P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction

P0335 quick answer

P0335 means the crankshaft position sensor signal is missing or invalid. The usual fix is the crank sensor or its wiring - fix it soon, because it can make the engine stall or not start.

Also written as PO335 or P335 or P 0335.

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What P0335 means

P0335 means the engine computer has lost or cannot use the signal from the crankshaft position sensor. That sensor tells the computer crankshaft position and speed so it can time spark and fuel. A failing crank sensor can cause stalling, often when hot, and a no-start, so this is a code to fix promptly.

Symptoms of P0335

Is it safe to drive with P0335?

Not reliably. A failing crankshaft position sensor can stall the engine without warning, including at speed or in traffic, and it may not restart until it cools. If the engine is stalling or hard to start, have it repaired before relying on it; if it runs normally, drive only as far as needed to get it fixed.

What the P0335 fix costs

FixDIY partsAt a shop
Replace the crankshaft position sensor$25 - $120$150 - $450
Repair the sensor connector or wiring$10 - $50$100 - $300

Ranges are rounded and for the US market only - actual price depends on region, shop labor rates, and the exact make and model.

Parts that commonly fix P0335

Most of these open an Amazon search - add your year, make and model, because most of these parts are fitment-specific. A few link straight to the exact tool or part we have verified, because it fits any vehicle.

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What P0335 actually means

P0335 means the engine computer has lost or cannot make sense of the signal from the crankshaft position sensor, circuit A. That sensor tells the computer where the crankshaft is and how fast it is turning, and the computer uses it to time both spark and fuel injection. Without it many engines will not start at all, and a failing sensor can make the engine stall at random - often when it is hot - and then refuse to restart until it cools. That is why P0335 is a code to act on quickly, not one to live with.

How to diagnose P0335 step by step

  1. Step 1: Note exactly how the engine is behaving A crank-no-start, stalling when hot, or an intermittent tachometer that drops to zero while driving all point at the crank sensor signal. If the engine runs normally and the code is intermittent, the wiring or connector is a stronger suspect than the sensor. The pattern decides whether you test hot or cold.
  2. Step 2: Inspect the sensor connector and wiring The crank sensor usually sits low on the engine near the harmonic balancer or the bellhousing, where oil, heat, and road debris reach it. Look for an oil-soaked connector, broken locking tab, or melted or chafed wiring. A damaged connector or wire is a repair of its own and is cheaper than the sensor.
  3. Step 3: Watch RPM on a scan tool while cranking Crank the engine with a scanner connected. A healthy crank sensor reports an RPM signal while cranking. If RPM reads zero while the engine turns over, the computer is not seeing the crankshaft, which confirms the sensor or its circuit. A good RPM signal points you away from this sensor.
  4. Step 4: Test the sensor and circuit with a multimeter Check for reference voltage and ground at the connector on three-wire sensors, or resistance across the terminals on two-wire magnetic sensors, and compare with the service manual. Missing reference voltage points at wiring or the computer; a sensor out of spec with a good circuit means replace the sensor.
  5. Step 5: Inspect the reluctor ring if a new sensor does not fix it The sensor reads teeth on a reluctor ring on the crank or flexplate. A damaged, loose, or debris-packed ring gives a bad signal even to a new sensor. If the code returns with a new sensor and good wiring, inspect the ring and the sensor air gap before chasing anything else.

The most common P0335 misdiagnosis

The common P0335 trap is buying the cheapest sensor available. Crank sensors are one of the parts where low-quality aftermarket units frequently arrive out of spec or fail early, which brings the same stall right back. Buy OEM or a reputable brand listed for your exact engine.

Tools you need for P0335

Parts you may need for P0335

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P0335: DIY or pay a shop?

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Time: 0.5 - 2.5 hours. DIY parts: $25 - $120. Shop total: $150 - $450.

On most engines the crank sensor is held by a single bolt and is a reasonable DIY with basic tools, sometimes from underneath. Some engines tuck it behind the starter or near the transmission bellhousing, which adds time. Because this sensor can leave you stranded, fix it promptly rather than waiting to see whether it gets worse.

How to stop P0335 coming back

Fix oil leaks near the front of the engine. Oil from a leaking front seal or valve cover soaks into the crank sensor and its connector over time, degrading both. Catching leaks during routine service protects the sensor that decides whether your engine starts. Use ServiceSage to log inspections and repairs, so an oil leak noted at one service gets followed up before it takes out a sensor. Track this maintenance free.

Related trouble codes: P0340 - Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 or Single Sensor), P0016 - Crankshaft / Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A), P0300 - Random / Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected, P0325 - Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Malfunction (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)