OBD codes / P0335
P0335
SeriousCrankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
Treat P0335 with some urgency. A failing crank sensor can leave you stranded — the engine may stall or not restart, sometimes intermittently and without warning. It's usually safe to drive carefully to a shop, but don't put off the repair, especially if you've felt any stalling.
What this code means
The crankshaft position sensor tells the computer exactly where the crankshaft is and how fast it's spinning — it's the master timing reference for spark and fuel. P0335 means that signal is missing or erratic. The most common cause is a failed sensor, but a damaged reluctor (tone) ring, or wiring/connector trouble, can also cause it. This one matters: a bad crank signal can make the engine stall, run rough, or refuse to start at all, so it should be addressed promptly.
Symptoms you might notice
- Engine won't start or starts hard
- Stalling, especially when warm
- Rough running or hesitation
- Intermittent loss of power
- Check-engine light, sometimes with no-crank-signal symptoms
What it costs to fix
Typical range: $120–$500 · about ~0.5–3 hrs of labor
| If the cause is… | Part | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Crankshaft position sensor | $20–$150 | ~0.5–3 hrs |
| Wiring / connector repair | $10–$120 | ~0.5–1.5 hrs |
The sensor part is cheap; cost is almost all labor and depends entirely on where the sensor lives — some are right up front, others are buried behind the engine or require dropping a component to reach. A damaged reluctor ring is a much bigger job and varies too much to quote.
The price swings on which cause it turns out to be — so confirm the cause before paying. Diagnose P0335 for my exact vehicle →
How to fix P0335
Moderate — doable at home with common tools and patience
- Inspect the crank sensor connector and wiring
Locate the sensor — near the crank pulley, on the bellhousing, or on the block depending on the engine — and check its connector for oil soaking, corrosion, and a secure lock. The wiring runs close to heat and moving parts, so look for chafed or hardened insulation along its whole visible length.
- Watch the RPM signal while cranking
Connect a scanner showing live data and crank the engine: if the RPM parameter stays at zero while the starter spins, the computer isn't receiving a crank signal. That's strong confirmation the sensor, its wiring, or the reluctor is at fault.
- Pull the sensor and inspect its tip
Remove the sensor (usually one bolt) and check the magnetic tip for metal debris, which distorts or kills the signal, and for physical damage. While it's out, look through the opening at the reluctor teeth for anything bent or missing.
- Replace the crankshaft position sensor
Fit a new sensor with a fresh O-ring and torque the bolt to spec — this is the most common repair for P0335 and the part is inexpensive. Use an OEM or reputable brand; cheap crank sensors are a known source of comeback failures.
- Have the reluctor ring evaluated if the code returns
A P0335 that survives a new sensor and verified wiring points to a damaged or shifted reluctor (tone) ring. That's a significant internal repair that needs a shop's diagnosis before any parts are ordered.
DIY or shop? When the sensor is mounted in an accessible spot, replacement is a genuine DIY job — one connector, one bolt, modest part cost. It turns into shop work when the sensor is buried behind the engine or requires removing other components to reach, and always when the evidence points at the reluctor ring. Note the safety angle too: a car that stalls from a bad crank signal shouldn't be driven far for diagnosis.
Tools for the DIY steps: OBD-II scanner with live data · Socket set and extensions · Torque wrench · Clean rag (for the sensor tip) · Multimeter (optional, for circuit checks)
Not sure which step applies to your car? Get the likely cause for your exact vehicle before buying anything for P0335.
Frequently asked
Can I drive with P0335?
Cautiously and not for long. The crank sensor is the engine's main timing reference, and a failing one can cause sudden stalling or a no-start. Get it diagnosed quickly, and don't rely on the car for important trips until it's fixed.
Will P0335 cause a no-start?
It can. Without a usable crankshaft signal the computer doesn't know when to fire spark and fuel, so the engine may crank but not start, or stall once running. Intermittent versions are common and frustrating to catch.
Is P0335 always the sensor?
The sensor is the most common cause, but wiring/connector faults and a damaged reluctor ring can mimic it. Because a hidden sensor can be labor-intensive to reach, it's worth confirming before replacing.
How much does it cost to fix P0335?
The sensor itself is cheap; the bill is mostly labor and depends on how buried the sensor is — easy-access engines are low, hard-to-reach ones cost more. A reluctor-ring repair is a major job.
Seeing P0335 on your car? Get a diagnosis specific to your exact year, make and model.
Diagnose P0335 for my vehicleSymptoms that trigger P0335
Drivers who get this code often notice one of these — each has its own likely-causes and cost guide:
Related trouble codes
Don’t have a scanner yet? A ~$25 Bluetooth adapter reads codes like P0335 from your phone — see our honest guide to the best OBD2 Bluetooth adapters.
Generic OBD-II reference. Manufacturer-specific behavior varies — confirm with a scan tool and, for safety-related codes, a professional inspection.