P0336 on Saab: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost

Quick Answer

Not safe to drive

P0336 on a Saab 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
Typical repair cost, all makes: €45-€1500

Connect a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone) to your Saab and Skanyx tells you what P0336 means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.

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What does P0336 mean on a Saab?

The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the Saab models that log P0336.

Saab 9-5

2010-2012

On the 2.0 litre turbo petrol, Saab's factory procedure says the sensor reads a 58-tooth wheel on the crankshaft and P0336 sets when the engine computer counts fewer than 51 or more than 65 pulses per revolution. After checking the 5 V reference, signal and ground circuits, it has the sensor and its O-ring inspected for damage, then the engine oil for debris, the reluctor wheel for damage and the timing chain, tensioner and sprockets for wear.

What causes P0336 on a Saab?

Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0336 page, these are the patterns noted for Saab models:

Damaged sensor or O-ring
: Saab 9-5
Damaged reluctor wheel or debris in the engine oil
: Saab 9-5
Worn timing chain, tensioner or sprockets
: Saab 9-5

How to diagnose P0336 on a Saab with OBD2

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 on a Saab? (EUR)

Estimated repair costs for P0336 in EUR, compiled across makes. Expect Saab parts and labour towards the upper end of each range.

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.

These codes are often seen alongside P0336 or point to related issues, on any make:

Looking for the full P0336 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)? See the main P0336 guide

Diagnose P0336 on your Saab

Your car logged P0336. Skanyx reads it on a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone), tells you whether it is safe to keep driving, and shows the €45-€1500 repair range so you know the number before a shop quotes you. Free on iPhone and Android, and you do not need to be a mechanic to read it.