Can I keep driving with P0335?

Often you can't — the engine may refuse to start, stall while driving, or run only intermittently. If the vehicle is still running, drive directly to a shop. The crank sensor is critical for ignition and fuel timing, and a failing sensor can leave you stranded without warning.

My car starts fine sometimes and not others — could it still be P0335?

Yes, and this is a classic crank sensor failure pattern. Sensors often fail when hot and recover when cool. You'll see the engine quit after a long drive, refuse to restart, then start fine after the underhood temperature drops. If your car is doing this, replace the sensor before it strands you somewhere inconvenient.

Often yes, depending on sensor location. Many crank sensors are accessible with basic tools — disconnect the connector, remove one or two bolts, swap the sensor, reconnect. Some sensors are tucked behind the starter, accessory drives, or under intake manifolds and require more work. Look up the specific procedure for your vehicle before starting.

How much does a crankshaft position sensor cost?

The sensor itself is $30 to $150 depending on whether it's OEM or aftermarket. Total replacement cost including labor is $150 to $400 for most vehicles. Tone ring damage — much rarer — runs $1,500 and up because it usually requires transmission removal.

OBD-II trouble code

P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit

The engine computer isn't getting a usable signal from the crankshaft position sensor. The engine may not start, may stall while driving, or may run intermittently — the crank sensor is critical for ignition and fuel injection timing.

Quick facts

System: Powertrain
Category: Sensors / Timing
Severity: High severity
Drivable: No — stop driving until repaired
Repair cost range: $150 – $400
DIY difficulty: Intermediate DIY

What does P0335 mean?

The crankshaft position sensor reports the rotational position and speed of the crankshaft to the engine control module (ECM). The ECM uses this signal to determine ignition timing, fuel injection timing, and engine speed. Without a reliable crank signal, the engine cannot operate properly — and on many vehicles, it cannot start at all.

P0335 is set when the ECM detects a fault in the crankshaft position sensor circuit — either no signal, an erratic signal, or a signal that doesn't match what the engine speed should produce. The crank sensor is one of the most critical inputs to the engine management system, and a fault here is almost always serious.

The most common cause is a failed crankshaft position sensor itself. Crank sensors are exposed to heat, vibration, and oil contamination, and they have a finite service life. After the sensor itself, the next likely causes are damaged or chafed sensor wiring, a corroded or loose connector, or a damaged tone ring (the toothed reluctor wheel on the crankshaft that the sensor reads). A blown fuse can also cut off sensor power. P0335 is one of the few OBD codes where the car may genuinely refuse to start.

Common causes

Failed crankshaft position sensor (most common, especially after 100,000+ miles)
Damaged or chafed sensor wiring
Corroded or loose sensor connector
Damaged tone ring or reluctor wheel on the crankshaft
Blown fuse on the crank sensor circuit
Excessive metal debris on the sensor face (from clutch or bearing wear)
Faulty ECM input circuit (rare)

Symptoms

Check engine light is on
No-start condition — engine cranks but won't fire
Intermittent stalling while driving
Engine quits after warming up and restarts when cool (heat-soaked sensor)
Long crank times before the engine fires
Erratic tachometer behavior
Possible no spark and no fuel injection during cranking

Diagnostic steps

1.Inspect the crank sensor connector for damage, corrosion, or loose pins. Many P0335 cases are resolved by reseating a loose connector.
2.Visually inspect the wiring between the sensor and the engine harness for chafing, breaks, or rodent damage.
3.Check the crank sensor circuit fuse and replace if blown.
4.With the engine cranking, use a scan tool to monitor RPM. A consistent reading of 0 RPM during cranking confirms the sensor is not producing signal.
5.Test sensor resistance with a multimeter against the manufacturer's specification (typically 200 to 1,200 ohms for inductive sensors).
6.Inspect the tone ring on the crankshaft for damaged or missing teeth — possible after clutch or flywheel work.
7.Replace the crankshaft position sensor if wiring, connector, and power tests pass.

Repair cost

$150 – $400

Crankshaft position sensor replacement is $150 to $400 in parts and labor on most vehicles. The sensor itself is $30 to $150. Labor varies based on sensor location — some sensors are accessible from above, others require getting under the vehicle or removing other components. Tone ring damage requires more extensive work (transmission removal on some vehicles) and runs into the thousands.

Estimate your repair

Run the numbers for your vehicle

Open the Repair Cost Estimator with crankshaft position sensor replacement preselected. Adjust labor rate and vehicle category to fit your situation.

Estimate your repair cost

DIY vs shop

This is an intermediate DIY job. It usually involves diagnostic steps, specialty parts, and some careful work in tight spaces. If you have the tools and a service manual or trustworthy video for your specific vehicle, it is achievable in a weekend. Otherwise, a competent independent shop will be faster.

Related codes

P0336P0337P0338P0340 P0341 P0016 P0017