P0336 code meaning
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0336 means
P0336 means the crankshaft position sensor delivers pulses, but their pattern is implausible: the reference gap is missing or in the wrong place, the number of teeth between the gaps is wrong (58 on a 60-2 wheel) or the module keeps losing synchronisation. GM sets it after at least 4 resynchronisations in under 5 s, a gap not found within 0.4 s running or 1.5 s cranking, or a wrong tooth count in 8 of 10 revolutions, after two trips. Ford's 2023 diesel sets it when the gap of the 60-2 wheel is not recognised for 3 revolutions; GM's LML diesel uses a fault counter over tooth times. Ford gasoline engines use P0320 or P0339 for the same checks. Result: misfire, jerking, brief cut-outs while the module resynchronises, and misfire detection is suspended.
P0336 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modePossible
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 4 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0336
- Misfire, jerking, rough running
- Engine stalls sporadically
- Hard starting
- Check engine light on, misfire codes may be added
Common causes of P0336
- Most likelyTone wheel damaged, bent, loose or teeth clogged with chips
- Most likelySensor signal weak or noisy (air gap, ageing)
- PossibleInterference, poor ground or shielding
- PossibleWrong tone wheel or flywheel fitted after a repair
- PossibleLoose contact in the connector
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 P0336 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. |
| 36 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0336 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 P0336
What does P0336 mean?
P0336 means "Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance". P0336 means the crankshaft position sensor delivers pulses, but their pattern is implausible: the reference gap is missing or in the wrong place, the number of teeth between the gaps is wrong (58 on a 60-2 wheel) or the module keeps losing synchronisation. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0336?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0336 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0336 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0336 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 P0336 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 4 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P0336 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.