Powertrain, generic · Ignition system or misfire

P0338 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modePossible

By its J2012 name P0338 means the crankshaft position signal stays at a high level – signal wire shorted to supply, or an open signal output that the module's pull-up holds high on a Hall sensor. GM 2014–2019 and Ford do not use the code. GM's Global A engines in the Saab 9-5 (2010/11) and 9-4X define it as a high duty cycle, i.e. too many pulses or teeth between the reference gaps: on the 2.8 turbo V6 (LAU) a deviation of more than 8 teeth, checked once per revolution and set in the first trip; on the 1.6 (LLU) more than 200 reference pulses in 10 revolutions, and on the 2.0 turbo (LDK) a large tooth deviation over 4 revolutions, both after two trips. Behind this are usually interference pulses or a gap that is not recognised. Result: misfire, stalling, limp mode.

Likely causes

Signal wire shorted to supply or open (pull-up holds the level high)
Interference pulses from poor ground or shielding
Crankshaft position sensor faulty
Tone wheel damaged or dirty (gap not recognised)

Symptoms

  • Misfire, jerking
  • Engine stalls or starts poorly
  • Limp mode
  • Check engine light on

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€60–400
Time0.5–3 h

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

Parts involved

crankshaft position sensorcrankshaft tone wheelsensor wiringengine control module

Related codes

P0335P0336P0337P0339

References: saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com, saabwisonline.com, law.cornell.edu.