EngineLightCodes
Powertrain code

P0320 Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit

Severity
Fix soon
Typical repair cost
$60–$390
Do it yourself
Possible, medium
Shop time
0.5–2 hours

P0320 originally covered the engine speed signal from the distributor or ignition module to the engine module (early OBD II); today Ford's engine module evaluates the crankshaft sensor directly and uses this code for it.

How the engine computer detects it

Ford checks continuously from 200–500 rpm and sets it within 5 s when the number of teeth after the gap is wrong, the tooth time is implausible (below 30 or above 9,000 rpm) or the gap appears in the wrong place; fuel and spark are then cut briefly to resynchronize, and on electronic throttle P2106 limits power. Some Ford engines use P0339 instead. Typical causes are a faulty crankshaft sensor, interference in the wiring or a damaged tone wheel.

Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Engine dies or stumbles briefly
  • Starting problems, tachometer twitching
  • Reduced power on electronic throttle (Ford P2106)

Common causes

  1. Crankshaft or distributor speed sensor faulty or wrong air gap Most likely
  2. Wiring, connector or shielding disturbed (loose contact, interference from ignition or radios) Most likely
  3. Tone wheel damaged or dirty (missing tooth, metal chips) Possible
  4. Ignition module faulty on older vehicles Possible
  5. Engine module faulty Less likely

How to diagnose P0320

  1. Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
  2. Inspect the parts involved: crankshaft position sensor, crankshaft tone wheel, sensor wiring.
  3. Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
  4. Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.

Reading the code

P
Powertrain
0
Generic (SAE) code
3
Ignition system or misfire
20
Specific fault

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with code P0320?

Drive gently and only as far as you need to. The engine computer may limit power to protect the engine, so avoid highways and heavy traffic until it's fixed. If the check engine light starts flashing, pull over.

Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0320?

Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.

Can I fix P0320 myself?

Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.

This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.