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P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction

Quick Answer

Not safe to drive

P0335 means the engine control unit is not receiving a valid signal from the crankshaft position sensor. This sensor tells the ECU where the crankshaft is in its rotation, which is essential for fuel injection and ignition timing. Without it, the engine may not start or may stall unexpectedly.

Severity
Critical · Ignition
Estimated repair cost
From €70 to €720+, varies by vehicle

€70 or €720, depending on your car.

  • Replace crankshaft position sensor€70–€300
  • Replace reluctor ring (tone wheel)€230–€720

A scan shows whether P0335 is really stored on your car, which codes sit next to it and how urgent each one is. You can do this parked, with the ignition on.

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A scan needs a Bluetooth OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), about €25-60; the built-in demo runs without one. See which adapter to buy

What does P0335 mean?

P0335 is a ignition-related diagnostic trouble code classified as critical severity.

Where it is on the car

  1. Crankshaft sprocket and position sensor
  2. Timing chain or belt
  3. Camshaft sprockets with VVT phasers
  4. Camshaft position sensor
  5. VVT oil control solenoid

What are the symptoms of P0335?

  • Engine cranks but will not start
  • Intermittent stalling, especially when warm
  • Check engine light on
  • Engine cuts out suddenly while driving
  • Rough running or hesitation
  • Tachometer drops to zero or behaves erratically

What causes P0335?

  • Failed crankshaft position sensor

    : high

  • Damaged or corroded wiring to the sensor

    : medium

  • Loose or dirty sensor connector

    : medium

  • Damaged reluctor ring (tone wheel) on the crankshaft

    : low

  • ECU fault (rare)

    : low

Is it safe to drive with P0335?

No - address this immediately. A faulty crankshaft position sensor can cause the engine to stall without warning, including at motorway speeds. The engine may also refuse to start. Do not drive until this is resolved.

How do you diagnose P0335?

  1. Connect a scanner and check for the P0335 code along with any companion codes such as P0336 (range/performance) or P0340 (camshaft sensor)
  2. Inspect the crankshaft position sensor connector for corrosion, oil contamination, or loose pins. Clean and re-seat the connector
  3. Test the sensor output with a multimeter. For a Hall-effect sensor, check for 5V reference, ground, and signal. For a magnetic sensor, measure resistance (typically 200-2000 ohms depending on the make)
  4. Inspect the wiring harness from the sensor to the ECU for chafing, breaks, or heat damage. Pay attention to areas near the exhaust
  5. If the sensor and wiring test good, inspect the reluctor ring on the crankshaft pulley for missing teeth, cracks, or debris

How much does P0335 cost to fix?

Repair Parts Cost Labor Cost Total Estimate DIY Difficulty
Replace crankshaft position sensor €20–€100 €50–€200 €70–€300 Moderate
Repair wiring harness to sensor €10–€50 €60–€180 €70–€230 Moderate
Replace reluctor ring (tone wheel) €30–€120 €200–€600 €230–€720 Professional

Prices estimated as of October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.

Full repair guides

P0335 on specific vehicles

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf

2003-2024

BMW

BMW 3 Series

2005-2024

Renault

Renault Clio

2005-2024

The crankshaft sensor on the K9K 1.5 dCi is an inductive two-wire sensor that generates its own signal, so the resistance across its two pins can be measured before it is condemned.

Source: en.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org

Ford

Ford Focus

2005-2022

Common questions about P0335

Can a bad crankshaft position sensor cause a no-start?
Yes. The crankshaft position sensor provides the primary signal that tells the ECU when to fire the spark plugs and injectors. Without this signal, most engines will crank but refuse to start entirely.
What does the crankshaft position sensor do?
It monitors the rotational speed and position of the crankshaft using a toothed reluctor ring. The ECU uses this data to precisely time fuel injection and ignition events. It is one of the most critical engine sensors.
Why does my car stall when warm with P0335?
Heat-related stalling is a classic symptom of a failing crankshaft position sensor. As the sensor heats up, internal components expand and lose their ability to generate a clean signal. The engine often restarts after cooling down.
How much does it cost to replace a crankshaft position sensor?
The sensor itself typically costs 20 to 100 EUR. Labour ranges from 50 to 200 EUR depending on the sensor location. On many vehicles it is accessible from underneath or behind the engine, making it a straightforward replacement.
Can I replace the crankshaft position sensor myself?
On many cars it is a moderate DIY job. The sensor is usually held in by one or two bolts. The challenge is access, as it is often located low on the engine block near the starter or behind the crankshaft pulley. You will need a jack and possibly a socket extension.

Read our detailed guides

Sources

  1. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crankshaft_position_sensor
  2. en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renault_K-Type_engine

Before you pay up to €720, check P0335 on your own car

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