P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Malfunction

P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Malfunction
Comprehensive field-tested breakdown: causes, diagnosis steps, and effective fixes with the iCarzone UR1000 scan tool.
View iCarzone UR10001. What is P0335?
P0335 stands for Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Malfunction. It occurs when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) does not receive expected signal from the crankshaft position sensor for more than two seconds during engine cranking.
Why It Matters
CKP sensor monitors engine speed and position, feeding critical data to control ignition and fuel. Without it, engine may crank but fail to start or stall mid-drive.
2. Potential Causes & Real-World Examples
- Failed CKP Sensor — e.g. 2016 Honda Civic failed to produce signal; replacing sensor cleared code and restored starting.
- Wiring Harness Open/Short — e.g. Corvette wiring frayed from engine vibration causing intermittent no-start.
- Damaged Reluctor Ring — e.g. missing teeth on timing component caused inconsistent signal.
- Poor Ground or Weak Battery — e.g. 2018 Nissan Altima had low voltage preventing valid sensor output.
- PCM Input Circuit Fault — rare but possible: module unable to interpret sensor pulses.

3. Symptoms
- Check Engine Light with P0335 displayed
- Engine cranks but won’t start
- Intermittent stalling or rough idle
- No RPM signal shown on scan tool
- Misfires or hesitation under load
4. Vehicles Prone to P0335
- Honda Civic / Accord (2015–2020)
- Toyota Corolla / Camry (2014–2019)
- Ford Focus / Fusion (2016–2021)
- Dodge/Chrysler V6 platforms
- Nissan Altima / Versa (2015–2021)
5. Diagnostic Flow
- Confirm P0335 and absence of RPM in live data using OBD-II scanner
- Inspect CKP connector and wiring for damage or corrosion
- Measure sensor reference (~5 V), ground continuity, and signal pulses during cranking
- Inspect reluctor ring or tone wheel for damage or missing teeth
- Test battery voltage (>12.4 V) and engine grounds
- Swap with known-good sensor or test individual circuit if uncertain
6. Solutions & Execution
- Replace faulty CKP sensor
- Repair or replace damaged wiring/connectors
- Fix or replace damaged reluctor ring or timing component
- Clean and secure grounding points
- Replace PCM only if internal fault confirmed
7. Repair Costs & Precautions
- CKP sensor: $50 – $150
- Wiring repair: $30 – $100
- Reluctor/timing part replacement: $200 – $500
- PCM replacement: $500 – $1,200
Prices vary by model and location. Always disconnect the battery before service.
Check for recall and TSB bulletins—some models have free sensor replacements.
8. Preventive Measures
- Inspect wiring and connectors at intervals
- Replace timing belts/chains before wear affects reluctor
- Use correct sensor clearance per OEM spec
- Secure sensor harness away from heat and vibration
9. FAQ
Not recommended—lack of RPM signal can cause stall or misfire unexpectedly.
No—grounding issues, wiring faults, or reluctor damage are common causes.
Only as a temporary symptom clear. Underlying fault needs repair.
Yes—it enables live RPM & waveform view to speed diagnosis.
10. Summary
P0335 indicates a crankshaft position sensor circuit failure. Proactive diagnosis—sensor, wiring, reluctor, and power—combined with live data tools like iCarzone UR1000 allows accurate fault isolation and repair.