P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Fault

What it means

The crankshaft position sensor reads teeth on a wheel on the crankshaft, so the computer knows engine speed and position. It uses that to time every spark and injection. P0335 means the signal from crank sensor A is missing or not believable.

The technical version

The computer expects a steady stream of pulses with a known gap pattern while the engine turns. P0335 sets when the pulses are missing while the engine cranks or runs, or when they do not match the cam signal. Heat often makes a failing sensor drop out, so the engine may stall when hot and restart after it cools. P0336 is the range or performance version of the same circuit.

Official name: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction.

Symptoms

• Stalling, often when the engine is hot.
• Cranks but does not start.
• The tachometer drops or jumps.
• Misfires or hesitation.

Causes, most likely first

How likely is our ranking from repair data and common practice, not a published rate.

What the live data shows

Engine rpm is a standard reading that comes from this sensor. While cranking it should show a steady low rpm, often around 150 to 300; if it shows zero, the computer sees no crank signal. While driving, rpm that drops to zero or jumps wildly before a stall points to the sensor or its wiring.

What to check first, in order

1. Watch rpm while cranking.

   Zero rpm while the engine turns means no crank signal.

   What the data shows: A steady cranking rpm is healthy.

   Cost: no cost if you have a scanner

2. Inspect the sensor connector and wiring.

   Heat and chafing damage them.

   What the data shows: No reading needed.

   Cost: free to look

3. Have the sensor signal checked with a scope or meter.

   It tells the sensor from the wiring.

   What the data shows: Not a scanner step.

   Cost: $125-$183 at a shop (Check engine light diagnosis (shop), RepairPal)

4. Replace the crankshaft position sensor.

   The usual fix.

   What the data shows: The engine starts and runs without stalling.

   Cost: $230-$335 at a shop (Crankshaft position sensor replacement, RepairPal)

Is it safe to drive?

Caution

Not far, it can stall. Without this signal most engines stop running.

Treat this one with care. The crankshaft sensor is the main timing signal, and when it drops out most engines stop at once, which is dangerous in traffic. If the car still runs, drive it only as far as a repair, and avoid highways. If it already stalled once, have it towed.

Stop driving and get help if

• The engine stalls, cuts out or the tachometer drops to zero while driving.
• The engine cranks but will not start.

What it costs

National averages for the full job at a shop, parts and labor, from RepairPal (updated September 3, 2026). Your price depends on the car and the area. Many of the first checks on this page cost nothing with a scanner.

Can I clear it? Will it come back?

After the repair, clear the code and drive, including a hot restart. If the engine starts every time and the code stays away, the fix worked.

Will it fail an emissions test?

Yes, while the check engine light is on, most OBD emissions tests fail the car.

Related codes

Also related, no guide yet: P0336, P0337, P0338.

Questions people ask

Can I drive with P0335?

Only as far as a repair, and not on highways. The engine can stall without warning.

Can a bad crank sensor cause a no start?

Yes. Without its signal most engines will not start.

Why does my car stall when hot and start when cold?

A failing crank sensor often drops out when hot. P0335 with that pattern points straight at it.

Sources

1. RepairPal: P0335 code page repairpal.com
2. RepairPal: Check engine light diagnosis (shop) (updated September 3, 2026) repairpal.com
3. RepairPal: Crankshaft position sensor replacement (updated September 3, 2026) repairpal.com
4. Texas DPS emissions testing FAQ dps.texas.gov
5. Arizona myazcar.com: OBD and the check engine light myazcar.com