P0335 Code: Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

P0335 Diagnostic Guide for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma (OBD-II)

Note on data sources

• Real NHTSA data provided: No owner complaints found for this make/model/year/issue, and no recalls found in NHTSA database.
• This guide uses general automotive knowledge for technical explanations and practical steps. Data limitations: lack of recalls or complaint counts in the provided dataset means no recall-based fixes or statistics to cite. Treat the guidance as a practical diagnostic framework; confirm with OEM service information as needed.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code: P0335
• Official meaning (generic): Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction (or Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction/Malfunction in the CKP signal).
• What it implies on a 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma: The PCM (engine control module) is not receiving a valid signal from the crankshaft position sensor (CPS) or the signal is out of specified range. The CKP sensor is essential for engine timing reference used for ignition and fuel injection.
• Likely severity: Medium to high. Symptoms can include no-start, stalling, or rough running. In some cases the engine may start but run poorly or stall after starting. Because ignition timing and fuel injection rely on CKP data, persistent P0335 can leave the vehicle undrivable.

COMMON CAUSES ON TOYOTA TACOMA

• Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS)
  • The sensor itself is failing (wandering resistance, weak signal).
  • Misaligned or damaged tone ring/reluctor ring near the crankshaft.
• Wiring and connectors
  • Damaged, frayed, or chafed CPS wiring harness.
  • Corrosion or loose/poorly seated sensor connector; moisture intrusion.
  • Faulty PCM reference or ground wiring to the CPS circuit.
• Mechanical/engine timing related
  • Timing belt/chain wear or misalignment can disrupt the CKP signal (less common as a single-factor cause for P0335, but possible if timing reference is degraded).
  • Oil leaks or contamination around the sensor area that affect sensor operation.
• Other electrical/electronic issues
  • PCM (ECU) communication/ground issues (rare but possible).
  • Aftermarket modifications or damaged aftermarket wiring near the CPS circuit.

SYMPTOMS (POSSIBLE)

• Engine cranks but won’t start or intermittent no-start.
• Engine starts and runs poorly, stalls, or experiences misfires.
• Rough idle or misfiring during acceleration.
• Check Engine Light (MIL) on with P0335 stored or pending.
• In some cases, the vehicle may start briefly and then stall or enter a fail-safe mode.

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS (step-by-step approach)

Safety first: Park on a flat surface, engage parking brake, disconnect if necessary when working near the engine bay. Gather tools: DVOM (digital volt-ohm meter), multimeter, basic hand tools, possibly an oscilloscope or a live data scanner, and a scan tool with CKP-related live data.

Step 0: Confirm and scope the problem

• Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0335 and note any freeze-frame data (RPM, load, engine temp, etc.).
• Check for additional codes that may accompany P0335 (e.g., P0336, P0339, P0340). Document any related codes.

Step 1: Visual inspection

• Inspect the crankshaft position sensor and its wiring harness routing for obvious damage, oil leaks, or heat exposure.
• Check the sensor connector pins for corrosion, bent pins, or poor seating; reseat if needed.
• Look for wiring harness damage along its path (tunnels, near belts, near exhaust). Inspect protective loom and ensure it’s not rubbing on sharp edges.

Step 2: Verify power, reference, and ground

• With the ignition ON (engine OFF), backprobe the CPS connector to verify:
  • 5V reference from the PCM on the reference wire (if Toyota uses a reference line; some CPS circuits are controlled via a reference and ground).
  • A stable ground on the sensor ground circuit.
• Check for battery voltage at the sensor power supply line (if applicable) and verify the ground continuity to chassis/PCM ground.
• Any voltage drop or missing reference likely points to wiring harness damage or PCM issue.

Step 3: Live data check (crank signal)

• Using a scan tool with live data, observe the CKP signal while cranking:
  • You should see a clean, periodic signal when the engine is cranking or running. If there is no CKP waveform or the waveform is irregular or erratic, suspect CPS or wiring.
• If you have an oscilloscope, view the CKP waveform directly. A clean square-wave signal with consistent spacing indicates a healthy sensor; a missing or irregular waveform indicates sensor or wiring problems.

Step 4: Resistance and continuity checks (sensor level)

• Measure the CPS resistance (as per service manual) between the sensor pins to check for open/short conditions. Note: many modern CPS sensors are not easily diagnosable by simple resistance; some Toyota CPS sensors rely on a variable magnetic/ Hall signal that is best tested with live signal/scope or factory scan data. If resistance is wildly out of spec, replace sensor.
• Check continuity of the signal and ground wires from the CPS connector back to the PCM/ECU.
• Inspect for any short to power or ground on the signal wire (which can cause false readings).

Step 5: Inspect the tone/reluctor ring and mechanical condition

• If accessible, inspect the crankshaft reluctor ring for damage, missing teeth, or misalignment. A damaged reluctor ring will produce irregular CKP signals.
• Inspect the area around the crank pulley for metal shavings or debris that might indicate a timing-related issue.

Step 6: Rule out external culprits

• Inspect oil leaks around the sensor area; oil intrusion can affect sensor performance.
• Check for aftermarket wiring or aftermarket sensors that may not be compatible.

Step 7: Decide on repair path

• If CPS signal is absent or erratic with good wiring/good reference, replace CPS.
• If wiring harness or connector is damaged, repair or replace the wiring harness/connector and reseat connectors; ensure proper routing away from heat sources.
• If reluctor ring is damaged, address mechanical damage (may require timing cover work or more extensive engine access).
• If PCM/ECM is suspected (rare), perform advanced diagnostics or consult dealer service information; PCM replacement is a last resort.

Step 8: Post-repair verification

• Clear codes and perform a road test or simulated driving test.
• Recheck for P0335 and for any related codes.
• Confirm CKP live data shows a stable, correct signal during cranking and running.

RELATED CODES

• P0336: Crankshaft Position Sensor Range/Performance (Bank 1 or sensor-specific range issue).
• P0339: Crankshaft Position Sensor Intermittent/No Signal.
• P0340: Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Malfunction (often checked alongside CKP when diagnosing timing/synchronization).
• P0337 or P0338: Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Low/High Input (signal level issues).
  Note: The presence of P0336/P0339 with P0335 is common if the CKP system is failing or wiring is compromised. If P0340 or cam sensor codes appear, inspect cam timing and related sensor circuits as well.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 prices)

Prices vary by region, shop, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used. The ranges below are typical for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacomas and assume standard labor rates (roughly hourly shop rate in the US). All prices are approximate here and should be validated with local shops.

• Crankshaft Position Sensor (CPS) replacement

  • Parts: OEM CPS typically $60–$140; aftermarket CPS often $20–$100.
  • Labor: 1.0–2.0 hours (some engines require more work if the sensor is buried under intake/tamano components; 2.0–3.0 hours in tight installations).
  • Typical total: $150–$420 (parts + labor). In some cases where timing cover removal is needed, total could approach $500–$700.

• Wiring harness or connector repair

  • Parts: Connectors, pins, weatherproof boot, or short harness segments: $20–$150.
  • Labor: 1.0–2.5 hours depending on accessibility and the extent of wiring repair.
  • Typical total: $150–$550.
    Tip: If insulation or shielding is damaged, replacing the affected harness segment can prevent future intermittent faults.

• Reluctor ring or mechanical timing components

  • Parts: Reluctor ring or related timing components (if damage is found): $20–$150.
  • Labor: 2.0–5.0 hours depending on engine layout and whether timing cover removal is required.
  • Typical total: $300–$1,200.

• PCM/ECU replacement (rare, only if proven faulty)

  • Parts: Rebuilt or new PCM: $350–$900 (plus any necessary reprogramming).
  • Labor: 1.0–3.0 hours for programming and setup.
  • Typical total: $550–$1,900.

• Timing belt/chain service (if timing components were replaced as part of the CKP issue)

  • Parts: Timing belt kit, tensioners, idlers (if applicable for the engine): $100–$400.
  • Labor: 3.0–6.0 hours depending on engine.
  • Typical total: $500–$2,000.

Important notes

• These costs are approximate and regional prices can vary significantly.
• If the vehicle is under warranty or a service bulletin applies, labor and parts may be covered.
• After any CPS replacement, re-test thoroughly to confirm the issue is resolved and clear the codes.

DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

• DIY (possible for experienced enthusiasts)
  • Pros: Lower cost; quick turnaround if you can access the sensor easily.
  • Cons: CPS location varies by engine; some models require removal of intake manifold, timing cover, or other components; risk of mis-wiring or improper torque; modern ECUs expect correct sensor signals and diagnostic tests may require specialized scan tools.
  • Required tools: DVOM, backprobe pins, basic hand tools, torque wrench, possibly an oscilloscope or a high-quality automotive scan tool with CKP live data.
  • Basic plan: Visual inspection, measure power/reference/ground to CPS, check CKP waveform during crank, replace sensor if symptoms persist.
• Professional
  • Recommended if: The CPS is difficult to access, there are multiple related symptoms, or you’re not comfortable working around timing components or electrical wiring. A qualified technician will have access to OEM service data, wiring diagrams, and possibly timing alignment checks.

PREVENTION

• Regular inspection of the CPS area during routine services; fix oil leaks promptly to prevent sensor contamination.
• Ensure wiring harness integrity: protect wiring from heat and vibration; use loom clamps and routing away from moving parts.
• Keep electrical grounds clean and tight; poor grounding can mimic sensor failures.
• Use OEM or high-quality replacement sensors and connectors; avoid cheap, low-quality sensors that may have inconsistent signal output.
• After any ignition or crank sensor work, verify PCM re-learns or reinitializes correctly if the vehicle requires it (some systems do this automatically; some may require a drive cycle or reprogramming).
• Address related timing or engine mechanical issues promptly to avoid cascading sensor faults.

Summary

• P0335 on a 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma indicates a fault in the crankshaft position sensor circuit. Most cases stem from a bad CPS or wiring/connector problems; mechanical timing components or PCM faults are less common but possible.
• Diagnostic approach starts with a careful visual inspection, then electrical checks (power/reference/ground), followed by live CKP data or waveform testing, and ends with sensor/wiring replacement or repair as needed.
• Recalls: No recalls found in NHTSA database for this specific issue based on the provided data.
• Costs vary; expect CPS replacement in the low hundreds (parts + labor) under typical conditions; wiring repairs can add cost; PCM replacement is rare and more expensive.
• DIY is feasible for a capable technician; otherwise, professional service is recommended to avoid ECU timing and signal issues.
• Preventive measures focus on keeping the CPS area clean, protecting wiring, and using quality parts.

If you want, I can tailor a more precise diagnostic checklist for your exact Tacoma engine (2.7L 4-cyl vs. 3.5L V6) and add engine-specific access notes (e.g., CPS location and whether the timing cover needs to be opened on that engine).