What is error P0335, what does it mean and how to fix it

All about error P0335: what it means, what is dangerous, how to fix code P0335

Even if the car still starts with the P0335 error, the engine can shut down completely at any moment.

What is the P0335 error code?

Diagnostic code P0335 stands for “Crankshaft Position Sensor Signal Error” (CPS). An alternative interpretation is “Crankshaft Position Sensor Malfunction.” It is often recorded along with the following codes: P0336 to P0339. All of them are related to the crankshaft sensor signal.

The crankshaft position sensor is perhaps the most important sensor in the engine – without it, not only normal operation is impossible, but often even starting is impossible.

Causes of crankshaft sensor failure

This small sensor itself, made completely sealed and maintenance-free, is extremely reliable. Usually, the crankshaft position sensor works properly for 200, 300 and even 500 thousand kilometers. If failures occur, in half of the cases they occur due to unqualified intervention or force majeure. Among the typical reasons:

• Wiring breakage due to mechanical damage during repairs;

• Wiring breakage due to mechanical damage during operation. For example, when after repairs the wire was laid incorrectly and it was rubbed by a belt or burned by an exhaust manifold;

• Broken wiring due to oxidation of contacts (damaged insulation);

• Failure due to impact of a foreign object (stone or stick from the road) or a traffic accident;
• Failure due to internal damage. Of course, a simple sensor failure without any apparent reason cannot be ruled out either, especially on older machines.

Signs of a broken crankshaft sensor

In addition to the P0335 error, the CKP sensor malfunctions will make themselves known in the most obvious way. Among the main symptoms:

• Difficult engine start. Can manifest itself in different ways. For example, in the morning the car started normally, in the evening it barely “came to life” on the tenth try, and the next morning everything is fine again. There are many options;

• Unstable operation at idle and under load. You may feel dips, vibrations, and fluctuating revolutions;

• Increased fuel consumption and the appearance of smoke from the exhaust pipe;

• Sudden engine stops.

How to check crankshaft sensor

We discussed the sensor device and diagnostic methods in detail in a separate article . Now we will only recall the basic testing algorithms without special equipment.

• Visual inspection for external damage or oxidation. Oxides can often be cleaned with gasoline or alcohol to “recover” the crankshaft position sensor.

• Switch the multimeter to ohmmeter mode and measure the resistance on the signal and ground contacts of the crankshaft position sensor. If this value goes beyond the normal range of 550–750 Ohms (it wouldn’t hurt to check the instructions for a specific model), the sensor is most likely faulty. However, this method does not allow you to make a “diagnosis” with complete certainty.

• In the case of three-pin Hall sensors, the reference voltage is also checked – between the power and ground wires. Its value is usually 5 V.

Note that the initial check with a multimeter does not provide a 100% guarantee of reliability, except for checking the power supply. For accurate results, more complex equipment such as an oscilloscope and megohmmeter is used.

How to Fix Code P0335

When the problem is oxidation or a broken wire, the problem is solved accordingly: cleaning and restoring the contact. However, if the problem goes beyond mechanical damage, it is unlikely that anything can be done.

Any crankshaft position sensor is made non-separable and sealed from the factory. And even if you manage to pick it apart without completely breaking it, it is almost impossible to restore an internal break in the coil or a split core. After all, on most cars this part is inexpensive, and disassembling will always help find what you are looking for.

As for the P0335 error itself and the Check engine icon, in one case, resetting the battery terminal will help (of course, after eliminating the cause), in the other case, you will need to connect an OBD scanner.

How to Prevent Code P0335

The crankshaft position sensor is quite simple, and it cannot be repaired or disassembled. Accordingly, it is impossible to influence it in any way by any actions (we do not take mechanical damage into account). All that the owner can do is to ensure that the sensor itself and the wiring are not damaged during work in the engine compartment.