Powertrain, generic (extended)

P2C36 Crankcase Pressure Sensor B Circuit Intermittent/Erratic

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

P2C36 covers a crankcase pressure sensor B signal that drops out briefly or jumps faster than real crankcase pressure can change, while staying mostly inside its electrical range. That pattern points to a contact that opens for moments, a wire chafing on the engine, moisture in the plug or a sensor failing internally. No manufacturer documents P2C36 publicly: Maserati's bulletin on the blow-by sensor lists only P2C33–P2C35 for sensor B, and Ford's gasoline summary has no erratic code for its sensor A either, whose counterpart would be P051E. The description therefore rests on CARB, which requires inputs used by monitors to be checked for circuit faults and plausibility. A shake test of the harness while watching live data is the usual way to find the cause.

Likely causes

Loose or fretting contacts at the sensor or an intermediate connector
Wire rubbing on engine parts and shorting briefly
Moisture or oil in the connector
Sensor with intermittent internal fault

Symptoms

  • MIL that may come and go
  • Erratic crankcase pressure value in live data
  • Usually no driveability change

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumDIY possible
Parts and labour€50–400
Time0.5–2.5 h

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

Parts involved

crankcase pressure sensor bwiring harnessecm

Related codes

P2C32P2C33P2C34P2C35P051E

References: law.cornell.edu, static.nhtsa.gov, fordservicecontent.com.