P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction
TL;DR
P0335 = crankshaft position sensor circuit fault. Severity: high — often a no-start or stalling. Top causes: failed crank sensor (60%), wiring/connector (25%), reluctor/timing (15%). Fix: $30–$250 DIY. Don’t rely on the car until fixed.
Can I keep driving with P0335?
IF you have P0335 → treat the car as unreliable. It may stall without warning or fail to restart, which is dangerous in traffic. Diagnose and repair before depending on the vehicle. If it currently runs, drive only to get it fixed.
Symptoms
- Engine won’t start or hard to start
- Stalling, sometimes intermittently
- Check engine light on
- Rough running / misfire feel
- Intermittent cut-outs when hot
Top causes (ranked by probability)
| Likely cause | Probability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Failed crankshaft position sensor | 60% | Often fails when hot |
| Damaged wiring or connector | 25% | |
| Damaged reluctor/tone ring or timing issue | 15% |
What does P0335 mean?
Technical explanation
The crankshaft position sensor provides the primary engine-speed and position reference the ECM uses to fire ignition and injection. When this signal is lost or implausible, P0335 is set and the engine commonly fails to start or stalls. Causes are a failed sensor, wiring/connector damage, or a damaged crankshaft reluctor/tone ring.
In simple terms
The crankshaft sensor is the engine’s master timing signal. P0335 means the computer isn’t getting it — so the engine usually won’t start or will cut out. Most of the time the sensor itself has failed.
How to diagnose P0335 (step by step)
- Scan and note companion codes. Camshaft codes (P0340) alongside can point to timing or wiring.
- Inspect the sensor and connector. Check for damage, debris or oil contamination at the sensor.
- Check wiring. Inspect the harness for chafing or heat damage.
- Test the sensor. Verify the signal during cranking; no signal usually means a bad sensor.
- Replace the sensor. Fit an OEM-grade crankshaft sensor; recheck for start.
Repair options & cost
- Replace the crankshaft position sensor
- Repair wiring/connector
- Address reluctor/timing issues if present
| DIY cost | $30–$250 |
|---|---|
| Workshop cost | $120–$450 |
| Repair time | 30–90 min depending on access |
Costs are local ballpark ranges and vary by region and vehicle.
Tools you’ll need
- OBD-II scanner (BlueDriver / ANCEL)
- Socket/wrench set
- Multimeter
Vehicle-specific notes
- A classic symptom is a hot-soak no-start: the engine cuts out when hot, then restarts once cool.
- Sensor location is often near the crankshaft pulley or bellhousing.
- Use an OEM-grade sensor; cheap ones are a common repeat-failure.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Replacing the sensor without checking wiring
- Overlooking a hot-only failure pattern
- Confusing crankshaft (P0335) with camshaft (P0340) sensor
- Using a low-quality sensor
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with a P0335 code?
Not reliably. The engine may stall or fail to start without warning, which is dangerous. Drive only to get it repaired and fix it promptly.
What usually causes P0335?
A failed crankshaft position sensor — often one that fails when hot — followed by wiring damage or a reluctor-ring problem.
Why won’t my car start with P0335?
The crankshaft sensor is the master timing reference. Without it, the ECM can’t time spark and fuel, so the engine cranks but won’t start.
P0335 summary
| Meaning | Crankshaft position sensor circuit fault |
|---|---|
| Severity | High |
| Safe to drive? | No — risk of stalling/no-start |
| Top cause | Failed crank sensor (60%) |
| DIY cost | $30–$250 |
| Shop cost | $120–$450 |