P0339 code meaning
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P03xx codes Check engine light
What P0339 means
P0339 means the crankshaft position signal drops out or is disturbed for moments and then recovers. Ford's 2020–2023 gasoline engines use it, depending on the engine, instead of P0320 for tooth errors: wrong tooth count after the gap, tooth time outside 30 to 9,000 rpm, gap at an unexpected position, from 500 rpm, detected within 5 s. In Ford's PCM code list (Roush workshop manual) P0339 is listed without check engine light. Saab's 9-3 diesel (T8) counts dropouts: more than 8 within 10 ms over 3 s, or more than 3 in a whole drive cycle. Honda recalled 2023 Accord Hybrids because a mis-machined sensor mounting caused no-start, rough idle, hunting idle and P0017 with P0339. Typical causes are a loose contact, a sensor failing when hot and a wrong air gap.
P0339 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P0339
- Sporadic jerking or misfire
- Brief stalling, hunting idle
- Hard starting
- Check engine light on (not on all Ford engines)
Common causes of P0339
- Most likelyLoose contact or corrosion at the sensor connector or an in-line connector
- PossibleSensor dropping out when hot
- PossibleSensor mounting or air gap mechanically wrong (machining error, bracket)
- Less likelyElectrical interference
- Less likelyTone wheel slightly damaged
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 P0339 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. |
| 39 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0339 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 P0339
What does P0339 mean?
P0339 means "Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent". P0339 means the crankshaft position signal drops out or is disturbed for moments and then recovers. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0339?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0339 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0339 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 P0339 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 P0339 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.