Trouble P0336 - Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Range/Performance

P0336 - Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Performance/Range Problem.

Code P0336 indicates a problem with the crankshaft position sensor (CPS). The DPCV monitors engine speed and controls the engine valves to make sure the pistons are working properly.

The crankshaft sensor transmits important information to the engine control unit (ECU), which allows the controller to adjust fuel injection as well as ignition timing. DPCV, working properly together with the ECU, ensures excellent engine performance.

When the crankshaft sensor fails to provide the correct information to the control unit, a P0336 code is generated.

What does P0336 mean?

Trouble code P0336 indicates that the engine control module (ECM) has detected a malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor A circuit.

The crankshaft position sensor records the crankshaft speed, controls the operation of the engine valves (in particular, the operation of the pistons), as well as the engine itself. The ECM uses information received from the crankshaft position sensor to control fuel injection and ignition timing. The crankshaft position sensor and ECM are required to operate properly to operate your vehicle safely.

The crankshaft position sensor consists of a rotating disc and a stationary sensor. Most crankshaft position sensors have a voltage wire, a ground wire, and a signal wire that allows the ECM to receive a revolutions per minute (RPM) signal.

Using the above information, as well as data received from the camshaft position sensor, the ECM controls the fuel injection process and also regulates ignition timing. If the ECM does not receive or receives an erroneous signal from the crankshaft position sensor, P0336 will be stored in its memory.

The following error codes may also appear with P0336:

• Trouble P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” - Circuit Malfunction
• Trouble P0337 - Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” - Low Signal
• Trouble P0338 – Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” – Signal High
• Error P0339 - Crankshaft position sensor “A” - poor electrical contact

Formation conditions

In order for error p0336 to be generated in the memory of the electronic control unit, the following conditions must be simultaneously recorded:

• The car engine is started.
• When the gear rotates, the crankshaft position sensor records additional pulses or their omissions when the control mark passes through it. The value of the pulses depends on the car model (for example, on the popular Chevrolet Lacetti car the number of teeth is 58).
• The number of recorded additional pulses or their omissions recorded by the sensor is two or more per rotation of the toothed disk.
• Depending on the car model, the number of cycles at which the conditions described above are recorded ranges from 10 to 100 revolutions of the toothed disk with a control mark.

Please note that the Check Engine warning light on most cars does not show a crankshaft sensor error immediately after the first such emergency start. For example, on the same Chevrolet Lacetti, the warning lamp is activated only after the third ignition start under the specified conditions. At the same time, error information is written to RAM.

Causes of error P0336

• Worn or damaged gear
• Foreign object in contact with gear
• Short circuit or open circuit of the crankshaft position sensor
• Short circuit, break or damage to the crankshaft position sensor wires
• Corroded or damaged crankshaft position sensor connector
• Misfires in engine cylinders
• Malfunction of the crankshaft position sensor
• Camshaft position sensor malfunction
• ECM malfunction

How does a mechanic diagnose a P0336 code?

When diagnosing this error code, a mechanic will do the following:

• Reads all error codes stored in the ECM memory using an OBD-II scanner
• Check the crankshaft position sensor for damage
• Check electrical wires for wear, short circuits and damage. It is also important to make sure that the sensor wires are not too close to the spark plug wires.
• Check the crankshaft position sensor connector for corrosion or any damage.
• Check the crankshaft position sensor wiring harness insulation for damage.
• Check the gear for looseness or damage
• Check the gap between the gear and the top of the crankshaft position sensor
• Clear error codes from the ECM and test drive the vehicle to see if P0336 appears again
• Counts crankshaft speed readings using a scanner (when starting the car engine)
• If there is no speed reading, check the signal from the crankshaft position sensor using a scanner
• Check the resistance of the crankshaft position sensor using a volt-ohmmeter and compare the value obtained with the value specified in the manufacturer's specifications
• Check the camshaft position sensor and its wires. Because the crankshaft and camshaft work together, improper operation of the camshaft position sensor and/or damage to the camshaft position sensor wiring may affect the operation of the camshaft position sensor.
• Eliminates misfires in engine cylinders (if equipped)

If the problem persists, the mechanic will check the engine control module (ECM).

Decoding combinations

Below we will look at the decoding of error codes. We will not consider all codes: only the most common combinations that indicate a breakdown are given.

Self-diagnosis

When the instrument panel enters self-diagnosis mode, all arrows on it will show the maximum value and drop back down

So, what codes can be seen when self-diagnosing Lada Kalina.

Diagnostics using equipment

Error number “4” that appears during self-diagnosis of Lada Kalina

If you check your car for errors using special equipment, then, as stated above, the combinations will be four-digit, and the code will be preceded by a letter.

First, let's look at what the letters and numbers mean.

• B - indicates a malfunction of the body, that is, we are talking about airbags, central locking, electric windows. Of course, this is true for Lada Kalina cars equipped with these devices;
• C - means an error in the operation of the chassis;
• P - indicates a malfunction in the functioning of the engine or automatic transmission.

What does the second number mean:

• 0 – common code for OBD-II;
• 1 – number of the car manufacturer;
• 2 – number of the car manufacturer;
• 3 – reserve code.

The third symbol directly indicates the type of malfunction:

• 1 – malfunction of the fuel system or air supply;
• 2 – malfunctions in the fuel system or air supply are also reported;
• 3 – malfunctions in the ignition system were detected;
• 4 – auxiliary control;
• 5 – malfunctions in idle speed;
• 6 – malfunction of the ECU or its circuit;
• 7 and 8 – errors in the operation of the transmission system.

Check Engine Light - starts flashing on the dashboard when any problems occur

If you have discovered and eliminated a breakdown, you can reset the error code so that it does not appear again during the next diagnosis. To do this, hold down the daily mileage button and hold it in this position for more than three seconds.

We recommend: Self-diagnosis of faults on the VAZ 2115

Common errors when diagnosing code P0336

The most common mistake when diagnosing a P0336 code is to replace the crankshaft position sensor without considering other possible causes of the error.

The problem may be a malfunction of the camshaft position sensor, misfire in the engine cylinders, or worn or damaged electrical wires.

Before replacing the crankshaft position sensor, it is necessary to perform a thorough diagnosis and consider all possible causes of the error.

Diagnosis of errors

When you begin to notice something unusual in the behavior of your car, or there are obvious problems in its operation, then it certainly makes sense to have it diagnosed. Naturally, the OBD-II diagnostic connector will show errors most efficiently and accurately, however, not everyone has sockets to control this connector and has to use the standard one.

In order to enter self-diagnosis mode, you must:

1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Click on the daily vehicle mileage button.
3. Then, continuing to hold it, turn the key in the lock.
4. Thanks to this, all available indicators will light up, and the dial indicators will go into self-test mode and show data from zero to maximum.
5. When this happens, use the button located on the steering column switch and use it to switch the data on the instrument panel.
6. To read the fault codes, we need the last one - the third screen. Unambiguous error codes will be displayed there.

Displaying the error code on the third screen of the bookmaker. The photo shows error 4 (faulty coolant temperature sensor).

What repairs can fix the P0336 code?

• Replacing a worn or damaged gear
• Repairing or replacing damaged crankshaft position sensor wires
• Repairing or replacing a damaged or corroded crankshaft position sensor connector
• Repairing or replacing a damaged or faulty crankshaft position sensor electrical circuit
• If necessary, eliminate misfires in engine cylinders
• Replacing a faulty crankshaft position sensor
• Replacing a faulty camshaft position sensor
• ECM replacement and reprogramming

Additional comments for troubleshooting P0336

The existing fault must be corrected as soon as possible. If the problem is left unaddressed for a long time, it can cause damage to other engine components. When replacing the crankshaft position sensor, it is recommended to use only original spare parts.

Also, when diagnosing the P0336 error, it is important to consider all possible causes of the malfunction, since sometimes the problem may be a damaged gear or misfire in the engine cylinders.