Powertrain, generic · Ignition system or misfire

P0336 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

P0336 means the crankshaft position sensor delivers pulses, but their pattern is implausible: the reference gap is missing or in the wrong place, the number of teeth between the gaps is wrong (58 on a 60-2 wheel) or the module keeps losing synchronisation. GM sets it after at least 4 resynchronisations in under 5 s, a gap not found within 0.4 s running or 1.5 s cranking, or a wrong tooth count in 8 of 10 revolutions, after two trips. Ford's 2023 diesel sets it when the gap of the 60-2 wheel is not recognised for 3 revolutions; GM's LML diesel uses a fault counter over tooth times. Ford petrol engines use P0320 or P0339 for the same checks. Result: misfire, jerking, brief cut-outs while the module resynchronises, and misfire detection is suspended.

Likely causes

Tone wheel damaged, bent, loose or teeth clogged with chips
Sensor signal weak or noisy (air gap, ageing)
Interference, poor ground or shielding
Wrong tone wheel or flywheel fitted after a repair
Loose contact in the connector

Symptoms

  • Misfire, jerking, rough running
  • Engine stalls sporadically
  • Hard starting
  • Check engine light on, misfire codes may be added

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€60–600
Time0.5–4 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

What to check first

  1. Wiggle-test the wiring
  2. Inspect the reluctor ring
  3. Replace sensor if faulty

Parts involved

crankshaft position sensorcrankshaft tone wheelsensor wiringengine control module

Related codes

P0335P0339P0315P0016P0300

References: gsi.ext.gm.com, gsi.ext.gm.com, fordservicecontent.com, saabwisonline.com.