P0335 Code: Honda CR-V (2017-2023) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

P0335 Diagnostic Guide for 2017-2023 Honda CR-V (Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction)

Recalls: No recalls found in NHTSA database

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• What P0335 indicates: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction. The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor provides a timing reference signal to the engine control module (ECM/PCM). When the ECM does not receive a valid CKP signal, it cannot accurately control ignition timing and fuel delivery.
• How it affects the vehicle: The engine may crank but not start, or start and stall; poor idle, misfires, and reduced power are common. In some cases you may experience intermittent starting, hiccups, or a no-crank condition if the signal is completely lost.
• Severity level: High. While some CKP-related issues can be intermittent, a confirmed P0335 can leave the vehicle undrivable and can lead to drivability concerns. It’s one of the more critical circuit faults to diagnose because it directly governs engine timing.

COMMON CAUSES ON HONDA CR-V

• Faulty CKP sensor itself.
• Damaged, frayed, or corroded CKP wiring harness or connector (pin push-out, bent pins, water intrusion, oil/chemical contamination).
• Damaged or misaligned crankshaft reluctor ring (tone wheel) or interference with sensor sensing target.
• Poor or missing 5-volt reference or ECU ground in the CKP circuit (ECU/PCM-related electrical fault).
• Short to ground or short to supply within the CKP circuit wiring.
• Engine mechanical timing issues or mechanical interference with the sensor (less common, but possible if timing components were disturbed).
• Aftermarket modifications or aftermarket sensor replacements that don’t match OEM specifications.
• PCM/ECU fault (rare; typically diagnosed after wiring/sensor checks).

SYMPTOMS YOU MAY NOTICE

• Engine does not start or is difficult to start; cranks but won’t run.
• Stalling or engine dying during idle or under load.
• Rough idle or misfires; inconsistent RPM behavior.
• MIL (check engine light) on with P0335 stored or pending.
• Tachometer may act erratic or show odd readings during crank.
• In some cases, intermittent no-crank or intermittent starting issues.

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS (stepwise, starting from easy checks)

Important: Disconnect power (battery) before disconnecting/connecting electrical connectors when performing any hands-on checks. Use proper PPE and follow all safety guidelines.

• Step 0: Verify DTC and context

  • Retrieve P0335 with a scan tool. Note any freeze-frame data: engine temperature, RPM at the time of fault, whether the fault occurs at startup, etc.
  • Check for related DTCs (e.g., P0330, P0336, P0331, P0339) that could point to CKP circuit or timing issues. Do not assume only P0335; confirm with data.

• Step 1: Visual inspection

  • Inspect the CKP sensor and its connector for signs of damage, oil or coolant intrusion, bent pins, corrosion, or loose connections.
  • Inspect the wiring harness along its route to the PCM for abrasion, heat damage (near exhaust components), or pinched areas.
  • Inspect the crankshaft reluctor ring/toner target for damage, missing teeth, or misalignment relative to the CKP sensor. Make sure there are no foreign objects near the sensor that could affect the signal.

• Step 2: Verify power supply and reference

  • With ignition ON (engine OFF), back-probe the CKP sensor connector to verify the ECU provides a 5-volt reference at the sensor signal circuit (and a proper ground). You should see around 5V on the reference pin if applicable (check service manual for exact pinout).
  • Verify the CKP signal return to the PCM when cranking. If the 5V reference is missing or the ground is poor, the CKP signal will fail regardless of the sensor’s condition.

• Step 3: Check CKP signal activity

  • Using an oscilloscope or a high-quality digital multimeter with a frequency/shape capture function, observe the CKP signal while cranking.
  • Expected: A clean, repetitive waveform (pulses) that correspond to RPM. The signal should be present and stable; if there are irregular pulses, missing pulses, or no signal, the CKP sensor or its wiring is suspect.
  • If you do not see a valid CKP waveform, inspect or replace the CKP sensor first; if the wiring appears intact, test further downstream in the circuit.

• Step 4: Resistance/continuity and circuit check

  • With the ignition OFF, perform a continuity test on the CKP circuit wires from the sensor connector to the PCM connector to check for opens or shorts to ground or power.
  • Resistance values for CKP sensor circuits can vary by model; use the manufacturer's service information for exact specs. Open circuits or shorts indicate wiring problems that must be repaired before other testing.

• Step 5: Inspect the reluctor ring and timing relationship

  • If the sensor and wiring tests pass but the signal is still invalid, inspect the crankshaft reluctor ring for damage or misalignment (e.g., if the engine has been serviced recently, timing components or mounting may have been disturbed).
  • Ensure appropriate clearance between the CKP sensor and reluctor ring as specified in the service manual.

• Step 6: PCM/ECU assessment

  • If all symptoms point to CKP hardware and wiring are good, consider the possibility of an intermittent ECU/PCM fault. This is less common but may require dealer-level diagnostics or a PCM exchange/flash after confirming no sensor/wiring fault.

• Step 7: Testing after repairs

  • Clear DTCs and perform a road test and/or cold start test to verify that P0335 does not reappear. Monitor live data to ensure CKP signal remains valid across RPM changes.

• Practical tips

  • If you replace the CKP sensor, ensure the sensor is properly seated and torqued as per service manual. A misseated sensor can still produce sporadic signals.
  • If you must remove components to access the CKP sensor, label connectors and take photos to ensure correct reassembly.
  • Always verify there are no oil leaks around the sensor area after reassembly, as oil contamination can affect sensor readings over time.

RELATED CODES

• P0330 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (general CKP circuit problem)
• P0331 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
• P0336 Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
• P0338 CKP Circuit High Input (range depends on manufacturer)
• P0339 CKP Circuit Intermittent (sensor or wiring intermittency)
  Note: Codes vary slightly by model year and ECU/PCM calibration. If you see related CKP codes, treat them as corroborating indicators of a CKP circuit issue, not as substitutes for testing.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 prices)

Note: No recalls found in NHTSA database for this make/model/year in the provided data.

• A) CKP sensor replacement

  • Parts: Aftermarket CKP sensor typically $20–$70. OEM Honda sensor often $40–$120.
  • Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours depending on access (roughly $70–$180 at typical shop rates; higher in some markets or at dealers).
  • Typical total: $90–$260 (DIY-friendly on some cars; dealer/shops may charge more if access is difficult).

• B) CKP wiring/connector repair or harness replacement

  • Parts: Connectors, pigtails, or color-matched harness sections typically $5–$40.
  • Labor: 1–3 hours depending on routing and access; $90–$450.
  • Typical total: roughly $100–$490.

• C) PCM/ECU fault or replacement

  • Parts: PCM cost varies widely, commonly $300–$800 if replacement; programming/initial setup may add $60–$180.
  • Labor: 2–6 hours plus programming, commonly $180–$900.
  • Typical total: $540–$1,900 (rare; normally pursued only after sensor/wiring checks prove inconclusive).

• D) Combined or multiple components

  • If multiple issues are found (e.g., CKP sensor plus wiring replacement), costs will increase accordingly.

• DIY cost considerations

  • If you perform the CKP replacement yourself, you largely pay for the sensor and any tools you might need (socket set, torques, etc.). Expect to save the labor portion, typically around $70–$250 depending on local rates.

• Summary range (ballpark, 2017–2023 CR-V):

  • CKP sensor replacement: roughly $90–$260 (plus possible accessories).
  • Wiring/connector repair: roughly $100–$490.
  • PCM replacement: roughly $540–$1,900 (rare for CKP issues; more involved).
  • In most typical CKP-related cases, you’re looking at a total in the low hundreds unless there are complicating factors or PCM work is required.

DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

• DIY suitability:

  • If the CKP sensor is easily accessible from the engine bay (some CR-Vs require partial disassembly or access through the wheel well/splash shield), a capable DIYer with basic hand tools can replace the sensor and test the circuit.
  • Pros: Lower cost, quick turnaround, education on the system.
  • Cons: Access can be tight, risk of misdiagnosis if the wiring is damaged or the signal cannot be verified with proper equipment (scope or graphing multimeter).

• Professional route:

  • Pros: Thorough diagnostics with the right tools (oscilloscope, graphing DVOM, OEM wiring diagrams, service manual), proper torque, confirmation of 5V reference, and a verified repair.
  • Cons: Higher labor costs; however, it reduces the risk of repeating DTCs due to an undetected wiring fault or hidden PCM issue.

• What to bring to a shop:

  • Your vehicle, the DTC list, any freeze-frame data, a description of when the issue occurs (start, idle, load, hot/cold), and any steps you’ve already performed.
  • If you’ve already tested the sensor or wiring, bring documentation or data (scope screenshots, voltage readings).

PREVENTION

• Regular inspection of the CKP sensor area and wiring during routine maintenance; look for signs of abrasion, oil leaks, or heat damage.
• Keep powertrain wiring away from hot exhaust components and moving belts; secure harnesses with proper clips to prevent chafing.
• Address oil leaks promptly; oil contamination of the CKP sensor can degrade signal and cause intermittent faults.
• If performing timing-related service, ensure proper reassembly of timing components and verify clearances; a disturbed reluctor or sensor alignment can cause CKP issues.
• Use quality sensors and connectors; avoid overly aggressive aftermarket sensors that don’t meet OEM specifications for the CKP circuit.
• After any repair, clear DTCs and perform a road test to verify reliability and repeatability of the CKP signal.

Notes and data limitations

• The provided data indicates no owner complaints and no recalls in NHTSA for the 2017–2023 Honda CR-V related to this issue. No recalls found in NHTSA database. This guide uses general automotive knowledge for CKP diagnostics and Honda-specific practices, but real-world diagnostics should follow the vehicle’s service manual and any OEM diagnostic flowcharts.
• Prices cited are 2025 market estimates and can vary by region, dealer vs. independent shop, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used.