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The P0335 crankshaft position sensor code can cause anything from a rough idle to a car that will not start at all — and on BMW, Toyota, and Ford it shows up for slightly different reasons. Here is what to check on each.
What Is the P0335 Code?
The P0335 code means the ECM/PCM/DME has detected a problem with the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) circuit on Bank 1. The crankshaft position sensor is one of the most critical sensors in the engine management system — it tells the ECU the precise rotational position and speed of the crankshaft, which is used to time fuel injection and ignition spark.
Without a functioning crankshaft position sensor signal, the engine will not start or will stall unpredictably. P0335 can affect BMW, Toyota, Ford, and virtually every other modern vehicle with OBD2.
Common Symptoms of P0335
- No-start or hard-start condition — most common presentation
- Engine stalls while driving (without warning)
- Check Engine Light
- Rough running, misfires, or surging
- Loss of tachometer reading (RPM gauge drops to zero)
- Reduced power or limp mode on some vehicles
- Automatic transmission may not shift correctly (RPM signal used by TCM)
Warning: If your engine stalls while driving at highway speed due to P0335, this is a safety hazard. Do not continue driving — have the sensor replaced promptly.
P0335 Causes — All Makes
| Cause | Likelihood | Vehicles Affected | Typical Fix Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Failed crankshaft position sensor | Very High | All makes including BMW, Toyota, Ford | $80–$250 (parts + labor) |
| Damaged sensor wiring or connector | High | All makes — especially high-heat/high-mileage vehicles | $100–$300 (wiring repair) |
| Reluctor ring damage or missing teeth | Moderate | All makes — from impact or seal failures | $200–$800+ |
| Excessive air gap between sensor and reluctor | Moderate | All makes after front crank seal replacement | $50–$150 (adjustment) |
| ECM/DME fault (rare) | Very Low | All makes | $500–$2,000 |
BMW-Specific P0335 Notes
Common BMW Models Affected
P0335 is seen on BMW N52, N54, N55, M54, and M57 engines. On the N54 twin-turbo (135i, 335i, 535i), the crankshaft position sensor is located at the front of the engine near the crank pulley and can fail due to heat and oil contamination from a leaking front main seal. The N54 front main seal is a known weak point — oil from this seal can soak the CKP sensor connector and cause intermittent P0335.
On M54 engines (E46, E39), the reluctor ring is integrated into the crankshaft and does not commonly damage, but the sensor connector terminals corrode over time. Inspect the connector for green corrosion and damaged terminals before replacing the sensor.
BMW Diagnosis Tips
Use ISTA or INPA to check the crankshaft sensor signal in real-time. BMW ISTA can display the CKP sensor pattern, making it easy to see if the signal is missing or erratic. A BMW-specific scan tool is strongly recommended because generic OBD2 tools may not show the sensor’s live waveform.
Toyota-Specific P0335 Notes
Common Toyota Models Affected
P0335 is common on Toyota 2AZ-FE (Camry, RAV4), 2GR-FE (Camry V6, Avalon), 1GR-FE (4Runner, Tacoma), and 3UR-FE (Tundra, Sequoia) engines. The 2AZ-FE four-cylinder has the CKP sensor located at the rear lower section of the engine near the bell housing, where it is exposed to moisture and road debris. Connector corrosion is a common cause of P0335 on this engine.
On the 1GR-FE V6 used in the 4Runner and Tacoma, the CKP sensor is positioned near the front of the engine. These engines are often used in off-road conditions where mud and water exposure can accelerate sensor and connector degradation.
Toyota Diagnosis Tips
Use Toyota Techstream to read the CKP sensor signal and check for diagnostic trouble code freeze frame data. Note whether P0335 is stored as a current or historical code — an intermittent P0335 that only occurs while driving (not at idle) can sometimes indicate reluctor ring damage or a loose sensor mounting bolt (causing the air gap to fluctuate).
Ford-Specific P0335 Notes
Common Ford Models Affected
Ford P0335 appears on the 5.4L Triton V8 (F-150, Expedition), 4.6L V8, EcoBoost 2.0L and 3.5L engines, and the Duratec 2.5L four-cylinder. The 5.4L Triton is particularly prone because the CKP sensor is located at the rear of the engine near the bell housing — right where oil from the rear main seal can leak and soak the sensor and connector over time.
On EcoBoost 3.5L F-150 trucks, P0335 can sometimes appear after timing chain service if the reluctor ring is not properly cleaned or if debris contacts the sensor during reassembly.
Ford Diagnosis Tips
FORScan is the best free/low-cost tool for reading Ford CKP sensor data. It can display RPM from the CKP sensor separately, making it easy to confirm if the sensor is generating a signal. Also check for companion code P0316 (misfire on startup) which frequently accompanies P0335 on Ford vehicles.
How to Diagnose P0335
- Scan for all stored codes — note if P0336 (intermittent CKP signal), P0316, or related codes are present
- Check the sensor connector for damage, corrosion, or backed-out terminals
- Inspect the wiring harness from the sensor to the ECM for chafing or heat damage
- Measure sensor resistance with a multimeter (spec varies by vehicle; typically 200–1,000 ohms for inductive sensors)
- Check the air gap between the sensor tip and the reluctor ring (spec typically 0.020–1.5mm)
Locate the CKP sensor on the engine block near the harmonic balancer — check the air gap to the reluctor ring. - Inspect the reluctor ring for missing or damaged teeth (look through the sensor hole or via borescope)
Inspect the reluctor ring teeth with a flashlight or borescope — any missing or bent teeth will cause an erratic CKP signal. - With a lab scope or oscilloscope, verify the CKP sensor generates a clean signal pattern at cranking speed
- Replace the sensor if signal is absent, weak, or erratic
Recommended Scanners for P0335
- For BMW: ISTA (Rheingold), Carly for BMW, Autel MaxiSys MS906
- For Toyota: Toyota Techstream, Autel MaxiCOM MK808, BlueDriver Pro
- For Ford: FORScan (with OBDLink MX+ adapter), Autel MaxiCOM MK808BT
- Universal: Autel MaxiSys MS909 — handles all three makes with OEM-level CKP data
Buyer’s pick: The BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro works across BMW, Toyota, and Ford and reads live crank/cam correlation data on all three. For make-specific guides, see our full BMW, Toyota, and Ford scanner guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a P0335 crankshaft position sensor code?
The most common symptoms of P0335 are a no-start or hard-start condition, engine stalling while driving, the tachometer dropping to zero, and a Check Engine Light. In some cases the engine will only stall intermittently, making diagnosis more challenging.
Can I drive with a P0335 crankshaft position sensor code?
Driving with P0335 is not recommended. The engine may stall without warning at any speed, which is a significant safety hazard. If the sensor signal is intermittent, the engine may start and run normally for a time before failing completely. Replace the sensor as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to fix P0335?
Crankshaft position sensor replacement typically costs $80–$250 including parts and labor on most vehicles. If the reluctor ring is damaged, costs increase significantly. Wiring harness repairs add $100–$300 to the total if the connector or wires are damaged.
Final Verdict
A failing crankshaft position sensor is usually a straightforward, inexpensive fix — the harder part is confirming it is the actual cause rather than a wiring or reluctor ring issue. Inspect the connector and wiring harness before replacing the sensor itself, especially if the code is intermittent. If the vehicle is a no-start, prioritize this code over any others stored at the same time.
See also: Common BMW Engine Codes Explained | Common Toyota Engine Codes Explained | Common Ford Engine Codes Explained
