What P0339 means
P0339 means the crankshaft position signal drops out or is disturbed for moments and then recovers.
How the engine computer detects it
Ford's 2020–2023 gasoline engines use it, depending on the engine, instead of P0320 for tooth errors: wrong tooth count after the gap, tooth time outside 30 to 9,000 rpm, gap at an unexpected position, from 500 rpm, detected within 5 s. In Ford's PCM code list (Roush workshop manual) P0339 is listed without check engine light. Saab's 9-3 diesel (T8) counts dropouts: more than 8 within 10 ms over 3 s, or more than 3 in a whole drive cycle. Honda recalled 2023 Accord Hybrids because a mis-machined sensor mounting caused no-start, rough idle, hunting idle and P0017 with P0339. Typical causes are a loose contact, a sensor failing when hot and a wrong air gap.
Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages
Symptoms
- Sporadic jerking or misfire
- Brief stalling, hunting idle
- Hard starting
- Check engine light on (not on all Ford engines)
Common causes
- Loose contact or corrosion at the sensor connector or an in-line connector Most likely
- Sensor dropping out when hot Possible
- Sensor mounting or air gap mechanically wrong (machining error, bracket) Possible
- Electrical interference Less likely
- Tone wheel slightly damaged Less likely
How to diagnose P0339
- 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 P0339 most
| Vehicle | Years | Reports | Share | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape | 2017–2019 | 4 | — | |
| Jeep Compass | 2012–2018 | 3 | 105k | |
| Jeep Patriot | 2012–2016 | 3 | — |
Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P0339 (15 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
- 39
- Specific fault
Questions drivers ask
Can I drive with code P0339?
Usually yes for a short time, if the car drives normally, the temperature gauge reads normal and the check engine light is steady. If the light flashes, the engine loses power or overheats, or other warning lights come on, pull over and have it checked.
Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P0339?
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 P0339 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 P0339 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.