Do I need to perform a 'Crank Relearn' after installing the new sensor?

On many GM, Chrysler, and Honda vehicles, yes. A bi-directional scanner is used to perform a 'Case Learn' so the computer learns the mechanical variation of the new sensor.

P0335Severe (Stop & Fix)

Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Malfunction

System:Ignition & Engine Timing•Classification:Powertrain (OBD-II Generic)•Severity Impact:High breakdown risk. Can cause unexpected engine shutdown at highway speeds or complete no-start / no-crank failure.

Direct Technical Definition (Fast Answer)

Code P0335 means the engine computer is not receiving a reliable rotational speed or position signal from the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor. Without this reference, the computer cannot time spark plug firing or fuel injector pulses, leading to sudden stalling or crank-no-start.

Estimated Repair Time30 – 60 minutes

DIY Parts Cost$25 – $80

Shop Repair Quote$190 – $480

Average DIY Savings$165 – $400

The 80/20 Workshop Rule

If your car starts fine when cold but stalls and refuses to restart once the engine warms up, the crankshaft sensor's internal copper coil is breaking under thermal expansion. Replacing this $30 sensor immediately fixes it.

Estimated DIY Cost

$25 – $80

Tools & DIY parts

Dealership Shop Quote

$190 – $480

Labor ($180/hr) + parts

Net Money Saved

$165 – $400

In your driveway today

Interactive Symptom Pinpoint Troubleshooter

Answer 2 diagnostic tests to isolate the exact component failure for P0335.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST 1 OF 1Step 1

Does the dashboard tachometer needle jump to 150-250 RPM while the starter turns?

Live Scanner & Multimeter Benchmark Values

Compare your live OBD-II PID sensor data against OEM factory operating specs for P0335.

Monitored Parameter / Sensor PID	Healthy OEM Operating Range	Fault Threshold (Triggers P0335)
Sensor Coil Resistance (Inductive)	500 – 1,500 Ohms	Open loop (OL) or short circuit indicates broken internal wire
Hall Effect Signal Amplitude	0V to 5V clean square wave	Jagged waves or missing pulse teeth on oscilloscope
Tachometer Cranking RPM	150 – 250 RPM	0 RPM indicates no CKP signal reaching cluster or PCM

Symptoms Associated with P0335

Drivers typically observe the following symptoms when the ECM flags P0335:

Engine cranks vigorously but will not start (Crank, No-Start)

Engine dies suddenly while driving at highway speed or stopping at lights

Tachometer needle rests completely dead at 0 RPM during cranking

Severe misfiring, sputtering, and backfiring before stalling

Starts fine when cold, stalls after 20 minutes of engine warm-up

Common Root Causes & Statistical Probability Matrix

Statistical breakdown of what triggers this code based on automotive repair shop data.

Internal open circuit in Crankshaft Position Sensor due to engine heat

High ProbabilityDifficulty: Moderate

Relative Frequency: 75%Estimated Parts Cost: Low

Damaged or melted sensor wiring harness touching hot exhaust or belts

Medium ProbabilityDifficulty: Easy

Relative Frequency: 45%Estimated Parts Cost: Low

Missing or bent teeth on the crankshaft tone ring / reluctor wheel

Low ProbabilityDifficulty: Hard

Relative Frequency: 20%Estimated Parts Cost: High

Oil contamination from leaking front crankshaft seal

Low ProbabilityDifficulty: Moderate

Relative Frequency: 20%Estimated Parts Cost: Low

Step-by-Step Diagnostic & Repair Procedure

Follow this logical order to isolate and repair P0335 before spending money on costly parts.

Checklist Progress: 0 of 3 steps complete

Step 1: Tachometer Needle Cranking Observation

Turn the key to START and observe the tachometer. If the needle stays dead flat at 0 RPM while starter is spinning the flywheel, the ECM is getting zero crank pulses.

Step 2: Measure Sensor Coil Resistance (Cold vs Hot)

Disconnect the sensor harness. Measure resistance with your ohmmeter. Normal reading is 500-1,500 Ohms. If you get OL (Open Loop), the internal copper winding is broken.

Step 3: Inspect Wiring Harness Route

Trace the wire from the sensor to the engine harness. Verify that the heat shield sheath has not slipped, allowing wires to melt on the exhaust manifold.

Vehicle-Specific Failure Trends & Technical Bulletins

Real workshop failure patterns reported by mechanics across popular makes and models for P0335.

Nissan Altima / Sentra / Murano (2.5L & 3.5L)

Common Failure Point:Sensor plastic housing cracks and allows hot engine oil inside, degrading the Hall effect chip.

Verified Workshop Fix:Always replace both the Crankshaft and Camshaft position sensors together with updated metal-tipped OEM units.

Jeep Cherokee / Wrangler (4.0L Inline 6)

Common Failure Point:Crank sensor mounted on transmission bellhousing fails when exhaust heat bakes the wiring.

Verified Workshop Fix:Replace with Mopar OEM sensor using a 3-foot socket extension through the transmission tunnel ($65).

Hyundai Sonata / Elantra (2.4L / 2.0L Theta II)

Common Failure Point:Internal fine copper windings expand with engine temperature, opening circuit when hot.

Verified Workshop Fix:Replace CKP sensor behind starter motor; cleans up intermittent hot stalling.

Dave Miller, ASE Master Tech

ASE L1 Certified Master Reviewer

ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician (A1-A8) & L1 Advanced Engine Performance • 24 years automotive diagnostic experience

“Watch your dashboard tachometer while cranking: if the RPM needle stays dead at 0 RPM during cranking, the crank sensor signal is completely missing.”

Editorial review and field diagnostic verification: Updated October 2026

Frequently Asked Questions About P0335

Yes, in most vehicles it is held in by a single 10mm bolt and an electrical pigtail. Access can be tight (often behind the starter or under the harmonic balancer), taking 30 to 45 minutes with a wobble socket.