P0336 Code – Meaning, Causes & How To Fix It

If the Check Engine Light has just come on and you’ve scanned the system to find the P0336 code, you want to resolve the problem quickly. First, you need to know what’s wrong and how to diagnose the problem.

In this guide, we review the top reasons for the P0336 DTC. We show you the symptoms you might experience and discuss the possible causes. We also give you some repair tips and answer your top questions. 

Code P0336 Definition

P0336 – Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance

What Does the P0336 Code Mean?

This trouble code indicates a problem with the “A” circuit of the crankshaft position sensor. There’s a range or performance error being read by the Engine Control Module (ECM). If the ECM can’t read the right signal from the crankshaft position sensor and resolve the issue, the code sets.

The crankshaft position sensor is responsible for monitoring the rotation speed of the crankshaft. It also monitors the timing of the crankshaft in relation to the camshaft. The ECM uses this information to make adjustments to ignition timing and fuel injection. 

What Are The Symptoms Of P0336?

The most obvious symptom of the P0336 code is the Check Engine Light. Aside from that, several things can happen, depending on the severity of the problem. Here are some possible symptoms you may notice.

• Check Engine Light
• Misfiring cylinders
• Hesitation during acceleration
• Trouble starting the engine
• Vibration or sputtering while driving
• Reduced fuel economy

What Are The Causes of P0336?

It would seem most obvious that the problems have to do with the crankshaft. While that’s possible, there are several possible causes that may not seem so obvious. Here are a few of the most common.

• Defective crankshaft position sensor
• Defective camshaft position sensor
• Crankshaft position sensor connector problems (corroded, damaged, moist, etc.)
• Broken or worn reluctor ring
• Electrical system short or damage
• Crankshaft/camshaft timing out of range
• ECM malfunction

How Serious is the P0336 Code?

Serious – Even if you are still driving the vehicle without any major symptoms, you want to fix the problem. A vehicle with this problem can quickly cause issues without any warning.

You may have trouble starting the vehicle and it’s possible you won’t be at a safe location when it happens. Additionally, leaving this problem unresolved can lead to damage to other engine parts, costing you more in the long run.  

How Do I Fix the P0336 Code?

After a full diagnosis, you’ll have a better idea about what should be replaced. Here are a couple of possibilities. 

• Replace the crankshaft position sensor
• Replace the camshaft position sensor
• Replace the reluctor ring
• Repair electrical system short or damage
• Fix Camshaft/crankshaft timing
• Update/replace ECM 

Common P0336 Diagnosis Mistakes

It’s easy to make mistakes while diagnosing the P0336 trouble code. Most people jump right to replacing the crankshaft position sensor without first examining the other possible problems.

It’s also important to look for a wiring or connectivity issue. If there’s damage to a wire or connector, the symptoms will resemble the same as if the part were failing. 

It is also a possibility that the crankshaft timing is out of order, which can be caused by a faulty timing chain or timing belt. If this is the cause, you need to fix it as soon as possible because a broken belt can cause a complete engine failure.

How to Diagnose the P0336 Trouble Code?

You don’t need to be a certified mechanic to work through the troubleshooting steps for this code. With some basic mechanical knowledge, you can use the same tips that we follow as professional technicians. Here are a few steps to consider.

• With your code scanner, read all of the DTCs. Reference the information with our online trouble code library. If there are multiple codes present, see how they might fit together.
• If there are too many codes to discern, reset the system and start the vehicle again. Once the Check Engine Light comes back on, you should have the most relevant codes for your research. 
• Inspect the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors for any sign of obvious damage. If there’s contamination, you may be able to clean it off. Otherwise, it might be time to replace the sensors.
• Inspect all of the wiring and connectors. If you see anything damaged, corroded or fraying, replace it. 
• Inspect the reluctor rings for signs of damage. It shouldn’t be loose and there needs to be a specific gap. Your service manual should give you the appropriate clearances and offer more troubleshooting insight. If it is damaged, you may want to replace it.
• Use your multimeter to test the resistance in the wiring of the crankshaft position sensor. Check the data with the service manual to see if there’s a problem.
• Check the timing between the crankshaft and the camshaft. If it’s not within range, this needs to get diagnosed further.
• Clear all of the trouble codes once the problem has been repaired. Test drive the car to see if the codes reset.

If there are problems larger than these, there could be something wrong with the ECM. In this case, it might be time to take your vehicle to the professionals. Home mechanics don’t have the tools and expertise to reprogram or update most ECMs. Plus, it doesn’t take long for the average dealership to resolve these issues. 

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Code P0336?

The average cost to repair the P0336 code depends on what’s causing the problem. After your diagnosis, you may need to perform one of these tasks. We’ve shown you an average price for each task based on the need for parts and labor. However, if you can perform the work yourself, you may spend far less. 

• Replace crankshaft position sensor – $175 to $350
• Replace camshaft position sensor – $200 to $450
• Replace reluctor ring – $750 to $2,500
• Repair electrical system short or damage – $50 to $550
• Update/replace ECM – $250 to $2,500
• Replace timing belt/chain – $1000 to $3000

A Mechanic’s Tips About The P0336 Code

The P0336 code is only one of several that seem to be comparable. Depending on what the problem is, you may see one or more of these codes instead. 

• P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
• P0337: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Input
• P0338: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High Input
• P0339: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent

If the camshaft is involved in the problem, there are separate codes related to that. It’s normal to see several OBDII trouble codes when a problem occurs. If you can piece all of the information together, it may be easier to diagnose the issue. 

If there are unusual codes occurring at the same time, you may be looking at a problem with the ECM instead. Consult a mechanic if you aren’t sure what you are looking at. 

Conclusion

The P0336 trouble code can be scary to deal with, especially if you are looking at an expensive repair. However, it’s important to take care of the problem immediately, or those repair bills could get even higher. If you care about your vehicle and you want to keep driving it, prevent future issues with prompt attention.

Many of these repairs may not be for the faint of heart, but you can probably find a good mechanic in your area. Read online reviews and get some feedback from people you care about to see who they trust with their vehicles.