Setting the P0336 code
Crankshaft position sensor A Circuit Range/Result.
What code P0336 means
When the 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.
A brief introduction to this system:
- The crankshaft position sensor records the speed of the crankshaft, monitors the engine valves to ensure proper piston operation, and monitors engine operation. The ECM uses the information recorded by the crankshaft to make necessary adjustments to the fuel injection process and ignition timing. When the crankshaft position sensor and ECM work together properly, they control the vehicle’s emission parameters and power output. This mechanism ensures that the vehicle is reliable and has high driving characteristics.
- The crankshaft position sensor consists of two parts: a rotating disk (reluctor) and a stationary sensor. Most crankshaft position sensors have a sensor with a voltage wire, a ground wire, and a signal wire. These three sensor wires work together to provide a rotation 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 ignition timing and fuel injection. When the ECM does not receive the correct signal from the camshaft position sensor and cannot determine how to make the necessary adjustments, it records the fault code P0336.
Related OBD-II Trouble Codes:
- P0335 OBD-II trouble code: [Awaria obwodu A czujnika położenia wału korbowego].
- P0337 OBD-II Fault 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 code P0336?
- The reluctor wheel is damaged, cracked, or has worn teeth.
- The crankshaft position sensor magnet chips have jammed in the sensor or the reluctor wheel.
- Wires and circuits are burnt or shorted
- Shorted crankshaft position sensor wiring.
- Crankshaft position sensor connector defective or corroded.
- Engine misfire
- Crankshaft position sensor defective
- Camshaft position sensor defective
- ECM defective
What are the symptoms of code P0336?
- The check engine light comes on
- One or more cylinders may be failing
- The car may have difficulty accelerating
- The car may start incorrectly or not start at all
- The engine may vibrate/agitate
- The car may stall or honk
- Fuel leakage
- Fluctuations in speed, throttle and/or idle function
How can a mechanic diagnose the P0336 code?
- Use an OBD-II scanner to get all the trouble codes that have been stored by the ECM.
- Visually inspect the crankshaft position sensor for visible damage.
- Check the wiring for breaks, burns, or shorts. It is also important to make sure that the sensor wires are not too close to the spark plug wires.
- Check the connector for breaks, corrosion, or a loose connector.
- Check the crankshaft wiring harness insulation for damage.
- Check the reluctor wheel for damage (the reluctor wheel must not be loose on the crankshaft).
- Make sure that the reluctor wheel and the top of the crankshaft position sensor have adequate clearance.
- Clear any trouble codes and check to see if they are present again,
- Use a scanner to check the RPM reading (this is done while starting the car).
- If there is no RPM reading, use the scanner to check the signal from the crankshaft position sensor.
- Using a voltmeter (VOM), check the resistance of the crankshaft position sensor wires and the crankshaft position sensor itself (resistance specifications are provided by the manufacturer).
- Check the crankshaft position sensor and its wiring – since the crankshaft and crankshaft work together, a defective crankshaft position sensor and/or crankshaft position sensor wiring may affect the operation of the crankshaft position sensor.
- If there is an engine misfire, diagnose and repair it.
- If all diagnostic tests do not resolve the problem with the crankshaft position sensor, there is a rare possibility of a problem with the ECM.
Most common errors in diagnosing the P0336 code
There are several mistakes that are often made when diagnosing trouble code P0336, but the most common is to replace the crankshaft position sensor without considering other possible solutions.
The crankshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor work closely together, which is why it is common to replace the crankshaft position sensor when the real problem is damage to the crankshaft position sensor.
Before replacing the crankshaft position sensor, you should also consider the possibility of an ignition or engine wiring problem. Considering these items will save you 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, if the problem with the crankshaft position sensor is not resolved for a long time, other engine components can be damaged. For this reason, error code P0336 is considered to be serious.
What repairs can clear the P0336 code?
- Replacement of a defective reluctance wheel.
- Repair or replacement of damaged crankshaft position sensor circuit or wiring harness.
- Repair or replace damaged or corroded crankshaft position sensor connector.
- Repair or replace crankshaft position sensor wiring harness
- Repair of engine misfire, if necessary
- Replacement of a defective crankshaft position sensor
- Replacement of a defective camshaft position sensor
- ECM replacement or reprogramming
Additional notes to consider the P0336 code
A damaged crankshaft should be replaced as soon as possible. Failure to do so over an extended period of time may cause damage to other engine components. When replacing the crankshaft position sensor, it is recommended that original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts be used.
Carefully check the reluctor wheel for damage, as it is often overlooked as the cause of fault code P0336. It is also important to remember that a failing motor can also be responsible for causing this code.
