P0335 Code: Ford Escape (2020-2024) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

Recall status: No recalls found in NHTSA database.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code: P0335 — Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction.
• What it means: The engine control module (PCM) isn’t receiving a valid signal from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor, or the signal wire/circuit is impaired. The CKP sensor helps the PCM time ignition and fuel injection based on crankshaft position.
• Severity for a 2020-2024 Ford Escape: High. Depending on the engine and drive conditions, P0335 can cause an engine to fail to start, stall, or run very poorly (rough idle, misfires, hesitation). In some scenarios the vehicle may go into limp mode or refuse to start, creating a safety risk if it occurs while driving. If the CKP signal is intermittent, you may experience intermittent stalling or no-start conditions.

COMMON CAUSES ON FORD ESCAPE

• Faulty CKP sensor (sensor failure or internal short).
• Damaged or corroded sensor connector or wiring harness (including pin push-out, broken wires, or loose connection).
• Wiring shorts or opens in the CKP circuit (including ground or 5V reference wires).
• Oil, dirt, or contamination affecting the CKP sensor or reluctor ring (oil leaks near the sensor can contaminate the sensing area).
• Worn, damaged, or misaligned reluctor ring or timing/reluctor components.
• PCM (engine computer) faults or intermittent communication issues (less common).
• Recent engine work that disturbed the CKP sensor position or wiring (placement/tightening, misrouting).

SYMPTOMS

• Engine may crank but fail to start, or stall after starting.
• Rough idle or misfires accompanied by a MIL (check engine) light.
• Tachometer may drop out or behave erratically when the engine is running.
• Intermittent no-start conditions or sudden stalling at highway speed.
• Possible related codes (if the CKP signal is intermittently failing): P0335 may appear with or be preceded/followed by P0336–P0339 (CKP circuit range/interpretation issues).

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS

Note: Use a good scan tool that can display live CKP sensor data and, ideally, an oscilloscope for waveform analysis.

• A. Validate the code

  • Confirm P0335 is current (not a pending code) and note any related codes (P0336–P0339).
  • Check for freeze frame data (engine RPM, injector activity, etc.) at the time of the fault.

• B. Perform a careful visual inspection

  • Inspect CKP sensor and its connector for obvious damage, dirt, oil intrusion, corrosion, or loose mounting.
  • Inspect the wiring harness near the sensor for chafed wires, pin damage, or poor routing that could cause vibration damage.
  • Look for oil leaks around the sensor mounting area or the crank area that could contaminate the sensor.

• C. Check power, ground, and reference signals

  • With ignition ON (engine off), backprobe the CKP sensor connector to verify:
    • 5V reference (if the sensor is 5V type) on the appropriate pin.
    • A solid ground on the ground pin.
  • With the engine cranking, verify the CKP signal wire is producing a pulsed signal to the PCM. A missing or non-switching signal indicates sensor or wiring fault.

• D. Examine the CKP signal waveform

  • Using an oscilloscope or a high-quality scan tool that can display the CKP waveform, verify:
    • There are clean, repeating pulses that increase with engine rpm.
    • The waveform shape is consistent and not erratic or intermittent.
  • If there is no signal, or an irregular waveform, suspect the CKP sensor, its wiring, or the reluctor ring.

• E. Inspect the reluctor ring and mechanical condition

  • Check for damaged or missing teeth on the reluctor ring, or any mechanical interference that could affect sensor reading.
  • Confirm proper sensor alignment and mounting torque per Ford service guidance.

• F. Rule out related components

  • If CKP sensor and wiring appear sound, consider testing or temporarily substituting a known-good CKP sensor to rule out a faulty sensor.
  • If multiple CKP-related codes appear or if PCM communication is suspected, professional diagnostic steps may be needed.

• G. After repairs, clear codes and perform a road test

  • Clear the PCM codes and test drive under a variety of loads and speeds to confirm the fault is resolved.
  • Re-check for any reoccurring CKP-related codes.

RELATED CODES

• P0336 — Crankshaft Position Sensor Range/Performance (circuit issues or poor signal quality).
• P0337 — Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit (Low Input).
• P0338 — Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit (High Input).
• P0339 — Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit (Intermittent).
• Note: These CKP-related codes often appear in conjunction with P0335 when the signal quality is suspect or intermittent.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 prices)

Prices below reflect typical ranges in the U.S. as of 2025 and can vary by region, vehicle trim, and labor rates. Labor times are approximate and can differ by shop.

• CKP sensor replacement (parts + labor)
  • Parts: roughly $15–$90 (OEM Ford or aftermarket CKP sensors vary by model).
  • Labor: about 0.5–1.5 hours (some engines may require more time because of access).
  • Typical total: $120–$350.
• CKP sensor harness/connector repair
  • Wiring repair or connector replacement: $50–$250 (parts + labor).
• Full wiring harness repair or replacement (if wiring damage is extensive)
  • Parts: variable; harness sections might be $100–$400.
  • Labor: 1–4 hours depending on access and extent.
  • Typical total: $250–$800.
• Reluctor ring/mounting alignment issue
  • Parts: usually minimal if only sensor replacement is needed; if ring replacement is required, parts could be $20–$100.
  • Labor: 0.5–2 hours.
• PCM replacement/repair (rare; only if confirmed to be at fault)
  • Parts: $400–$1,200 (depends on whether a unit swap is needed and if programming is required).
  • Labor: 1–3 hours.
• Diagnostics and shop fees
  • Diagnostic charge: often $80–$150 if billed separately, sometimes waived with repair.
• Notes
  • Oil leaks or timing-related issues discovered during diagnosis may add additional repair costs (e.g., gasket replacement, seal repair).
  • If you’re dealing with a CKP issue related to a known factory service bulletin (TSB) or recall, costs may be limited under warranty. In this dataset, no recalls were found.

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL

• DIYPros
  • CKP sensor replacement is often straightforward on many Ford Escape engines with basic hand tools; can save labor costs.
  • Visual inspection of connectors and wires is straightforward.
  • If you have a good diagnostic tool and oscilloscope access, you can verify waveform signals.
• DIYCons
  • Some CKP sensors are located in tight or hot areas; improper access can lead to incorrect torque or sensor damage.
  • Incorrect diagnosis (e.g., wiring fault mistaken for sensor failure) can cause repeated failures.
  • Replacing the sensor without addressing a faulty wiring harness can result in a reoccurrence.
• When to call a professional
  • Intermittent symptoms with erratic CKP signals that are hard to diagnose.
  • Suspected PCM fault or if wiring harness replacement is required.
  • If the engine has to be disassembled to access the sensor or timing components; some Ford engines require more involved procedures.
  • You lack proper diagnostic equipment (oscilloscope) to verify CKP waveform.
• Safety tips
  • Disconnect the battery before disconnecting electrical connectors with engine off.
  • Avoid cranking the engine with exposed wiring to prevent shorts.
  • Use proper torque on the CKP sensor mounting bolt (follow Ford specs).

PREVENTION

• Regular maintenance and inspections
  • Use the recommended engine oil and keep it clean; oil leaks around the sensor area can contaminate the CKP sensor.
  • Address oil leaks promptly to minimize contamination risk near the CKP sensor.
• Wiring and connector care
  • Periodically inspect CKP sensor wiring harnesses for signs of wear, chafing, or loose connections.
  • Apply dielectric grease to electrical connectors during service to reduce corrosion risk, but avoid excessive grease that can attract dirt.
• Quality parts
  • Use a quality CKP sensor from the OEM or reputable aftermarket brand to ensure consistent signal reliability.
• Avoid harsh conditions
  • If possible, limit exposure to extreme engine heat and vibrations around the sensor area; secure routing of harnesses to prevent rubbing.

Data limitations note

• This guide uses general CKP sensor knowledge and Ford Escape engine practices. The provided dataset contains three owner complaints for 2020–2024 Ford Escape, none specifically mentioning P0335, so prevalence or typical fault patterns in real-world complaints cannot be statistically inferred from this data alone. No recalls were found in the supplied data. Always confirm with a professional diagnostic when symptoms persist.

If you’d like, I can tailor the diagnostic steps to your exact Escape engine type (2.0L EcoBoost, 1.5L EcoBoost, etc.) or provide a printable one-page checklist for your shop visit.