P0336

Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance

The engine computer is not getting a crankshaft sensor signal that looks correct. This can cause hard starting, stalling, misfires, or no-start problems.

SEV: 4/5
DRIVE: CAUTION
DIY: $20–$150
SHOP: $120–$450

Quick answer

AI-CITATION READY

What it means

P0336 means the powertrain control module detected a crankshaft position sensor A signal that is outside the expected range or not behaving consistently. The PCM uses this signal to calculate engine speed, ignition timing, and fuel injection timing. If the signal is missing, unstable, or incorrect, the PCM may set P0336 and limit engine operation.

Can you drive with it?

With caution. The vehicle may stall, run poorly, or fail to start. Avoid long trips and get it diagnosed soon, especially if the engine is misfiring or cutting out.

Most common causes

Faulty crankshaft position sensor
Damaged wiring, loose connector, or poor terminal contact at the crank sensor
Contaminated sensor tip, metal debris, or excessive gap to the reluctor wheel

Typical repair cost

DIY usually runs $20–$150. Typical shop repair lands around $120–$450, depending on the root cause.

01 / Definition

02 / Drive status

With caution. The vehicle may stall, run poorly, or fail to start. Avoid long trips and get it diagnosed soon, especially if the engine is misfiring or cutting out.

03 / Symptoms

Check engine light
Hard starting
No-start condition
Engine stalling
Rough running or misfires
Poor acceleration
Intermittent loss of power
Tachometer fluctuations or no RPM reading while cranking

04 / Causes

1	Faulty crankshaft position sensor	high
2	Damaged wiring, loose connector, or poor terminal contact at the crank sensor	high
3	Contaminated sensor tip, metal debris, or excessive gap to the reluctor wheel	medium
4	Damaged reluctor wheel or crankshaft tone ring	medium
5	Intermittent power, ground, or reference voltage issue to the sensor	medium
6	Engine mechanical timing problem such as a slipped timing chain or belt	medium
7	Faulty PCM or PCM software issue	low

05 / Diagnostic sequence

01Scan for stored and pending codes, and note any related codes such as misfire or camshaft sensor codes.
02Inspect the crankshaft position sensor wiring, connector, and harness routing for damage, oil intrusion, corrosion, or loose pins.
03Check the sensor supply voltage, ground, and signal circuit with a scan tool and multimeter according to the vehicle service data.
04Inspect the sensor tip and reluctor wheel for debris, physical damage, or incorrect air gap.
05Monitor live crankshaft sensor data while cranking and running to see if the signal drops out or becomes erratic.
06If equipped with a known replaceable sensor, substitute a quality OEM or equivalent sensor if testing points to sensor failure.
07Verify engine mechanical timing if the signal looks abnormal and other ignition/fuel faults are present.
08If all circuits and components test good, check for PCM updates or further manufacturer-specific diagnostics.

06 / Repairs

1	Repair damaged wiring, clean connector terminals, and secure loose connections	$20–$150
2	Replace the crankshaft position sensor with a quality OEM or equivalent part	$50–$250
3	Clean debris from the sensor area and correct the sensor air gap if applicable	$0–$100
4	Replace a damaged reluctor wheel or repair internal engine timing issues	$200–$1,500+
5	Perform PCM reflash, software update, or module replacement only after all other causes are ruled out	$100–$1,200

07 / Related codes

08 / FAQ

Is P0336 usually the crankshaft sensor itself?

Often yes, but wiring, connectors, debris, or a damaged reluctor wheel can cause the same code.

Can P0336 cause a no-start?

Yes. If the PCM cannot read crankshaft position correctly, the engine may not start.

Will clearing the code fix it?

No. The code will usually return if the sensor signal problem is still present.

Should I replace the crank sensor first?

It is often a good first repair if wiring and connector checks are good, but do not replace it before inspecting the harness and connector.

09 / Source and method

DATA BASIS: OBD-II REFERENCE + OBD2.HELP
METHOD: STATIC VALIDATION
SAFETY: INFORMATIONAL

This page combines OBD-II diagnostic reference data with OBD2.help generated diagnostic guidance for code meaning, likely causes, and repair direction.

Publishing uses deterministic schema and build validation, plus manual spot checks on representative pages before release.

Safety-critical diagnosis and repairs should be confirmed with a qualified mechanic, especially when the vehicle is misfiring, overheating, or losing power.

01 / Definition

04 / Causes

Faulty crankshaft position sensor

high

Damaged wiring, loose connector, or poor terminal contact at the crank sensor

high

Contaminated sensor tip, metal debris, or excessive gap to the reluctor wheel

medium

Damaged reluctor wheel or crankshaft tone ring

medium

Intermittent power, ground, or reference voltage issue to the sensor

medium

Engine mechanical timing problem such as a slipped timing chain or belt

medium

Faulty PCM or PCM software issue

low

05 / Diagnostic sequence

01Scan for stored and pending codes, and note any related codes such as misfire or camshaft sensor codes.

02Inspect the crankshaft position sensor wiring, connector, and harness routing for damage, oil intrusion, corrosion, or loose pins.

03Check the sensor supply voltage, ground, and signal circuit with a scan tool and multimeter according to the vehicle service data.

04Inspect the sensor tip and reluctor wheel for debris, physical damage, or incorrect air gap.

05Monitor live crankshaft sensor data while cranking and running to see if the signal drops out or becomes erratic.

06If equipped with a known replaceable sensor, substitute a quality OEM or equivalent sensor if testing points to sensor failure.

07Verify engine mechanical timing if the signal looks abnormal and other ignition/fuel faults are present.

08If all circuits and components test good, check for PCM updates or further manufacturer-specific diagnostics.

06 / Repairs

Repair damaged wiring, clean connector terminals, and secure loose connections

$20–$150

Replace the crankshaft position sensor with a quality OEM or equivalent part

$50–$250

Clean debris from the sensor area and correct the sensor air gap if applicable

$0–$100

Replace a damaged reluctor wheel or repair internal engine timing issues

$200–$1,500+

Perform PCM reflash, software update, or module replacement only after all other causes are ruled out

$100–$1,200

08 / FAQ

Is P0336 usually the crankshaft sensor itself?

Often yes, but wiring, connectors, debris, or a damaged reluctor wheel can cause the same code.

Can P0336 cause a no-start?

Yes. If the PCM cannot read crankshaft position correctly, the engine may not start.

Will clearing the code fix it?

No. The code will usually return if the sensor signal problem is still present.

Should I replace the crank sensor first?

It is often a good first repair if wiring and connector checks are good, but do not replace it before inspecting the harness and connector.

09 / Source and method

DATA BASIS: OBD-II REFERENCE + OBD2.HELP
METHOD: STATIC VALIDATION
SAFETY: INFORMATIONAL

This page combines OBD-II diagnostic reference data with OBD2.help generated diagnostic guidance for code meaning, likely causes, and repair direction.

Publishing uses deterministic schema and build validation, plus manual spot checks on representative pages before release.

Safety-critical diagnosis and repairs should be confirmed with a qualified mechanic, especially when the vehicle is misfiring, overheating, or losing power.