The crankshaft position sensor measures the rotational speed and position of the crankshaft. The variable reluctance type CKP sensor does this by detecting the magnetic flux changes between the peaks and valleys of a “reluctor wheel” on the crankshaft.
The powertrain control module (PCM) uses this information to sequence ignition timing and (in some cases) fuel delivery, detect cylinder misfire, and control the camshaft position actuator (if equipped). An interruption to this signal will set off the P0336 code.
Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0336 stands for “Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance.” This engine code is set when the PCM receives a signal from the crankshaft position sensor that deviates from specification.
For example, on a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro the P0336 sets under the following conditions:
For additional technical information that can help you resolve P0336 if you’re planning a DIY fix, read our discussion about how the variable reluctance type CKP sensor works.
Note: The definition of code P0336 may be different depending on the vehicle manufacturer. Consult the appropriate repair manual or repair database for the exact code definition.
Testing a crankshaft position sensor requires technical automotive knowledge that most drivers may not have. At the same time, the steps for repair and diagnosis of the P0193 code tend to vary depending on a vehicle’s year, make, and model. For instance, the confirmed fixes for a P0336 in Chevy are likely not the same as the solutions for a P0336 in Jeep.
This video may also give you an idea of what the troubleshooting process for the P0336 code might involve:
If you’re not comfortable addressing the issue, it’s best to leave the job to the professionals and go to an auto repair shop for an accurate diagnosis.
In some cases, the removal and programming of a crankshaft position sensor require special tools that you may not have in your garage. If you want to spare yourself the trouble of figuring these things out yourself, get your vehicle checked by a licensed mechanic instead.
If you are an advanced DIYer with extensive auto repair knowledge, you may refer to the applicable repair manual for your car or use your ALLDATA subscription to search for vehicle-specific repair information. You can also consult these online auto repair resources and guides.
The P0336 code belongs to a range of crankshaft position sensor codes that are triggered by a malfunction in the sensor/circuit:
The variable reluctance sensor (VRS) sensor is basically a fine wire coil wrapped around a magnet, and the tip of the magnet is near the crank sensor trigger wheel teeth. This will be a 36-tooth wheel with one tooth missing; this is called a “36 minus 1.” There are 10 degrees of angle between each of the regular teeth. Thus, this is often called the “crank angle sensor.”
The variable reluctance sensor (VRS) sensor is basically a fine wire coil wrapped around a magnet, and the tip of the magnet is near the crank sensor trigger wheel teeth.
– Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Any time a tooth on the reluctor wheel passes the tip of the magnet, it creates a magnetic wave that is output from the sensor terminals. It’s this wave that the ECM/PCM is using to determine how often to fire the injectors and when to fire the ignition coils.
The faster these reluctor teeth pass the magnet’s tip as the engine speeds up, the higher the voltage and frequency of the signal. That means the wave will be taller and the waves will be closer together in time. That’s always the way magnetic sensors work, regardless of whether they’re reading the speed of a wheel (as with ABS), a transmission shaft, or the crankshaft.
The missing tooth on the crankshaft reluctor wheel causes the CKP sensor to create a larger wave at that one point and enables the ECM/PCM to identify the crankshaft’s position.The other kind of crankshaft position sensor is a Hall-Effect unit that produces a square wave signal. The trigger wheel is the same, but the signal is different. Hall-Effect sensors can have either two or three wires, depending on the design of the sensor. This kind of sensor is just as common as the VRS type sensor – even more so on later model vehicles.
An engine suffering from the symptoms of the P0016 trouble code will be unreliable and difficult to work with. These symptoms might even lead to your vehicle being utterly unusable. Addressing the problems causing the code can be a bit of a hassle though, as there are many parts you might need. Thankfully, whether it’s a new timing chain, reluctor ring, or camshaft sensor that you need, you can trust CarParts.com.
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