What P0336 means
P0336 means the crankshaft position sensor delivers pulses, but their pattern is implausible: the reference gap is missing or in the wrong place, the number of teeth between the gaps is wrong (58 on a 60-2 wheel) or the module keeps losing synchronization.
How the engine computer detects it
GM sets it after at least 4 resynchronizations in under 5 s, a gap not found within 0.4 s running or 1.5 s cranking, or a wrong tooth count in 8 of 10 revolutions, after two trips. Ford's 2023 diesel sets it when the gap of the 60-2 wheel is not recognized for 3 revolutions; GM's LML diesel uses a fault counter over tooth times. Ford gasoline engines use P0320 or P0339 for the same checks. Result: misfire, jerking, brief cut-outs while the module resynchronizes, and misfire detection is suspended.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Misfire, jerking, rough running
- Engine stalls sporadically
- Hard starting
- Check engine light on, misfire codes may be added
Common causes
- Tone wheel damaged, bent, loose or teeth clogged with chips Most likely
- Sensor signal weak or noisy (air gap, ageing) Most likely
- Interference, poor ground or shielding Possible
- Wrong tone wheel or flywheel fitted after a repair Possible
- Loose contact in the connector Possible
How to diagnose P0336
- 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.
- Inspect the parts involved: crankshaft position sensor, crankshaft tone wheel, sensor wiring, engine control module.
- Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
- Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.
Vehicles that report P0336 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ram 1500 | 2014–2025 | 19 | — | |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2014–2015 | 6 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0336 (30 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.
Reading the code
- P
- Powertrain
- 0
- Generic (SAE) code
- 3
- Ignition system or misfire
- 36
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0336?
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 P0336?
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.
Will P0336 clear by itself?
The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.
Can I fix P0336 myself?
Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.
Often reported together
Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P0336. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.
- P0335Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit3 complaints
- U1401Manufacturer-specific code3 complaints
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.