Error P0336 – how to fix?

Code Definition P0336

Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range / Result

What does the code P0336 mean

When diagnostic error code P0336 is stored in the engine control module (ECM), it indicates that the crankshaft position sensor circuit “A” has a range / performance error.

Brief introduction to this system:

• A crankshaft position sensor registers the speed of rotation of the crankshaft, monitors the engine valves to ensure the pistons are operating correctly, and monitors the operation of the engine. The ECM uses information recorded by the crankshaft to make the necessary adjustments to the fuel injection process and timing of the ignition. When the crankshaft position sensor and the ECM work properly together, they control the vehicle’s emissions parameters and power output. Thanks to this mechanism, the vehicle is reliable and has high driving characteristics.
• The crankshaft position sensor consists of two parts: a rotating wheel (reluctor) and a fixed sensor. Most crankshaft position sensors have a sensor with a tension wire, a ground wire, and a signal wire. The three sensor wires work together to provide the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) signal to the ECM.
• With this information, as well as information received from the camshaft position sensor, the ECM can determine how to adjust the ignition timing and fuel injection. When the ECM is not receiving a valid signal from the crankshaft position sensor and cannot determine how to make the necessary adjustments, it records trouble code P0336.

Related OBD-II trouble codes:

• P0335 OBD-II trouble code: [Awaria obwodu A czujnika położenia wału korbowego].
• P0337 OBD-II trouble code: [Obwód czujnika położenia wału korbowego A, niskie wejście].
• P0338 OBD-II error code: [obwód czujnika położenia wału korbowego A, wysokie wejście] P0338 OBD-II error code: [czujnik położenia wału korbowego A, niskie wejście].
• P0339 OBD-II error code: [przerywany obwód czujnika położenia wału korbowego A].

What causes the code P0336?

• Reluctor wheel is damaged, cracked, or has worn teeth.
• Chip from the crankshaft position sensor magnet is stuck in the sensor or reluctor wheel.
• Wires and circuits burnt or shorted
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Harness Shorted.
• Damaged or corroded crankshaft position sensor connector.
• Engine misfire
• Faulty crankshaft position sensor
• Camshaft position sensor defective
• Faulty ECM

What are the symptoms of the P0336 code?

• The engine light comes on
• One or more cylinders may fail
• The car may hardly accelerate
• The car may not start correctly or may not start at all
• The engine may vibrate / impact
• The car may stand still or honk
• Fuel leak
• Fluctuations in speed, throttle and / or idle functions

How can a mechanic diagnose the P0336 code?

• Use the OBD-II Scanner to get all the trouble codes that have been saved by the ECM.
• Visually inspect the crankshaft position sensor for any visible damage.
• Check the wiring for openings, burns, or short circuits. It is also important to make sure the sensor wires are not too close to the spark plug wires.
• Inspect the connector for gaps, corrosion, or a loose connector.
• Inspect the crankshaft harness insulation for damage.
• Inspect the reluctor wheel for damage (reluctor wheel must not be loose on crankshaft).
• Make sure the reluctor wheel and the top of the crankshaft position sensor have the correct clearance.
• Erase any fault codes and check that they are present again,
• Use a scanner to check the RPM reading (this is done when the car is started).
• If the RPM is not read, check the signal of the crankshaft position sensor with a scan tool.
• Use a voltmeter (VOM) to check the resistance of the wires for the crankshaft position sensor and the crankshaft position sensor itself (resistance specifications are provided by the manufacturer).
• Check the camshaft position sensor and its wiring – as the crankshaft and camshaft are mating together, a damaged camshaft position sensor and / or the camshaft position sensor wiring could affect the operation of the crankshaft position sensor.
• If there is a misfire in the engine, it must be diagnosed and repaired.
• If all the diagnostic tests do not resolve the problem with the crankshaft position sensor, there is a rare possibility of a problem with the ECM.

The most common errors when diagnosing the P0336 code

There are several errors that are often made when diagnosing fault code P0336, but the most common one is replacing the crankshaft position sensor without considering other possible solutions.

The crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor work closely together and therefore it is not uncommon for the crankshaft position sensor to be replaced when the real problem is damage to the camshaft position sensor.

Before replacing the crankshaft position sensor, you should also consider the possibility of a problem with the engine ignition or the wiring. Taking these elements into account will save a lot of time and avoid misdiagnosis.

How serious is the P0336 code?

A vehicle with this fault code is unreliable as it may have difficulty starting or may not start at all.

In addition, other engine components may be damaged if the problem with the crankshaft position sensor is not resolved for an extended period of time. For this reason, error code P0336 is considered serious.

What repairs can remove the P0336 code?

1. Replace a damaged reluctance wheel.
2. Repair or replacement of a damaged crankshaft position sensor circuit or wiring.
3. Repair or replacement of a damaged or corroded connector of the crankshaft position sensor
4. Repair or replacement of the wiring harness of the crankshaft position sensor
5. Repair the engine misfire as needed
6. Replacing a damaged crankshaft position sensor
7. Replacing a damaged camshaft position sensor
8. ECM replacement or reprogramming

Additional considerations to consider the P0336 code

Replace a damaged crankshaft as soon as possible. Failure to do so for an extended period of time could damage other engine components. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are recommended for use when replacing the crankshaft position sensor.

Carefully inspect the reluctor wheel for damage as it is often overlooked as the cause of the P0336 fault. It’s also important to note that an engine misfire could also be responsible for causing this code.