What it means
The CKP signal is present but inconsistent with engine RPM, or pulse counts deviate from the reluctor's expected pattern. Often points to a damaged tooth on the reluctor or an air gap that has changed.
At a glance
- Usually lights the check-engine light
- Affects emissions; the car can fail an emissions test
How it works
Crankshaft position sensor A reports crankshaft rotation and position so the controller can coordinate ignition and fuel injection. P0336 sets when the signal is present but its pulse pattern or timing does not match the expected crankshaft speed and reluctor pattern, which can result from a damaged tone wheel, incorrect sensor gap, or an intermittent sensor.
Common causes
Most likely first.
- Sensor intermittent (often heat-related)
- Reluctor tooth damaged
- Sensor air gap incorrect
Symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Hard starting or stalling
- Rough running or hesitation
How to diagnose it
- Check freeze-frame data, engine-speed readings during cranking, and related codes to see whether the crank signal becomes inconsistent at startup, when hot, or while running.
- Inspect sensor A's connector and wiring for damage, poor connections, or heat-related deterioration.
- Check the reluctor or tone wheel for damaged teeth, contamination, or visible movement if it can be inspected safely and access permits.
- Verify sensor mounting and air gap using the manufacturer's procedure and specification.
- Test sensor A's output while cranking or running with the manufacturer's specified method to distinguish a sensor fault from a reluctor or gap problem.
Common fixes
- Repair a damaged or loose crankshaft sensor A connector or harness.
- Clean contamination from an accessible tone wheel or repair a damaged reluctor as specified by the manufacturer.
- Correct sensor A's mounting or air gap to the manufacturer's specification.
- Replace sensor A if its signal fails the specified test.
Can I keep driving?
The engine may be hard to start or stall without warning, so avoid long trips, heavy traffic, and situations where a stall would be dangerous. If it repeatedly stalls or will not restart reliably, do not continue driving.
A code shows where the control module detected a fault, not always which part failed. Check the causes in order and confirm with a test before replacing parts. Have several codes? Check them together
This is a generic code: it means the same on every make. The car’s maker may add more detail in its own service information.