P1336: Crankshaft Position System Variation Not Learned (GM); Crank/Cam Sensor Range/Performance (Ford)
Quick Answer
Safe to drive (short-term)
P1336 is a manufacturer-specific code, so its meaning depends on the make. On GM cars it means the engine computer has no stored crankshaft position variation values, which it needs to detect misfires without false alarms. Ford code lists describe it as a crank or cam sensor range or performance fault. Other makes may define it differently, so confirm the definition for your car.
- Severity
- Moderate · Ignition
- Estimated repair cost
- From €30 to €5000+, varies by vehicle
€30 or €5000, depending on your car.
- Run the crankshaft variation relearn with a scan tool (GM)€30–€100
- Timing belt kit, or timing chain job (a chain on a V6 or V8 is the top of the range)€300–€5000
A scan shows whether P1336 is really stored on your car, which codes sit next to it and how urgent each one is.
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 P1336 mean?
P1336 is a ignition-related diagnostic trouble code classified as moderate severity.
What are the symptoms of P1336?
- Check engine light on
- Engine stalls, or dies shortly after starting
- Hard start or long cranking
- Rough idle or hesitation
- Code returns soon after clearing, even after a sensor swap
- Code appears right after a computer replacement or sensor replacement (GM meaning)
- Misfire codes stored with it
What causes P1336?
GM: crankshaft variation relearn not done after a crankshaft sensor, computer or engine repair
: high
GM: powertrain control module or distributor replaced or reprogrammed without the relearn and a position check
: high
Ford: camshaft sensor or synchronizer out of position
: medium
Faulty crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, or damaged wiring and connectors
: medium
Damaged or dirty crankshaft reluctor or target wheel
: low
Timing belt or chain out of step with the crankshaft
: low
Engine computer fault (rare)
: low
Is it safe to drive with P1336?
Generally yes, for short-term driving. If the engine runs normally and the light is steady, a short drive to a workshop is acceptable. If the engine stalls, hesitates, starts badly or the light flashes, do not drive: a stall in traffic is a safety risk, and misfires can damage the catalytic converter. On a GM car, the car may drive fine but misfire detection is not working properly until the relearn is done.
How do you diagnose P1336?
- Work out which definition applies. On a GM car, the first question is whether the crankshaft sensor, computer or engine was replaced or reprogrammed recently
- Read all codes and the freeze frame. Note misfire codes and any cam or crank sensor codes stored with P1336
- On a GM car, have a workshop with a scan tool that supports the crankshaft variation relearn run it; the tool guides the conditions for your engine. A generic reader cannot run it. On engines with a distributor, check its position first
- Inspect the crankshaft and camshaft sensor connectors and wiring for damage, oil, corrosion and loose pins
- On a Ford fitted with a camshaft synchronizer (the 3.0 and 4.0 V6 Ranger family, for example), check that the camshaft sensor is set to cylinder 1 as Ford's procedure describes, since the position matters after any work on it
- Check the reluctor or target wheel and the timing drive if the sensors and wiring are good
- Clear the code and test drive. If it returns after a sensor swap, look again at the relearn, the wiring and the timing before buying more parts
How much does P1336 cost to fix?
| Repair | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimate | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Run the crankshaft variation relearn with a scan tool (GM) | €0–€0 | €30–€100 | €30–€100 | Professional |
| Replace crankshaft position sensor | €20–€100 | €50–€200 | €70–€300 | Moderate |
| Replace camshaft position sensor | €25–€120 | €40–€150 | €65–€270 | Moderate |
| Repair wiring or replace the connector pigtail | €10–€50 | €60–€180 | €70–€230 | Moderate |
| Replace camshaft synchronizer assembly (wide range) | €60–€250 | €100–€300 | €160–€550 | Professional |
| Timing belt kit, or timing chain job (a chain on a V6 or V8 is the top of the range) | €240–€1500 | €60–€3500 | €300–€5000 | Professional |
Prices estimated as of October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
P1336 on specific vehicles
P1336 on Chevrolet
Chevrolet K1500 5.0 V8 (1998)
P1336 on Ford
Ford Ranger 3.0 V6
Related diagnostic codes
Common questions about P1336
- What does P1336 mean?
- It depends on the make. On GM it is crankshaft position system variation not learned, meaning the computer has no stored crankshaft variation values. Ford code lists describe it as a crank or cam sensor range or performance fault.
- What is the crankshaft variation relearn?
- It is a scan tool procedure on GM cars. The engine computer learns small differences in the crankshaft's signal so that it can detect misfires without false alarms. Forum advice for GM trucks is to run it after replacing the computer or crankshaft sensor, and after a distributor change once the distributor position has been checked.
- Can I clear P1336 myself?
- On a GM car, clearing the code does not fix it, because the relearn has still not been done. A generic reader cannot run the relearn, so a workshop with a suitable scan tool is the practical route. On a Ford the cause is a sensor, wiring or position fault that has to be found first.
- Why did P1336 come back after I replaced the sensor?
- A new crankshaft sensor on a GM engine needs the variation relearn, so the code returns until it is done. A computer or distributor swap can set it too. On a Ford, the sensor position or the camshaft synchronizer can be the real fault.
- Is it safe to drive with P1336?
- If the engine runs smoothly and the light is steady, a short trip to a workshop is a reasonable risk. If the engine stalls, hesitates or starts badly, do not drive, because stalling in traffic is dangerous.
- Is P1336 the same as P0336?
- No. P0336 is the generic crankshaft position sensor range or performance code and means the same on every make. P1336 is manufacturer-specific, and its meaning depends on the make.
Read our detailed guides
Sources
- gmt400.com gmt400.com/goto/post?id=1127590
- aa1car.com aa1car.com/trouble-codes/ford_codes_p1300-p1499.htm
- otctools.com otctools.com/products/ford-camshaft-sensor-synchronizer-tool