What does code P0336 mean?

P0336 means the crankshaft position signal reaching the engine computer is outside what it expects, for example missing or extra pulses, even though a signal is present. The computer needs that signal to time spark and fuel, so the engine can misfire, stall or fail to start.

What is the difference between P0335 and P0336?

P0335 is a circuit fault where the crankshaft signal is lost or unusable. P0336 is a range or performance fault where a signal exists but does not look right. P0336 is therefore more likely to involve a loose sensor, a damaged toothed wheel or a timing fault, not only a failed sensor.

Can I drive with a P0336 code?

It is not advisable. An unreliable crankshaft signal can make the engine stall without warning, which also takes away power assistance for steering and brakes. If it stalls or runs very badly, do not drive it and arrange a tow.

The usual causes are a failing crankshaft position sensor, damaged or oily wiring and connectors, a sensor that has come loose, and a damaged or dirty toothed wheel. Less often the cause is a worn timing chain or belt, or a fault in the engine computer.

How much does it cost to fix P0336?

A new crankshaft position sensor costs roughly 20 to 100 EUR plus 50 to 200 EUR labour. Wiring repairs are usually cheaper. Replacing a damaged toothed wheel costs more, roughly 230 to 720 EUR in total, because it takes more dismantling.

Will replacing the sensor clear P0336?

Only if the sensor was the cause. If the wiring, mounting or toothed wheel is the problem, a new sensor will not help. Check those first, then clear the code and confirm on a road test that it stays away.

P0336: Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance

Quick Answer

Not safe to drive

P0336 means the engine computer is getting a crankshaft position signal, but the signal does not match what it expects, for example pulses that are missing, extra or out of step. The crankshaft signal is what the computer uses to time spark and fuel injection. Unlike P0335, where the signal is simply lost, P0336 often points to a loose sensor, a damaged toothed wheel or a timing problem as well as to the sensor itself.

Severity: Critical · Ignition
Estimated repair cost: From €45 to €1500+, varies by vehicle

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What does P0336 mean?

P0336 is a ignition-related diagnostic trouble code classified as critical severity. When your vehicle's ECU detects this condition, it stores P0336 and illuminates the check engine light.

Where it is on the car

Crankshaft sprocket and position sensor
Timing chain or belt
Camshaft sprockets with VVT phasers
Camshaft position sensor
VVT oil control solenoid

What are the symptoms of P0336?

If your vehicle has triggered P0336, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:

Check engine light on
Rough running, hesitation or misfires
Engine stalls while driving or at idle
Long cranking or no start
Reduced power or limp mode on some cars
Tachometer jumping or reading zero

What causes P0336?

Here are the most common causes of P0336:

Failing crankshaft position sensor
: high
Damaged wiring or a corroded, oily or loose connector at the sensor
: medium
Sensor loose in its mounting, or a damaged sensor O-ring, which changes the gap to the toothed wheel
: medium
Damaged or dirty reluctor (toothed) wheel on the crankshaft
: medium
Worn timing chain, tensioner or sprockets, which some factory procedures inspect for this code
: low
Engine control unit fault (rare)
: low

Is it safe to drive with P0336?

No - address this immediately. The engine computer sees a crankshaft signal that is present but wrong, for example missing or extra pulses. The engine can run badly, stall without warning or refuse to restart. Do not drive it in traffic or at speed; have it checked first, and arrange a tow if it stalls.

How do you diagnose P0336?

Follow these steps to pinpoint the root cause of P0336:

Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data. Check for P0335, P0016 or misfire codes alongside P0336, because they change where to look first
Check that the sensor is firmly bolted in, that its O-ring is intact and that no oil or metal debris is on the tip
Inspect the connector and the wiring to the engine computer for oil soaking, corrosion, chafing and heat damage, and check the pins are not pushed back
Check the supply voltage, ground and signal at the sensor against the manufacturer specification. A generic OBD2 reader shows engine speed but not the tooth pattern itself; seeing missing or extra pulses needs an oscilloscope
Inspect the toothed wheel on the crankshaft for damaged or missing teeth and for metal debris
If the sensor, wiring and wheel are good, check the timing chain or belt, tensioner and sprockets for wear, and check for metal debris in the oil
Clear the code and road-test, and confirm it does not return before treating the job as done

How much does P0336 cost to fix?

Repair costs for P0336 vary depending on the root cause and your vehicle. Here are typical estimates:

Repair	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate	DIY Difficulty
Replace crankshaft position sensor	€20–€100	€50–€200	€70–€300	Moderate
Repair wiring or connector to sensor	€10–€50	€60–€180	€70–€230	Moderate
Refit sensor and replace O-ring or mounting bolt	€5–€30	€40–€120	€45–€150	Moderate
Replace reluctor ring (tone wheel)	€30–€120	€200–€600	€230–€720	Professional
Replace engine control unit with programming	€400–€1200	€100–€300	€500–€1500	Professional

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

P0336 on specific vehicles

P0336 behaves differently depending on your vehicle. Select your car below for model-specific causes and known issues:

P0336 on Audi

Audi A6

See Audi-specific causes & cost

P0336 on Saab

Saab 9-5

See Saab-specific causes & cost

These codes are often seen alongside P0336 or indicate related issues:

Common questions about P0336

What does code P0336 mean?: P0336 means the crankshaft position signal reaching the engine computer is outside what it expects, for example missing or extra pulses, even though a signal is present. The computer needs that signal to time spark and fuel, so the engine can misfire, stall or fail to start.
What is the difference between P0335 and P0336?: P0335 is a circuit fault where the crankshaft signal is lost or unusable. P0336 is a range or performance fault where a signal exists but does not look right. P0336 is therefore more likely to involve a loose sensor, a damaged toothed wheel or a timing fault, not only a failed sensor.
Can I drive with a P0336 code?: It is not advisable. An unreliable crankshaft signal can make the engine stall without warning, which also takes away power assistance for steering and brakes. If it stalls or runs very badly, do not drive it and arrange a tow.
What causes P0336?: The usual causes are a failing crankshaft position sensor, damaged or oily wiring and connectors, a sensor that has come loose, and a damaged or dirty toothed wheel. Less often the cause is a worn timing chain or belt, or a fault in the engine computer.
How much does it cost to fix P0336?: A new crankshaft position sensor costs roughly 20 to 100 EUR plus 50 to 200 EUR labour. Wiring repairs are usually cheaper. Replacing a damaged toothed wheel costs more, roughly 230 to 720 EUR in total, because it takes more dismantling.
Will replacing the sensor clear P0336?: Only if the sensor was the cause. If the wiring, mounting or toothed wheel is the problem, a new sensor will not help. Check those first, then clear the code and confirm on a road test that it stays away.

Read our detailed guides

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