P0335
PowertrainCrankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
The crankshaft position sensor circuit has a fault. The ECU isn't getting a reliable signal from the sensor that tells it where the crank is in its rotation.
ⓘ Information only. This page provides general educational information about fault code P0335. We do not assess the urgency or safety implications of any specific fault. That requires in-person diagnosis by a qualified mechanic. Full terms.
Recommended next steps
Whether a fault is urgent, drivable, or routine depends entirely on the cause on a specific vehicle, and that can only be determined by a qualified mechanic with diagnostic equipment. If a warning light is illuminated, the most reliable next step is professional diagnosis.
What does P0335 mean?
P0335 is a Powertrain (engine, transmission, fuel system) fault code. It indicates: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction.
This is a standardised OBD-II code. The technical definition is the same regardless of the make or model of vehicle, although specific causes and symptoms can vary between vehicles.
Symptoms commonly associated with this code
Symptoms that drivers often report alongside this code. Not all may apply to every case:
- • No-start or extremely hard-start condition (the engine literally doesn't know when to fire injectors or ignition)
- • Engine cutting out while driving, sometimes restarts after a few minutes
- • Engine warning light
- • Rev counter dropping to zero or behaving erratically
- • Misfires under load
Possible causes
Causes commonly associated with P0335, listed in approximate order of typical investigation. The actual cause on a specific vehicle can only be confirmed by professional diagnosis.
- 1. Failed crank position sensor (very common after 100,000 miles)
- 2. Damaged or oil-contaminated sensor, the crank sensor sits low and is exposed
- 3. Wiring damage, sensors near the bottom of the engine see road salt and water
- 4. Connector loose, corroded, or unplugged
- 5. Damaged reluctor wheel (the toothed ring on the crank that the sensor reads)
- 6. Magnetic interference from aftermarket alarms or trackers on the wiring
How mechanics typically diagnose
A typical diagnostic sequence used by mechanics, provided here for educational reference only. Diagnostic work should be performed by a qualified mechanic with the appropriate tools and training.
- 1. Inspect the sensor and its connector. Look for oil, road grime, or impact damage
- 2. Resistance-test the sensor at the connector, most read around 200-1,000 ohms; check your manual for the exact spec
- 3. Read live data while cranking the engine, the rpm reading should rise immediately. No reading or erratic reading confirms the sensor or wiring
- 4. Check the reluctor wheel for damage if you can get a torch on it through the bell housing
Common questions about P0335
Car suddenly cut out and won't start, could this be it? +
Yes, classic crank sensor failure pattern. They sometimes work intermittently when warm, then fail once warm enough, refuse to fire until they cool down, then restart fine cold. If your car has had a sudden stall followed by no-start, then mysterious recovery after sitting, P0335 is high on the suspect list.
Is the crank sensor different from the ABS sensor? +
Yes, completely different. ABS sensors read wheel speed at each wheel. Crank sensor reads engine speed and position from the crankshaft itself. They look similar (both inductive sensors with reluctor rings) but they do different jobs.
Information only, not professional advice
The information on this page is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or repair advice from a qualified mechanic. Always verify any fault before paying for repairs. carfaultcodes.co.uk accepts no liability for decisions made based on this information. Full terms →