Timing and crank/cam sensorsGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: As soon as possible
Code P0335: crankshaft sensor circuit fault
P0335 means: crankshaft position sensor "A" circuit: malfunction.[1][2][3] The ECU is not receiving the expected signal from crankshaft position sensor "A": Autodoc Club describes it as the absence of electrical pulses from the crankshaft. With that signal the ECU knows the crankshaft's position and rotational speed, and uses them to calculate how much fuel to inject and when to fire the ignition.[1][3]
What code P0335 means
The ECU is not receiving the expected signal from crankshaft position sensor "A": Autodoc Club describes it as the absence of electrical pulses from the crankshaft. With that signal the ECU knows the crankshaft's position and rotational speed, and uses them to calculate how much fuel to inject and when to fire the ignition.[1][3]
The sensor works together with a reluctor ring (tone wheel) mounted on the crankshaft, which generates a square-wave signal that the ECU interprets. If the sensor, its wiring or the ring fails, the ECU loses that reference and the engine runs erratically or stops.[1][2][3]
It is a generic OBD-II code (it starts with P0), so it means the same on any make; what changes from one engine to another is the most likely cause.[4]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction[1][2][3]
Codes from the same family
They indicate the same problem in a specific cylinder, bank or sensor. Causes, symptoms and diagnosis are those on this page.
Causes of P0335 and its family
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
- 1Faulty crankshaft position sensor.[1][2][3]
- 2Damaged wiring or connector: broken or corroded connector, sensor output short-circuited to earth or to voltage, or a poor electrical connection.[1][2][3]
- 3Crankshaft reluctor ring (tone wheel) that is damaged, broken or not turning properly.[1][2][3]
- 4Metal debris stuck to the tip of the sensor, often clutch dust or gearbox residue.[2]
- 5Worn or broken timing belt or chain.[1][3]
- 6Weak or flat battery, according to Autodoc Club; MechanicBase points out that the code usually comes from the wiring, the sensor or the timing.[1][3]
- 7ECU fault (uncommon).[2][3]
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on.[1][3]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- The car is hard to start or will not start.[1][2][3][8]Hard to start: faults that cause it
- The engine cuts out completely while driving, sometimes intermittently.[1][2][3][8]Engine stalls: faults that cause it
- Loss of power, which can be sudden.[1][2]Less power: faults that cause it
- Hesitation, jerking or surging when accelerating.[3]Jerking: faults that cause it
- Rough idle.[3]Vibrations: faults that cause it
- Increased fuel consumption.[1][3]Uses more fuel: faults that cause it
- The rev counter drops to zero with the engine running.[2]
How to diagnose P0335
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Read all the codes with a diagnostic tool: MechanicBase cites P0336, P0337, P0338 and P0339 as related, all of which concern the same sensor.[3]
- 2With the diagnostic tool, look in live data at the engine speed the ECU reads while the engine turns over, to check whether the sensor is sending a signal.[2][3]
- 3Inspect the sensor connector and wiring: breaks, corrosion, loose connections or short circuits to earth.[1][2][3][8]
- 4Remove the sensor and check whether it has metal filings on the tip (often clutch dust or gearbox residue) and whether it is properly secured.[2][8]
- 5Check the sensor signal with an oscilloscope or the diagnostic tool while the engine turns over; MechanicBase speaks of a 5 V square-wave signal and refers you to the car's service manual for the normal pattern. According to the manual, the sensor's resistance can also be measured.[2][3][8]
- 6Check the reluctor ring (tone wheel) and the condition of the timing belt or chain.[1][3]
- 7If everything above is fine and the sensor still does not give a correct signal, replace it; the ECU is the last suspect.[2][3]
Can I keep driving with P0335?
As soon as possible
Autodoc Club and MechanicBase agree: this is not a fault to put off. It can prevent starting and stop the engine while it is running; Autodoc Club calls it a safety hazard and urges fixing it immediately, and MechanicBase rates it as serious and advises against driving with it. Carista gives it a high severity and cites intermittent stalling and sudden loss of power while driving. If the cause is a broken timing belt or chain, the engine can suffer serious damage, according to MechanicBase.[1][2][3]
Parts related to code P0335
The parts that most often cause this code. The code points to the circuit, not always the part: diagnose before you buy.
Timing kit
Timing chain kit
Battery
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Documented faults related to P0335
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Faults in which this code appears
Engine sensors: the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTIVP44 injection pump and air mass meter failureGerman Wikipedia documents recurring failures of the Bosch VP44 injection pump and the air mass meter in the early years of this engine. An owner testimony for this engine describes the pump being replaced at 192,500 km, at a cost the owner calls «prohibitive».
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 TDIClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 8vCrankshaft position sensor failure (TDC sensor)The crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH, or TDC sensor) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Logan I with this engine, with hard cold starting or stalling as the main symptoms. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 16vCrankshaft position sensor failureThe crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for almost every generation with this engine, with hard cold starting, stalling or the car cutting out unexpectedly. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
Wiring, connectors and short circuits: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW N62 / N63Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fireIn 2011 BMW recalled 5, 6 and 7 Series, X5 and X6 models built between 2007 and 2011 because of the additional turbo coolant pump: moisture, a short circuit and, in extreme cases, a fire. In 2012 there was another campaign for a crack in the pump, with a more robust version.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa)Main relay of the power relay assembly (overheating and fire risk)Yes, on the first units: Hyundai and Kia recalled 2016–2018 Ioniq and Niro hybrids and plug-in hybrids because the main relay that connects the high-voltage battery could come loose, overheat and, in the worst case, cause a fire.
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.6 GDi híbrido (Kappa)Clutch hydraulic actuator (HCA): leak or moisture with risk of short circuit and fireYes, this is the most documented hybrid system fault: the hydraulic actuator that engages the combustion engine with the hybrid assembly has had two recalls (2018 for a leak on the Niro and 2025 for moisture in its electronic board on the Niro, Ceed and XCeed PHEV), with a risk of short circuit and fire.
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.3 TCeBlown fuel pump fuseOn the Renault Captur II and Clio V with the 1.3 TCe engine, a 20-amp fuse can blow and leave the car without an engine. According to L'argus, in April 2021 this fault still had no factory fix; the official service centre's diagnosis includes checking, and sometimes replacing, the catalytic converter.
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonRover 75Seat SRS connector fault with airbag and seatbelt warning light onAuto Express warns that the Rover 75's seat SRS connector can cause the airbags to fail, and dealers were fixing it with revised connectors. The Dutch APK inspection puts the airbag or seatbelt fault warning among the most frequent defects across almost all series.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo GiuliettaShort circuit from badly routed wiring that can prevent gear shifting (KBA campaign, 2010-2015)Yes: according to Germany's KBA, on Alfa Romeo Giulietta cars built between 2010 and 2015 inadequate cable routing could cause a short circuit and, as a result, gear-shift failure.
Timing belt: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechOil-bath timing belt degradationThe oil-bath belt on the 1.2 PureTech (2012-2025) can swell and shed debris that blocks the oil pump pick-up; without lubrication, the engine can be destroyed. Stellantis covers it up to 10 years or 180,000 km and asks for it to be changed every 100,000 km or 6 years.Repair (garage): €400–€800
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 EcoBoostDegradation of the timing belt running in oilYes: the 1.0 EcoBoost's timing belt runs in oil and can degrade over the years, shedding bits of rubber that block the oil pump and seize the engine without warning. The NHTSA is investigating the case in the United States and Ford has shortened the recommended replacement interval.Repair (garage): €800–€1,200
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.5 / 2.0 EcoBlueDegradation of the wet timing belt (2.0 EcoBlue)Yes: the 2.0 EcoBlue debuted a timing belt that runs bathed in oil on Ford's diesels. Over the years it can degrade and shed debris that affects the lubrication circuit, with a risk of seizure. A roundup by Autopista.es places it in the Focus, Kuga, Transit and Transit/Tourneo Custom.
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.0 / 1.5 VTEC TurboEngine failure caused by the wet timing beltYes: the 1.0 VTEC Turbo (P10A2) uses an oil-bath timing belt that degrades over time, blocks the lubrication circuit and can destroy the engine completely. Fiches-auto.fr documents several cases in the Honda Civic between 72,000 and 114,000 km.Appears at around 72,000 km
Timing chain: the most serious faults by engine and car
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 and 1.4 TSITiming chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)On the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 (2006-2015) the chain can stretch and the tensioner fall short; if the chain jumps a tooth, the valves hit the pistons. Volkswagen admitted the defect in 2012 and revised the chain and tensioner between 2010 and 2011.Repair (garage): €700–€1,400Appears at around 30,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentBMW N47Rear timing chain stretch and breakageYes: the N47 has its timing chain at the rear of the engine, next to the gearbox, and on a very high proportion of units, especially those built between 2007 and 2009, it stretches or breaks prematurely because of an inadequate tensioner, with a risk of destroying the engine.Repair (garage): €1,590–€3,000Appears at around 50,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Timing chain stretch and tensioner failureYes: the OM651 timing chain can stretch prematurely, above all on units built up to 2013, and in 2014-2015 Mercedes-Benz recalled around 114,000 vehicles in Germany over a defective sealing ring in the tensioner. A metallic rattle on a cold start is the first sign.Repair (garage): €2,000–€3,500Appears at around 120,000 km
12 V battery: the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: CommonHyundai-Kia E-GMP (Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6)Faulty ICCU: 12 V battery drains, charging fails and power is lostThe ICCU, which combines the on-board charger and the converter that powers the 12 V system, can fail on the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6 and EV6: it cuts AC charging, drains the 12 V battery and, in the worst case, the car loses power and stops. Hyundai and Kia have recalled units built from 2021 to 2024.Repair: €2,000–€5,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 Hybrid12 V battery going flat while parkedYes: on the hybrid Yaris and Yaris Cross, the 12 V battery can go flat within a few days while parked because of the residual draw of modules such as eCall or keyless entry. It is fixed with a software update or, if the battery is already damaged, by replacing it.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.8 HybridThe 12V battery drains on the C-HR and Corolla hybridsYes: on the first-generation C-HR hybrid, the 12V battery is one of the most frequently reported faults: it runs flat after a few days standing or on short trips, and the car will not start. The ADAC and Toyota itself point to it as a cause of faults on the C-HR and Corolla.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 and 2.5 HybridThe 12 V battery goes flat if the car sits unused for several daysYes, it is a common complaint: the 12 V battery can go flat after just a few days without using the car, because of the standby drain from the electronics (multimedia, telematics, keyless entry). With the 12 V battery very low, the hybrid system can lock itself into a safe mode.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 6 E63/E64Battery drain and loose positive cableThe battery and alternator are frequently cited by Fiches-auto, and there is a recall for the battery's positive cable, which can work loose.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Galaxy IIIAcid leak from the 12 V battery (campaign 18P11)According to the fiches-auto.fr page, campaign 18P11 (August 2019) covers Galaxies built between February 2014 and February 2019 over a risk of battery acid leaking, which can worsen over time.
P0335 by make
Documented faults that can trigger P0335 in each make's engines and cars.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with code P0335?
The sources advise against it. MechanicBase recommends not driving with this code, because the car may behave erratically and leave you stranded on the road; Autodoc Club calls it a safety hazard and urges fixing it immediately; Carista cites intermittent stalling and sudden loss of power with the engine running.[1][2][3]
What does the crankshaft position sensor do?
It measures the crankshaft's position and rotational speed. With that signal, the ECU calculates how much fuel to inject and when to fire the ignition; that is why, without a correct signal, the engine runs erratically or stops. It works with a reluctor ring mounted on the crankshaft.[1][3]
Do you have to replace the crankshaft sensor when P0335 appears?
Not always. MechanicBase warns that many people replace parts before checking for simple faults, such as a broken wire, and recommends a visual inspection before buying anything. Carista adds that it is worth checking the connector and whether there is metal debris stuck to the tip of the sensor.[2][3]
Can a weak battery cause P0335?
Autodoc Club includes a weak or flat battery among the causes. MechanicBase clarifies that, if the battery fails, several codes can be stored because voltages are missing, but that this code normally comes from faulty wiring or connectors, the sensor itself, or problems with the timing belt or chain.[1][3]
Does P0335 mean the same on all makes?
Yes. Codes that start with P0 are generic OBD-II codes and have the same definition across all manufacturers.[4]
Will I pass the MOT with code P0335?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[9]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Código OBD2 P0335: causas, síntomas y cómo corregirloAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
- P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit MalfunctionCarista · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- P0335 Code – Meaning, Causes & How to fix itMechanic Base · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- On-board diagnosticsWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 October 2026
- Código OBD2 P0336: causas, síntomas y cómo corregirloAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
- P0336 Code – Meaning, Causes & How to fix itMechanic Base · Technical documentation · consulted 4 October 2026
- DTC P0335 or P0336, Saab 9-5 (9650) 2011, motor de gasolina de 2.0 l (copia del manual de taller de Saab)Saab WIS Online (Saab Workshop Information System) · Technical documentation · consulted 4 October 2026
- DTC P0335 Crankshaft position sensor "A" circuit, Saab 9-2X (9346) 2005, 2.5iSaab WIS Online (Saab Workshop Information System) · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026
- Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish