P0322: No ignition or distributor engine speed signal
The ECU is not receiving the engine speed signal from the ignition. Often a broken wire, loose plug or failed sensor, and the engine may not start.
| Code | P0322 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P03xx, Ignition and misfires |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | Better not |
What P0322 means
On cars with a distributor or ignition module, the ECU works out engine speed from a signal that comes from there. This code means that signal is not arriving at all. Without it the ECU cannot time the fuel or the spark, so the engine usually will not start or cuts out.
Most common causes
- Unplugged or corroded connector at the sensor or distributor
- Broken signal wire or poor earth
- Blown fuse or missing supply to the ignition module
- Failed engine speed sensor or distributor pickup
- Failed ignition module
Symptoms
- Engine cranks but will not start
- Engine suddenly cuts out while driving
- Rev counter drops to zero
- Engine warning light on
Can you drive with P0322?
Better not If the engine cuts out while driving you lose power steering and brake assistance. Best not to drive until it is checked.
How to check it
While cranking, watch live rpm on the scan tool: if it reads zero while the engine turns over, the ECU is not seeing the signal and the sensor and its wiring need checking.
How to read and clear P0322 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0322 with this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0313 Misfire detected with low fuel level
- P0316 Misfire detected on start-up (first 1000 revolutions)
- P0320 Engine speed input (ignition or distributor): circuit fault
- P0321 Ignition or distributor engine speed signal out of range
- P0325 Knock sensor 1 circuit fault (bank 1 or single sensor)
- P0326 Knock sensor 1 signal out of range (bank 1 or single sensor)
- P0327 Knock sensor 1 circuit low input (bank 1 or single sensor)
- P0328 Knock sensor 1 circuit high input (bank 1 or single sensor)
- P0300 Random or multiple cylinder misfire
- P0301 Misfire detected in cylinder 1
- P0302 Misfire detected in cylinder 2
- P0303 Misfire detected in cylinder 3
P0322 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on BMW, Fiat, Ford, Mazda, Peugeot, Volkswagen. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.
What does code P0322 mean?
On cars with a distributor or ignition module, the ECU works out engine speed from a signal that comes from there. This code means that signal is not arriving at all. Without it the ECU cannot time the fuel or the spark, so the engine usually will not start or cuts out.
Can you drive with P0322?
If the engine cuts out while driving you lose power steering and brake assistance. Best not to drive until it is checked.
How do you clear P0322?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0322 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads the faults of every control unit for free, including each make’s own codes, and with Pro explains each one in plain English. Free clears engine faults at no cost.
Coming soon
Mid to late October 2026
If you want to try it in your car before anyone else, send us your email and we will add you as a tester.
info@finalobd.com