the vehicle towed.
Even if the vehicle continues to drive, the problems could lead to serious engine damage. For example, if the timing belt or chain breaks, you could be facing a massive engine repair.
How Do I Fix the P0335 Code?
The only way to know how to fix the P0335 code is to run through the diagnostic steps we have listed below. Once you perform these steps, you should know the best way to move forward. Here are the most common fixes.
- Repair damaged wiring or connector
- Replace crankshaft position sensor
- Replace reluctor ring
- Replace timing belt or chain
- Update/replace PCM
Common P0335 Diagnosis Mistakes
It’s easy to make a mistake if you aren’t a professional. Many people want to replace parts that might not be broken in the first place. If you replace parts before looking for a simple fault, such as a broken wire, you will end up spending more than necessary.
Perform a visual inspection before you buy any new parts. If you aren’t sure how to perform the diagnosis, invest the money in hiring a professional instead. It could be cheaper than what you would spend to throw unnecessary parts at the situation.
How to Diagnose the P0335 Trouble Code?
Even if you don’t feel like you have enough experience to handle the P0335 trouble code, there are a lot of diagnostic steps that even beginners can do. Here are a few suggestions we have as professionals.
- Start by reading all of the trouble codes. Plug your code scanner into the OBDII port to see what else comes up. Use our online trouble code library to see if the codes are related in any way.
- With live data on the scanner, you can look at how the engine is operating. By reading RPM data, you should get a better handle on how the crankshaft position sensor is working.
- Inspect all of the wiring and connectors. In many cases, there’s simply a damaged wire that needs to be replaced or a connector that’s come loose.
- Check the CKP 5-volt square wave pattern. This reading must be referenced with the service manual for your car to determine what’s normal and abnormal. If the reading isn’t correct, you may need to replace the crankshaft position sensor.
After these steps, you should take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. We have more advanced tools and added experience that helps us to deal with complicated engine problems.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Code P0335?
The average repair cost is going to depend on what needs to be fixed, what type of vehicle you drive and the typical mechanic labor cost in your area. We’ve included some estimates below for parts and labor, but if you can perform the fix yourself, you should be able to save some money.
- Repair damaged wiring or connector – $50 to $550
- Replace crankshaft position sensor – $100 to $375
- Replace reluctor ring – $95 to $275
- Replace timing belt or chain – $350 to $1,250
- Update/replace PCM – $250 to $2,500
A Mechanic’s Tips About The P0335 Code
The crankshaft position sensor is responsible for measuring the speed of the crankshaft. This measurement is taken by revolutions per minute (RPM). The PCM takes this information to vary the timing and fuel mapping, which is why the car runs erratically without the correct data.
While you can check for generic trouble codes with a cheap scanner, you may want to invest in something more advanced for this fix. Depending on what’s causing the problem, some in-depth diagnosis is needed. By being able to view live data, you can learn a lot more about what’s happening. These scan tools provide the engine RPM and camshaft position data, so you can track down the fault quicker.
Is code P0335 serious?
Yes, the car isn’t going to run correctly with the P0335 code. Even if it does for a short time, the skewed information is going to lead to an imbalance of timing and fuel injection. Eventually, you could find yourself stranded, waiting for a tow truck to come and take the car to the shop.
Can I drive with a P0335 code?
No, you shouldn’t drive once you see the P0335 trouble code. Because there’s an issue with the engine, the ride could be rough and the vehicle could behave erratically. At worst, you could end up breaking down on the side of the road with no way to get home. Have the problem fixed to avoid more serious engine damage.
Can a bad battery cause a P0335 code?
If the battery is failing, it’s possible to experience a host of trouble codes as the vital components aren’t getting the right amount of voltage. However, the P0335 code is normally caused by defective wiring, a bad connector, a failing crankshaft position sensor or trouble with the timing belt or chain.
What are the symptoms of a bad or failing crankshaft position sensor?
When the P0335 code is set, the car starts to experience severe performance issues. It may begin surging or bucking, hesitating while accelerating, idling rough and stalling. You may even have trouble starting the engine. If the timing belt or chain breaks, it could lead to permanent engine damage, so have it repaired immediately.
You don’t have to worry about the P0335 trouble code as long as you stop driving once you recognize it. This is one of the trouble codes you don’t want to take any chances with. At best, it will lead to performance problems that could cause an accident if you can’t control the vehicle in traffic.
On the flip side, if the problem is caused by a bad timing belt or chain, you are looking at serious engine damage if it breaks. While the fix may be a little pricey on some cars, it’s far better than needing to pay for an engine replacement. Think about the long-term consequences and have your vehicle repaired right away.
Categories: OBD Codes
