P0336 Code: Honda Accord (2018-2023) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

Important data note (data transparency): The real NHTSA data provided for this request shows no owner complaints and no recalls for the 2018-2023 Honda Accord related to DTC P0336. That means there is no NHTSA complaint count or recall data to cite for this exact issue in this model/year. The diagnostic guide below uses general OBD-II knowledge and Honda-Accord-specific considerations, but the data limitation should be kept in mind. If you rely on dealer/service history or aftermarket sources, treat those as separate from the NHTSA data shown here.

Section 1 — CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code meaning: P0336 = Crankshaft Position Sensor Range/Performance (often listed as CKP A Circuit Range/Performance). The PCM/ECU detected that the crankshaft position sensor signal is outside expected range or is erratic/incomplete (signal not within valid waveform/rate), suggesting a fault in the sensor, its wiring, or the related electrical reference.
• Severity for a 2018-2023 Honda Accord: Moderate to High. Potential outcomes include no-start, intermittent starting, stalling, rough idle, reduced power, misfires, and degraded driveability. If the CKP signal is unreliable at speed, vehicle stability and drivability can be affected. If the condition persists, you may experience being stranded.

Section 2 — COMMON CAUSES ON HONDA ACCORD

• Faulty crankshaft position sensor (CKP) itself (age, internal failure).
• Damaged, corroded, loose, or oil-contaminated CKP sensor wiring or connector (including wiring harness chafing or water ingress).
• Oil leakage or excessive oil coverage around the CKP sensor area contaminating the sensor or its wiring.
• Damaged or worn reluctor ring (the toothed wheel that the CKP sensor reads) or misalignment of the sensor relative to the reluctor.
• Mechanical timing issues (timing chain/belt wear, tensioner problems) that affect the CKP signal reference.
• Incorrect or incompatible replacement sensor (non-OEM or incorrect specification) or a poorly installed sensor.
• Electrical supply/ground issues to the sensor or to the ECU (faulty 5V reference or poor ground can affect CKP signal integrity).
• PCM/ECU fault (rare); usually diagnosed after ruling out sensor/wiring.

Section 3 — SYMPTOMS YOU MAY SEE

• Engine won’t start or stalls after starting; intermittent starting problems.
• Rough idle, misfires, or engine surges; reduced power in throttle response.
• Check Engine Light with code P0336, sometimes accompanied by other crankshaft/ignition-related codes when the issue is intermittent.
• Engine may run normally at times and then exhibit hesitation or hesitation during acceleration.
• In some cases, you may see erratic engine RPM readings or abnormal crank RPM data on a scan tool.

Section 4 — DIAGNOSTIC STEPS (structured, model-agnostic with Honda-specific notes)
Important: Always start with safety and basic vehicle checks, and refer to the service manuals for torque specs and exact wiring diagrams.

Confirm the DTC and gather data

• Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0336 is present and note freeze-frame data (RPM, load, etc.).
• Check for any related DTCs (P0335, P0337–P0339, or misfire codes like P0300) that may indicate broader crank or ignition faults.

Visual inspection

• Inspect CKP sensor and its wiring harness and connector for obvious damage, corrosion, oil contamination, loose connections, or chafed wires.
• Look for oil leaks around the crank area that could contaminate the sensor.
• Check the sensor mounting location for misalignment or loose bolts.

Confirm sensor and circuit basics

• Check for a proper 5V reference and ground at the CKP sensor circuit (signal/diagnostic pin) using a backprobing technique with the ignition on or while cranking, as specified by the service manual.
• Inspect the CKP sensor connector for bent pins, corrosion, or bent tabs.

Inspect the reluctor ring and sensor-to-reluctor relationship

• With the engine at least moderately cool, confirm the sensor-to-reluctor gap is within spec and that the reluctor ring is intact and not damaged or loose.
• Look for any metal debris or misalignment that would produce irregular signals.

Test the CKP sensor signal (advanced)

• If you have access to an oscilloscope or a non-contact scope, monitor the CKP sensor signal while cranking and at idle.
  • Expect a clean, consistent waveform corresponding to crank rotation. The exact waveform shape varies by sensor type (some are Hall-effect, some are variable reluctance).
  • Look for missing pulses, abnormal amplitude, or irregular pulse spacing, which indicate a faulty sensor, poor wiring, or mechanical issues.
• If you only have a multimeter:
  • Check resistance of the CKP sensor according to the service manual’s spec (not all CKP sensors have a meaningful resistance test; some are impedance-probe-based). Compare readings to the spec.
  • Check for continuity and lack of short to ground on the sensor signal line when disconnected from the ECU (check for shorts or open circuits).

Mechanical sanity check

• If timing components are suspected (chain/belt, tensioner), verify timing is correct and there’s no excessive slack or obvious mechanical failure. A mis-timed crank event can cause CKP readings to be out of range.

Sensor replacement (procedure if CKP is suspected)

• If the CKP sensor tests out of spec or is visibly damaged, replace with the correct sensor (OEM or high-quality aftermarket). Ensure you install the correct part for the engine code and model year.
• After replacement, clear the DTCs, start/drive, and re-scan to confirm the code does not return.

Wiring repair/ECU considerations

• If wiring and connectors test good but the fault persists, inspect for intermittent wiring faults (harness movement, connector pin wear, grounding issues).
• If the sensor and wiring are confirmed good and you continue to see P0336, ECU/PCM could be suspect; this is a rarer scenario and may require professional diagnosis.

Notes specific to data limitations: The provided data shows no NHTSA complaints or recalls for this issue on the 2018-2023 Accord. That means the diagnostic approach above is based on standard CKP diagnostics and general Honda engine knowledge rather than model-year-specific NHTSA case data. If you have service history or TSBs from another source, use those in conjunction with these steps.

Section 5 — RELATED CODES

• P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (related to CKP signals and often tested together with P0336).
• Other CKP-related codes seen in some applications when the CKP signal is intermittent or out of range (for example, P0337, P0338, P0339 in certain makes/models). Exact subcodes and definitions can vary by manufacturer and year; consult the Honda service manual for your exact model/year wiring and code definitions.
• Note: In Honda applications, P0335/P0336 are the most commonly referenced CKP-related codes; other CKP codes may appear depending on the diagnostic flow and data.

Section 6 — REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 prices)
Prices vary by region and shop, but approximate ranges below reflect typical markets. DIY costs are lower if you supply the part and do the work yourself.

• Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP sensor) replacement

  • Parts:
    • Aftermarket CKP sensor: roughly $15–$60
    • Honda/OEM CKP sensor: roughly $40–$120
  • Labor (professional shop):
    • 0.5–2.0 hours depending on access and engine variant; typical rates $90–$150/hour
  • Typical total installed cost:
    • DIY: $15–$60 (plus any tool/shipping costs)
    • Professional: approximately $150–$350 (parts + labor; diagnostic fee may apply)

• Additional costs to consider

  • Diagnostic fee (if the shop charges one): typically $80–$120
  • If wiring repair is needed: harness repair or connector replacement may add $50–$150 in parts and labor
  • If timing components or related mechanical work is found necessary (rare for CKP-only issue): costs can rise significantly

• Summary ranges (installed in a typical shop in the U.S., 2025 pricing)

  • CKP sensor replacement only: roughly $150–$350
  • If wiring/connector repair is required: roughly $180–$450
  • If a full timing-related inspection is required or ECU replacement is considered: higher, potentially $500–$1,000+, depending on scope

Section 7 — DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

• DIY feasibility (for a mechanically inclined person):
  • Access: The CKP sensor is generally accessible on Honda engines; many DIYers can replace the sensor without major disassembly.
  • Tools: Basic hand tools; optional multimeter or oscilloscope for advanced testing; dielectric grease for weatherproofing; torque wrench if applicable.
  • Steps you can handle: Visual inspection, disconnecting/connecting the sensor, replacing the sensor, cleaning connectors, basic wiring checks, clearing codes, and test drive.
  • Cautions: Disconnect the battery before work; ensure engine is cool; avoid damaging nearby wiring; use proper torque specs; ensure good sensor-to-reluctor alignment.
• When to go professional:
  • If you don’t have the right tools (e.g., oscilloscope) or if you’re not comfortable working around the crank area.
  • If you suspect timing chain/belt issues or a complicated wiring fault that requires specialized equipment.
  • If the code returns after a sensor replacement, suggesting deeper electrical or ECU issues.
  • If timing/sealants or engine mechanical work is suspected, as improper repair can cause severe engine damage.

Section 8 — PREVENTION

• Regular inspection of the CKP area:
  • Check for oil leaks around the crank area that could contaminate the sensor; fix leaks promptly.
  • Inspect the CKP sensor connector and wiring for wear, corrosion, or moisture; reseal or replace as needed.
• Protect wiring harness:
  • Ensure harnesses are routed away from hot surfaces, heat shields, and moving parts; use loom or spiral wrap where appropriate.
  • Avoid exposing wiring to moisture and road debris; secure connectors firmly.
• Use quality parts:
  • When replacing, use OEM or high-quality aftermarket CKP sensors; avoid cheap, poorly manufactured parts.
• Regular maintenance:
  • Keep engine oil clean and at proper levels; oil leaks can degrade sensor performance.
  • If you notice rough idle, stalling, or intermittent starting, don’t ignore the CKP system—address issues early to minimize risk of tow/stranding.
• Diagnostics discipline:
  • If you work on or near the CKP, reset codes and re-check after repairs to confirm the issue is resolved.
  • Periodically re-scan the ECU for any intermittent codes that may reveal creeping CKP issues before they become dramatic failures.

Final notes on data limitations

• The provided NHTSA data for this model/year shows no complaints or recalls for P0336, so this guide emphasizes general CKP diagnostic best practices and Honda-appropriate considerations rather than model-specific failure statistics. Real-world reliability and common failure modes can vary; if you have access to service history or technical service bulletins (TSBs) beyond the NHTSA dataset, those can provide additional, model-specific guidance. Always cross-check with the latest Honda service information for your exact engine code and VIN.