P0336

Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance

Car Fault Codes Ignition & misfire

Can you still drive? With care, short trips only

Who can fix it? Needs a workshop

Typical repair time 30 minutes – 2 hours

Typical cost SAR 100 to 600

What it means

The engine computer receives a signal from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor, but it is irregular or does not match the expected pattern, such as extra or missing pulses per revolution. The cause is often the tone ring, sensor mounting or electrical interference, and it can cause stumbling or stalling.

Symptoms4

Stumbling or jerking, especially at certain speeds.
Intermittent stalling or hard starting.
Reduced performance.
Check engine light on, possibly with a misfire code.

Possible causes6

Damaged or bent tone ring teeth, or a ring that has slipped on engines where it sits on the crankshaft pulley.
Metal debris or dirt on the sensor tip.
Loose or incorrectly seated sensor, changing the gap to the ring.
Electrical interference from nearby ignition wires or damaged wiring.
Weak sensor or one that does not match the vehicle specification.
Corroded connector causing brief signal dropouts.

How to diagnose5

Check the sensor signal on an oscilloscope for missing or distorted pulses.
Make sure the sensor is tightly mounted and correctly seated, with its seal if fitted.
Remove the sensor, clean its tip, and inspect the tone ring through the sensor hole for damaged teeth.
On engines that carry the ring on the crankshaft pulley, check the pulley for a slipped rubber layer.
Check the wire routing away from ignition wires and the connector condition.

How to fix5

Clean debris from the sensor tip and remount it securely.
Repair the connector or wiring and reroute it away from interference.
Replace the sensor with a part that matches the vehicle specification.
Replace the crankshaft pulley or tone ring if it is proven damaged.
Clear the codes; some cars need a CKP relearn with a scan tool. Then road test and confirm the code does not return.

Repair cost

0–500

500–2,000

2,000–5,000

5,000+

In Saudi riyals; the highlighted part is the expected range for this fault.

The cost is low for cleaning the sensor or repairing wiring and rises with a new sensor; it can exceed this range if the tone ring or crankshaft pulley needs replacing.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions

I replaced the sensor and the code came back. Why?

The cause may be the tone ring, the sensor mounting or electrical interference rather than the sensor. Also check that the new sensor matches the specification and whether the car needs a relearn after replacement.

How is this code linked to misfires?

The computer detects misfires from crankshaft speed changes, so an erratic sensor signal can cause false misfire codes or wrong spark timing that leads to real misfires.

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This guide is for information only and does not replace an inspection by a qualified technician. If the fault involves brakes, steering, engine temperature, electrics or refrigerant, do not attempt the repair yourself.

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