P0336
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
Ignition / crankshaft position
Generic OBD-II
High
What it means
P0336 means the crankshaft position sensor's signal is present but erratic or out of the expected range. The ECM relies on this signal for timing and RPM, so a bad one can cause intermittent stalling, hard starts, or a no-start. A faulty sensor or damaged wiring is the usual cause, though a chipped reluctor ring can also trigger it.
High
Can I keep driving? Risky — a crank-sensor performance fault can cause intermittent stalling, hard starts, or a no-start, sometimes without warning; drive as little as possible until it's fixed.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on
- Intermittent stalling or a hard start / no-start
- Rough running, hesitation, or surging
- Tachometer drops or reads erratically
Common causes
Most likely first
- Faulty crankshaft position sensorLikely
- Damaged or corroded wiring/connector at the sensorCommon
- Damaged reluctor (tone) ring or debris on itCommon
- Incorrect sensor air gapLess often
- Faulty ECM (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Read freeze-frame data and inspect the sensor connector and wiring for damage or corrosion.
- Check the sensor mounting and air gap, and look for metal debris on the reluctor ring.
- Test the sensor's signal with a scan tool or scope while cranking.
- Inspect the reluctor/tone ring for damaged teeth.
- Replace the crank position sensor if it tests faulty; clear and re-test.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0336?+
Not really. A failing crank sensor can stall the engine or prevent it from starting at any moment, which is unsafe in traffic. Fix it promptly.
Can I just clear P0336?+
It returns while the sensor or wiring is faulty. Clearing may briefly restore a start, but the underlying signal problem must be repaired.
Related codes
Often seen with P0336
Read & clear P0336 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.
✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX