P0335: Crankshaft position sensor A circuit fault
The ECU has found a fault in the crankshaft sensor or its wiring. It is a key signal, so the engine may fail to start or cut out while driving.
| Code | P0335 |
|---|---|
| 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 P0335 means
The crankshaft sensor reads a toothed wheel that turns with the engine and tells the ECU how fast it is spinning and where the pistons are. It is one of the most important signals: without it the engine cannot time fuel or spark. This code means the sensor’s electrical circuit is not working properly, or the signal is not getting through. Which sensor is "A" is up to each manufacturer; many cars only have one.
Most common causes
- Loose, dirty or corroded sensor connector
- Broken, chafed or heat-damaged wire near the exhaust
- Failed sensor (a fairly common failure)
- Sensor coated in metal filings or badly fitted
- Damaged or displaced toothed wheel
Symptoms
- Engine cranks but will not start
- Cuts out suddenly, sometimes when hot
- Jerking and misfiring under acceleration
- Rev counter does not move while cranking
Can you drive with P0335?
Better not If the engine cuts out on the move you lose power steering and brake assistance. Best not to drive, or only if essential, until it is checked.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
While cranking, look at the rev counter or live rpm on the scan tool: if it shows zero while the engine turns over, the ECU is not seeing the sensor and it is almost certainly the sensor or its wiring.
How to read and clear P0335 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 P0335 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
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 an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0331 The knock sensor 2 (bank 2) gives readings outside the normal range
- P0332 Knock sensor 2 circuit low input (bank 2)
- P0333 The knock sensor 2 (bank 2) gives a higher signal than normal
- P0334 The knock sensor 2 circuit input (bank 2) fails now and then
- P0336 Crankshaft position sensor A signal out of range
- P0337 Crankshaft position sensor A circuit low input
- P0338 Crankshaft position sensor A circuit high input
- P0339 Crankshaft position sensor A circuit intermittent
- P0300 Random or multiple cylinder misfire
- P0301 Misfire detected in cylinder 1
- P0302 Misfire detected in cylinder 2
- P0303 Misfire detected in cylinder 3
To understand it properly
We explain how that system works, with drawings and no waffle, in our mechanics guide: Timing belt and chain.
What does code P0335 mean?
The crankshaft sensor reads a toothed wheel that turns with the engine and tells the ECU how fast it is spinning and where the pistons are. It is one of the most important signals: without it the engine cannot time fuel or spark. This code means the sensor’s electrical circuit is not working properly, or the signal is not getting through. Which sensor is "A" is up to each manufacturer; many cars only have one.
Can you drive with P0335?
If the engine cuts out on the move you lose power steering and brake assistance. Best not to drive, or only if essential, until it is checked.
How do you clear P0335?
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, P0335 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
