P0335 code meaning
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0335 means
The crankshaft position sensor reads a tone wheel with a reference gap (GM 58X, i.e. 60-2; Ford 36-1, 40-1 or 60-2) and gives the engine module speed and crank angle for injection and ignition. P0335 means it delivers no pulses although the engine demonstrably turns. GM proves the rotation via starter, camshaft pulses or airflow above 1.5 g/s and sets the code after at least 4 s of cranking or 0.3 s while running without a crank pulse (2 of 10 revolutions); gasoline engines after two trips, the LML diesel in the first. Ford compares with the camshaft: more than one revolution without a crank signal, detected within 5 s. Without the signal the engine stalls or does not start; GM Global A engines (Saab 9-5 2010) keep running only with learned cam positions. A hot sensor that fails and recovers after cooling is typical.
P0335 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0335
- Engine cranks but does not start
- Engine stalls while driving or at idle
- Hot-start problem: starts again after cooling down
- Tachometer drops out, check engine light on
Common causes of P0335
- Most likelyCrankshaft position sensor faulty (heat, age – typical hot-start failure)
- Most likelyConnector or wiring corroded, chafed, oil-soaked or open
- Possible5 V reference shorted by another sensor on the same supply
- PossibleTone wheel damaged, loose or clogged with chips; air gap wrong after engine work
- Less likelyEngine module
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Crankshaft position sensorCrankshaft tone wheelSensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0335 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 3 | Area: ignition system or misfire. |
| 35 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0335 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0335
What does P0335 mean?
P0335 means "Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit". The crankshaft position sensor reads a tone wheel with a reference gap (GM 58X, i.e. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0335?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0335 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0335 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0335 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0335 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0335 clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.