P0335 means the powertrain control module has detected an electrical malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor circuit. The sensor reports the crankshaft’s exact position and rotational speed so the computer can manage ignition timing and fuel injection. When the expected signal is absent, intermittent, or implausible, the code stores and engine operation is compromised.
Internal coil winding or circuitry failure from heat cycling and vibration is the most common reason for signal loss, producing an erratic or absent waveform.
Chafed insulation, corrosion at terminals, or poor pin fit in the harness disrupts voltage reference, ground return, or the signal path between the sensor and control module.
A damaged, cracked, or incorrectly installed tone wheel, or excessive mounting clearance, prevents the sensor from detecting regular magnetic pulses.
Oil saturation, metal debris accumulation, or physical impact on the sensor tip can weaken or distort the generated signal.
A rare control module fault may fail to send sensor reference voltage or misinterpret a valid signal, but this should only be considered after hardware and wiring are proven sound.
It is not advisable. The engine may stall without warning or fail to restart, which can be dangerous on the road.
Often yes, but some vehicles may start and run poorly while others enter a limp mode depending on how the software interprets the faulty signal.
Usually no. The sensor or its wiring is the culprit in the vast majority of cases. PCM failure is uncommon and should only be diagnosed after the sensor circuit and reluctor hardware have been exhaustively tested.
No. They are separate components with different locations and functions; the crankshaft sensor monitors crank speed and position, while the camshaft sensor tracks valve timing.