Ignition & misfire · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0336: Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance
P0336 means the crankshaft position sensor "A" signal is present but erratic, incorrect, or does not match what the engine computer expects from the crankshaft's rotation.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0336 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) expects a specific pattern of pulses from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor each revolution, including a reference gap. If pulses are missing, extra, or do not align with the camshaft signal, P0336 sets. Tolerances are manufacturer-specific.
Common causes of P0336
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Damaged, cracked, or debris-covered reluctor ring
- Failing crankshaft position sensor
- Intermittent wiring or connector problems
- Electrical interference from ignition components
- Incorrect sensor air gap or installation
- Slipped harmonic balancer on engines with a balancer-mounted trigger
P0336 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Stalling or hesitation
- Hard starting
- Misfire
- Erratic tachometer
How P0336 is diagnosed
- Check freeze frame data and related cam or crank codes.
- Inspect wiring for damage or routing near ignition coils.
- Inspect the sensor tip for metal debris.
- Capture the CKP and camshaft signals on an oscilloscope to check the pattern.
- Inspect the reluctor ring or harmonic balancer for damage or slippage.
Typical fixes for P0336
- Clean or replace the crankshaft position sensor
- Repair wiring or reroute away from interference
- Replace a damaged reluctor ring or harmonic balancer
- Perform a crankshaft variation relearn if required
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Related codes & warning lights
P0336 FAQ
What does code P0336 mean?
P0336 means the crankshaft position sensor "A" signal is present but erratic, incorrect, or does not match what the engine computer expects from the crankshaft's rotation. The standard definition is "Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance."
Can I drive with a P0336 code?
Only with caution. An unstable crankshaft signal can cause stalling, misfires, or a no-start, so limit driving and get it diagnosed promptly.
Can metal debris cause P0336?
Yes. Magnetic crankshaft sensors can collect metal particles that distort the signal, so inspecting and cleaning the sensor tip is a useful early step.
How is P0336 different from P0335?
P0335 usually means no signal or an electrical fault, while P0336 means the signal exists but is erratic or wrong.
Keep researching
Engine guides by brand (known issues, specs)
More ignition & misfire codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.