AI-powered OBD-II fault code diagnostic tool for UK drivers
P0335

P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction

P0335 indicates crankshaft position sensor a circuit malfunction. The exact repair depends on whether the underlying issue is a sensor fault, wiring problem, mechanical wear, or a related system problem on the vehicle being diagnosed.

Last reviewed 14 June 2026 AI-Diagnostics-Pro Editorial Team

This guide is reviewed against current UK fault-code usage patterns, MOT guidance, and indicative repair-cost context. It is educational guidance for P0335, not a substitute for live data, workshop testing, or a final quote.

Editorial policy UK MOT guide DVSA MOT inspection manual
UK Repair Cost
£60–£300
MOT Risk
May affect MOT — get it checked
Safe to Drive?
Avoid driving if possible — a failing crank sensor can cause the engine to cut out without warning.

At a glance: P0335 for UK drivers

Fault family
Misfire and combustion
Best first check
Check whether the engine cuts out hot and restarts when cool.
Typical garage risk
A non-start with P0335 can lead to battery or starter guesswork when the ECU is simply not seeing crank speed.

How to use this page

This page explains the code in plain English and gives indicative UK repair and MOT context. It does not confirm the exact failed part. Vehicle age, engine, related codes, live data, and workshop inspection can all change the final diagnosis and quote.

What does fault code P0335 mean?

P0335: crankshaft position sensor signal fault, can cause hard starts or cutouts. Check wiring and connector first (£60-£300). When this fault is detected, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) stores the code and usually illuminates the check engine light on the dashboard.

In practice, P0335 should be treated as a misfire and combustion problem first, not as proof that one named part has failed. The value of the code is in narrowing the system, checking related data, and avoiding the usual misdiagnosis before parts are ordered.

Symptoms of fault code P0335

These are the most common symptoms UK drivers report when this code is active:

  • Check engine light on
  • Engine may not start
  • Engine stalling while driving
  • Rough running
  • Erratic idle

Note that some vehicles show no drivability symptoms at all — the check engine light may be the only sign. This is why scanning the fault code is essential rather than guessing at the cause.

What causes P0335?

These are typical causes to check first:

  1. Faulty crankshaft position sensor
  2. Damaged or corroded sensor wiring/connector
  3. Reluctor ring on crankshaft damaged
  4. Timing chain stretched affecting sensor signal
  5. Sensor gap incorrect

It is important to diagnose the root cause before replacing parts. Many unnecessary and expensive repairs happen because the most expensive component is replaced first without proper testing. Always work through the diagnostic steps systematically.

How to fix P0335 — step by step

Work through these steps in order to avoid unnecessary parts replacement:

  1. Scan for related codes — P0336 alongside P0335 confirms a sensor signal issue
  2. Check wiring to the sensor for corrosion, damage, or poor connection
  3. Replace the crankshaft position sensor if signal or circuit checks justify it
  4. If timing-chain drift is suspected, get it inspected promptly

After any repair, clear the fault code with an OBD-II scanner and carry out a test drive. If the code returns, continue to the next diagnostic step. For a personalised repair guide specific to your vehicle's make, model, year and engine, use our AI Diagnostic Report below.

UK vehicles commonly affected by P0335

These models are frequently seen with this fault code in UK garages:

  • Ford Focus/Mondeo (2.0 TDCi diesel)
  • Vauxhall Astra/Vectra (1.9 CDTi)
  • BMW 1/3 Series
  • Volkswagen Golf/Passat (TDI)
  • Renault Laguna/Megane

This code can appear on OBD-II compatible vehicles. OBD-II is standard on most UK petrol cars from 2001 and diesel cars from 2004, with many later-1990s vehicles also compatible. The models listed above are examples where owners and garages often encounter this fault, but they are not an exhaustive or ranked list.

DIY difficulty and cost guide

Difficulty: Medium — sensor replacement is DIY on most cars. Access can be tight.

UK repair cost estimate: £60–£300 including parts and labour at average UK workshop rates (inc. VAT). Independent garages are typically 30–50% cheaper than main dealers. Always get at least two quotes.

Prevention: Change engine oil on schedule, do not ignore timing chain noise.

Detailed analysis for P0335

What usually triggers P0335 on UK cars

Crankshaft sensor faults often cause hard starting, stalling, or total non-start because the ECU loses engine speed reference. On UK cars heat-soaked sensors and damaged wiring near the engine block are common causes.

Checks that save money before replacing parts

  1. Check whether the engine cuts out hot and restarts when cool.
  2. Inspect sensor wiring routing near the crank pulley or block.
  3. Confirm RPM signal during cranking before replacing parts.

Common misdiagnosis to avoid

A non-start with P0335 can lead to battery or starter guesswork when the ECU is simply not seeing crank speed.

Questions to ask your garage about P0335

  • Was RPM present during cranking?
  • Does the sensor fail more when hot?
  • Was the wiring checked near the sensor body and reluctor area?

P0335 and the UK MOT test

Fault code P0335 does not directly cause an MOT failure on its own, but it can still cause a failure if it keeps the check engine light (MIL) on where MIL inspection applies, or affects emissions.

Even if the light is not currently on, if the fault is intermittent it could reappear during the test. Use our AI Diagnostic Report to understand the MOT risk specific to your vehicle and get advice on whether it is safe to proceed to your test.

Sources and references

This guide is informed by the following authoritative UK sources:

Repair cost estimates are based on UK labour rates and parts pricing from AA, RAC and independent garage surveys, reviewed quarterly. All content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mechanical diagnosis.

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Frequently asked questions about P0335

What does P0335 mean in plain English?

P0335 is a misfire and combustion fault code. In practice, P0335 should be treated as a misfire and combustion problem first, not as proof that one named part has failed. The code helps narrow the system, check related data, and avoid misdiagnosis before parts are ordered.

Will P0335 fail an MOT?

P0335 does not automatically fail an MOT on its own, but the underlying fault can still cause a failure if it affects safety, warning lights, or emissions.

Can I keep driving with P0335?

Avoid driving if possible — a failing crank sensor can cause the engine to cut out without warning.

How much does it usually cost to fix P0335 in the UK?

Typical UK repair costs for P0335 range from £60–£300, depending on the underlying fault, your exact vehicle, and local labour rates.

Related guides for P0335

Use these supporting pages to compare likely repair paths, warning-light behaviour, MOT risk, and the questions to ask before approving work.

Timing and crank sensor fault codes UKWill an engine management light fail MOT?

Related and nearby OBD2 codes

Compare P0335 with closely related faults, nearby codes in the same family, and adjacent module or sensor faults that often need to be ruled out during diagnosis.

P0340
Cam Sensor Fault — Wiring, Timing or Sensor F…
P0336
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Pe…
P0341
Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Perfor…
P0016
Timing Correlation Fault — Sensor, Chain or V…
P0300
Multi-Cylinder Misfire — Why It Happens & How…
P0316
Misfire Detected on Startup First 1000 Revolu…
P0306
Cylinder 6 Misfire Detected
P0301
Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
P0302
Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected
P0303
Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected
P0304
Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
P0305
Cylinder 5 Misfire Detected

Last updated: August 2026. AI-Diagnostics-Pro provides AI-generated information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional automotive advice. Always consult a qualified mechanic before carrying out vehicle repairs. Repair cost estimates are approximate and may vary by region and vehicle.