P0338 code meaning
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0338 means
By its J2012 name P0338 means the crankshaft position signal stays at a high level – signal wire shorted to supply, or an open signal output that the module's pull-up holds high on a Hall sensor. GM 2014–2019 and Ford do not use the code. GM's Global A engines in the Saab 9-5 (2010/11) and 9-4X define it as a high duty cycle, i.e. too many pulses or teeth between the reference gaps: on the 2.8 turbo V6 (LAU) a deviation of more than 8 teeth, checked once per revolution and set in the first trip; on the 1.6 (LLU) more than 200 reference pulses in 10 revolutions, and on the 2.0 turbo (LDK) a large tooth deviation over 4 revolutions, both after two trips. Behind this are usually interference pulses or a gap that is not recognised. Result: misfire, stalling, limp mode.
P0338 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 P0338
- Misfire, jerking
- Engine stalls or starts poorly
- Limp mode
- Check engine light on
Common causes of P0338
- Most likelySignal wire shorted to supply or open (pull-up holds the level high)
- PossibleInterference pulses from poor ground or shielding
- PossibleCrankshaft position sensor faulty
- Less likelyTone wheel damaged or dirty (gap not recognised)
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 P0338 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. |
| 38 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0338 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 P0338
What does P0338 mean?
P0338 means "Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High". By its J2012 name P0338 means the crankshaft position signal stays at a high level – signal wire shorted to supply, or an open signal output that the module's pull-up holds high on a Hall sensor. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0338?
Drive gently and only to a workshop. With P0338 the car can go into limp mode (reduced power) to protect itself.
Will P0338 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0338 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 P0338 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 P0338 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.