P0336: Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance
P0336 means the engine computer is seeing the crankshaft position sensor signal, but it is not in the expected range or does not behave the way it should. The most common fix is replacing a bad crankshaft position sensor or repairing its wiring, usually about $150 to $450 at an independent shop.
- Severity
- High
- Can I drive?
- Drive with caution
- DIY?
- Possible with some experience
- Repair cost range
- $100 – $1,200
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What does P0336 mean?
The crankshaft position sensor tells the engine computer how fast the crankshaft is spinning and where it is in its rotation. The computer uses that signal to control ignition timing, fuel injection, and engine misfire detection. When the signal is erratic, weak, or outside the expected pattern, the computer sets P0336. This can happen because the sensor is failing, the wiring is damaged, the reluctor wheel is damaged, or there is oil, heat, or debris interfering with the signal.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Hard starting or extended cranking
- Stalling or random shutoff
- Rough idle
- Hesitation or loss of power
- Engine may run worse when hot
Causes, fixes and costs
P0336: Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance
General guide for most cars. Your car may differ.
The engine can stall or refuse to start if the signal gets worse, and stalling in traffic can be dangerous. Stop driving right away if the engine dies repeatedly, runs very rough, or the check engine light starts flashing.
Most likely causes
- 1
Faulty crankshaft position sensorHigh
Most common when the engine cranks longer than usual, stalls randomly, or the problem gets worse as the sensor heats up. A sensor can read out of range even before it fails completely.
Quick check: Inspect the sensor for heat damage or contamination, and if possible compare its signal with scan data or test it with a meter.
- 2
Damaged wiring or connectorHigh
Likely if the code comes and goes, appears after hitting bumps, or shows up with other electrical complaints. Broken insulation, corrosion, or a loose plug can distort the sensor signal.
Quick check: Wiggle-test the harness at the sensor and inspect the connector for corrosion, bent pins, oil, or broken wires.
- 3
Damaged reluctor wheel or tone ringMedium
Possible if the engine misfires, stalls, or the code returns after the sensor has already been replaced. A missing tooth, cracked ring, or debris on the signal wheel can confuse the computer.
Quick check: Inspect the crankshaft tone ring or reluctor area for missing teeth, cracks, or heavy debris if access is possible.
- 4
Excessive engine heat or oil intrusionLow
More likely if the sensor sits near a hot exhaust area or there is an oil leak soaking the connector. Heat and oil can shorten sensor life and make the signal unreliable.
Quick check: Look for oil leaks above the sensor location and signs of melted wiring, hardened insulation, or an oil-soaked connector.
Can you fix it yourself?
Possible with some experience
Difficulty: Moderate. On many cars this is a doable DIY repair if the sensor is easy to reach. You may need basic hand tools, a scan tool, and sometimes a jack and stands; ask the mechanic to verify sensor signal, wiring integrity, and the tone ring before replacing parts.
Show the stepsHide the steps
- Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data
- Inspect the sensor connector and wiring closely
- Clear codes and see if the problem returns
- Replace the crankshaft position sensor if testing points to it
- Repair any damaged wiring or connector pins
- Verify the engine starts and the code does not return
Estimated repair cost
$150 – $450
Crankshaft position sensor replacement: parts and labor; higher on engines with difficult access
- Wiring repair or connector replacement$120 – $350
- Crankshaft tone ring or reluctor repair$300 – $900
- Diagnostic testing$100 – $180
- ECM repair or replacement$500 – $1,200
Prices vary by vehicle, engine layout, and local labor rates.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with code P0336?
You may be able to drive short distances, but it is not a good idea if the engine is stalling, hard to start, or running rough. Because the signal can fail completely, get it checked soon.
Will P0336 clear itself?
Sometimes the light may turn off if the signal problem is intermittent, but the underlying issue usually comes back. If the sensor, wiring, or tone ring is failing, the code will return.
Is the crankshaft position sensor the same as the camshaft sensor?
No. The crankshaft sensor tracks crankshaft speed and position, while the camshaft sensor tracks camshaft position; both can affect starting and running, but they are different parts.
Can I replace the crankshaft position sensor myself?
Yes, on some vehicles it is a straightforward DIY job. On others it may be buried under intake parts or near the transmission, so access is the main challenge.
Will P0336 fail emissions or inspection?
In most states, yes, because the check engine light is on and the monitor may not be ready. The car may also run poorly enough to fail a smog test.
Related codes
- P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit
- P0340 Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit (Bank 1)
- P0341 Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance
- P0325 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit
- P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
- P0300 Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
Related problems
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.