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    P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor A - UAE

    What does this OBD II code mean? 

    This generic OBD2 code is set when the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) senses that the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) signal is not present or its pulse is abnormal.
    This particular code is pointing out the bank 1, in other words, the bank of cylinders containing cylinder #1. 

    Why does this OBD II code appear?

    In the vast majority of vehicles, the CKP sensor is used to control the spark timing and also measuring the engine RPM output. Generally speaking, most CKP sensors are based in the hall effect principle consisting in a trigger wheel (most of the times attached to the crankshaft) and a magnetic hall effect sensor that is fixed at a certain distance from the wheel. 
    The normal crankshaft rotation causes the toothed wheel to align with the magnetic sensor and trigger a signal. These signals create a square-shaped sinusoidal waveform that the PCM interprets as the engine RPM. The tooth corresponding to cylinder number one is usually different that way the PCM has a proper reference that in conjunction with the engine firing order allows it to control the spark timing with a high degree of precision. The magnetic sensor can get clogged with metal debris normally present in the engine oil. That could cause changes in the waveform or in extreme cases a complete signal loss. Due to its vital function, any variation in the normal signal is interpreted by the PCM as a severe problem that triggers its compensation routines. 
    The OBD2 code P0335 is stored in memory when the PCM detects an abnormal variation in the CKP signal or when its signal is completely lost.

    What symptoms may occur with this OBD II code?

    Expect the typical symptoms from a loss of spark timing signal:

    • CEL lit. The Check Engine Light will turn on after few driving cycles to alert the driver about the situation. 
    • Depending on the vehicle manufacturer, installed sensors and compensation routine the vehicle may not start. 
    • Poor fuel economy.
    • Possible misfires and/or spark knock. 
    • You may have rough idling.
    • It’s not uncommon that the engine dies while driving
    • Hesitation during acceleration, especially under wide open throttle (WOT) conditions.
       

    What are the causes that trigger this OBD II code?

    There're many factors that could cause a P0335 code including among others the following:

    • Damaged, burnt, corroded, open or shorted  CKP sensor wiring. 
    • Worn, corroded, burnt, disconnected or bent CKP wiring harness connector pins. 
    • Broken or off timing chain/belt.
    • Faulty, deficient, damaged or broken trigger wheel
    • Faulty, deficient or dirty crankshaft position sensor (CKP)
    • Even when unlikely, a defective PCM cannot be discarded.

    Some Nissan models are also very sensitive to the following conditions:

    • The battery voltage is low. This condition produces a lower than expected RPM during starting, which is misinterpreted by the PCM as a CKP issue.
    • The starter is weak. This is a similar situation than before. When the PCM senses “low” RPM during engine start its programming triggers a P0335 code.

    Even though these conditions are especially delicate for certain Nissan models, do not discard (regardless of the model or brand of the vehicle) checking the battery voltage. Charge as necessary. The same principle applies to the starter motor, it’s always a good idea to perform a quick test and verify is functioning properly.

    Finally, the 2004-2009 Nisan Titan and Nissan Armada have a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that points out a very curious situation. In those models, the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor are identical. Code P0335 can be set when the inappropriate sensor is installed. Refer to the TSB for proper identification.

    Diagnostic strategy for troubleshooting this OBD II code

    It's highly recommended starting the diagnostic process with the usual information gathering:

    • With the help of a professional OBD2 scan tool, preferably one with OEM capabilities, take note of all data trouble codes in memory, including pending codes.
    • Take note of freeze frame information (if present).
    • Query the vehicle owner about what, when and where the failure occurs. Does it happen with the engine hot? Cold? Under load? All the standard questions.
    • Take note of the vehicle VIN and find a reliable source of technical reference.

    Once you are done, the next step is discarding an intermittent condition. 

    • Using your scan tool clear DTC memory. 
    • Perform a complete driving cycle according to OEM procedures.

    If the code P0335 disappears then inform the owner about the intermittent nature of the code and explain that further testing with the code present will be required. If the code does appear then continue to the testing stage, consisting in discarding the possible causes of the problem. 

    IMPORTANT: the diagnostic procedure explained in this section should be taken as a guideline. Always refer to specific OEM procedures when possible.

    The workflow for the diagnostic process is:

    • The tests should be executed in sequential order, in other words, complete step 1 before going to step 2 and so on.
    • Repair, fix, or replace any component if you suspect is not in good condition.
    • If any repair, fix, reprogramming or component replacement is made during any step then you should clear DTC memory and repeat the whole KOER driving cycle.
    • If the DTC appear again then you should continue to the next step.
    • If the DTC does not appear again after completing the KOER tests then you can assume the problem is fixed, in that case, continuing with the remaining steps would be optional.

    The diagnostic process for the code P0335 is as follows:

    1. Sensor harness wiring and connector: carry out an exhaustive visual inspection of CKP sensor wiring and connectors. Pay special attention to burnt, corroded, open, shorted to ground or deteriorated wiring and/or connector. Unplug the sensor and check for corrosion, damage, bent pins, etc.
    2. Electrical tests: with the help of a digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM) and the adequate wiring diagram perform a KOEO check on the CKP sensor. Verify supply and/or reference voltage, electrical resistance, continuity, current and ground integrity. Compare the obtained values with the appropriate OEM literature.
    3. Battery/Starter test: as explained in a previous section, it’s a good idea to check battery supply voltage as well as starter motor condition. Repair or replace as necessary.
    4. Crankshaft position sensor visual inspection: remove the sensor from the engine and look for metal debris attached to it and/or a broken sensor tip. Clean the sensor if necessary and repeat KOER tests.
    5. Reluctor wheel/ring visual inspection: similarly to the previous point, perform a visual inspection of the reluctor condition. This may be difficult in many cases but important. During this inspection, you will need to manually rotate the crankshaft (engine off) in order to visualize the tooths condition.
    6. Crankshaft position sensor (CKP) test: if the engine doesn’t start and you have no RPM output, no oscilloscope signal,  the wiring is not damaged and you found no metal debris on it, then you must replace the CKP sensor. If the engine starts but hesitates or is rough at idle then you must use the oscilloscope to graph the sensor output and compare the waveform with OEM specifications. Replace if needed. As usual, after any repair clear the DTC memory, repeat KOER driving cycle and check if the code persists. If the code appears again then continue with the next step.
    7. Problems with the powertrain control module: the most unlikely cause for this code is a faulty PCM or a corrupted program. Yet, if you are completely certain that all prior tests passed then you must remove the PCM and check it, reprogram it or replace it as necessary.
       

     

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