P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit
P0335 means the engine computer is not getting a valid signal from the crankshaft position sensor circuit, which it needs to know engine speed and crank position. The most common fix is repairing the sensor, wiring, or connector, typically costing about $150 to $400 at an independent shop.
- Severity
- High
- Can I drive?
- Drive with caution
- DIY?
- Possible with some experience
- Repair cost range
- $100 – $1,200
Get the answer for your exact car
Add your car and a few details. DashClue asks up to 3 questions, then tells you the most likely cause and what it should cost.
FreeNo card neededAnswer in about 2 minutes
What does P0335 mean?
The crankshaft position sensor tells the engine computer where the crankshaft is and how fast it is turning. That signal is used to control spark timing, fuel injection, and often the tachometer. When the circuit fails or the signal drops out, the engine may not start, may stall, or may run badly. This code can be caused by a bad sensor, damaged wiring, a loose connector, or in some cases a tone wheel or engine mechanical issue that keeps the sensor from reading correctly.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Cranks but won't start
- Hard starting
- Stalling while driving
- Rough idle
- Intermittent no-start
Causes, fixes and costs
P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit
General guide for most cars. Your car may differ.
If the crankshaft signal fails completely, the engine can stall or refuse to start. Stop driving immediately if the engine dies, will not restart, or the check engine light is flashing with severe misfiring.
Most likely causes
- 1
Faulty crankshaft position sensorHigh
Intermittent no-start, stalling, or a crank-no-start condition with no obvious wiring damage often points to a failed sensor.
Quick check: Inspect the sensor data with a scan tool while cranking, or test by replacing the sensor if access is reasonable and the wiring looks good.
- 2
Damaged wiring or loose connectorHigh
A code that comes and goes, especially after hitting bumps, rain, or engine movement, often points to a broken wire, corrosion, or a poor connector lock.
Quick check: Wiggle-test the harness and inspect for oil intrusion, rubbed-through insulation, bent pins, or corrosion at the sensor connector.
- 3
Reluctor ring or tone wheel problemMedium
Cranking with no start, misfires, or a signal that drops out at certain engine positions can happen if the trigger wheel is damaged, loose, or contaminated.
Quick check: Inspect for metal debris, cracked reluctor teeth, or abnormal sensor gap if the sensor and wiring test good.
- 4
Engine control or power supply issueLow
If multiple sensor codes appear or the sensor has no reference voltage or ground, the problem may be in the PCM power, ground, or the control module itself.
Quick check: Verify sensor power, ground, and continuity back to the PCM before condemning the computer.
Can you fix it yourself?
Possible with some experience
Difficulty: Moderate. A capable DIYer can inspect the connector, wiring, and sometimes replace the sensor with basic hand tools and a scan tool. If the sensor is hard to reach, requires crankshaft timing-related checks, or the signal must be tested on a scope, ask the mechanic to verify power, ground, and waveform.
Show the stepsHide the steps
- Check the battery and make sure the engine cranks at normal speed.
- Inspect the crankshaft sensor connector and wiring for damage, oil, or corrosion.
- Scan for related codes and freeze-frame data.
- Clear the code and see if it returns after a short crank/run test.
- If accessible, replace the sensor with the correct OEM-style part.
- Secure the harness away from heat and moving parts.
- If the code returns, test sensor power, ground, and signal wiring.
- Have the tone wheel and PCM circuit checked if wiring and sensor test good.
Estimated repair cost
$150 – $400
Crankshaft position sensor replacement: parts about $30-$150, labor about $120-$250
- Wiring repair or connector replacement$100 – $300
- Reluctor ring or tone wheel repair$300 – $900
- PCM diagnosis and reprogramming or replacement$200 – $1,200
Prices vary by vehicle, engine layout, and rust or access issues, so labor can change a lot from one shop to another.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with code P0335?
If the engine runs normally and the code is intermittent, you may be able to drive a short distance, but it can stall or fail to restart at any time. If it cranks and won’t start, or stalls while driving, do not keep driving it.
Will P0335 cause a no-start?
Yes. The crankshaft position sensor signal is essential for spark and fuel control, so a complete failure often causes a crank-no-start condition.
Can a bad battery cause P0335?
A weak battery can sometimes trigger sensor or communication issues during cranking, but it is not the most common cause. First check battery health and charging system output, then diagnose the sensor circuit.
Is P0335 usually the sensor or the wiring?
The sensor itself is common, but wiring and connector problems are also very common. A proper diagnosis should check the sensor signal, power, and ground before replacing parts.
Can P0335 come back after replacing the sensor?
Yes, if the wiring is damaged, the connector is loose, the tone wheel is bad, or the replacement part is defective. If the code returns, the rest of the circuit needs to be tested.
Related codes
- P0336 Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance
- P0325 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit
- P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit (Bank 1)
- P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance
- P0344 Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent
- P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
This guide covers most cars and is general advice, not an inspection. Prices are typical US independent-shop ranges and vary by region, car and shop. If your brakes, steering or a warning light feel unsafe, stop driving and contact a mechanic.