P0336 Code: Toyota Tacoma (2016-2023) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

P0336 Diagnostic Guide for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma

Data note and recalls

• Official data summary for this specific model/year and code: No NHTSA owner complaints found for this issue, and No recalls found in NHTSA database.
• No recalls or TSB references are cited here because they do not appear in the provided data.
• This guide uses general automotive knowledge for technical explanations and typical repair practices. Data limitations mean the guide reflects common industry guidance rather than Tacoma-specific recall history.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code: P0336
• Description: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
• What it means: The PCM (engine control module) is not receiving a crankshaft position (CKP) sensor signal within expected range or has detected an out-of-range/erratic signal from CKP sensor A. This can prevent proper ignition timing and fuel injection timing, leading to hard starting, stalling, or no-start conditions.
• Severity: Moderate to high. If the CKP signal is unreliable, the engine may crank without starting, stall unexpectedly, or run very poorly. In many cases, you’ll see the check engine light illuminate. Prolonged operation with a bad CKP signal can risk being stranded.

COMMON CAUSES ON TOYOTA TACOMA

• Faulty CKP sensor (sensor A) itself
• Damaged, frayed, or corroded CKP sensor wiring or connector (poor contact, short to ground/5V reference)
• Loose or oil-contaminated connectors; poor weather sealing
• PCM/ECU fault (rare, but possible)
• Mechanical timing issues (timing chain/belt wear, tensioner) or timing components causing an incorrect CKP signal
• Oil leaks or contamination around the CKP sensor that contaminate the sensing area
• Wiring interference from aftermarket wiring, routing damage, or chassis flex
• Electrical noise or ground problems in the engine bay

SYMPTOMS TO EXPECT

• Engine cranks but won't start or experiences intermittent starting problems
• Engine stalls during idle or under load
• Rough idle or misfires
• MIL (check engine light) on with P0336
• In some cases, drivability issues may be intermittent or disappear when the engine warms up
• Possible related codes: P0335 (CKP A circuit), P0337 (Low input), P0338 (High input), P0339 (CKP B circuit)

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS (systematic approach)

Safety first: If the engine can be started, ensure you’re in a safe environment. Disconnecting the battery is not always required for all steps, but it’s good practice when disconnecting electrical connectors.

Preliminary data gathering

• Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0336 and note any freeze-frame data (RPM, engine load, pressure, voltage). Check for any related codes (P0335-P0339) that may appear together.
• Confirm battery condition and charging voltage (low voltage can distort sensor signals).

Inspect and test electrical circuits

• Visually inspect CKP sensor and harness:
  • Look for oil leaks near the sensor, damaged wiring, or bent/pinched harness sections.
  • Check the connector for corrosion, bent pins, moisture, or damage. Disconnect and re-seat the connector.
• Check power, ground, and signal circuits with a multimeter (as appropriate for your level of repair):
  • With the ignition off, unplug CKP sensor connector. Back-probe the wires at the PCM-side harness or at the sensor, depending on access, and verify:
    • 5V reference (Vref) from PCM to CKP sensor when the ignition is on (engine off). A solid 5V is typical for most CKP circuits.
    • Ground continuity from CKP sensor ground wire to engine block/ground.
  • If the 5V reference is absent or erratic, the problem is likely in the wiring, connector, or PCM.
  • Resistance/continuity check across the CKP sensor signals (consult the factory service manual for the specified range for your engine). Compare to documented spec.
• Inspect sensor data in live mode:
  • With the engine cranking, use a scan tool capable of real-time data to watch CKP A signal (sensor A). If there is no signal, a poor connection, or the signal amplitude is out of spec, the sensor or circuit is suspect.
  • Wiggle the harness and connector while monitoring CKP data to reproduce intermittent faults.
• Check for mechanical timing concerns (if you have reason to suspect timing issues):
  • If the engine has poor compression, misfiring, or timing chain/belt wear, CKP signal may be affected. Only perform timing checks if you have the tools and know-how, and follow Toyota service procedures.
• Sensor replacement testing:
  • If the CKP sensor shows signs of wear, damage, or the signal remains out of spec after circuit checks, replace the CKP sensor with a quality replacement (OEM or reputable aftermarket). Re-test after replacement.
• PCM concerns (rare):
  • If all wiring and the sensor test good but P0336 persists, the PCM could be faulty. This is uncommon; data-driven testing with service documentation is advised before replacing the PCM.

Notes specific to Toyota Tacoma:

• CKP sensors are generally located near the crankshaft flywheel/harmonic balancer or front of the engine, accessible from the engine bay. Some models require removal of components to gain access. Always consult the service manual for your exact engine year and configuration.
• Oil leaks around the timing area are a frequent contributor to CKP signal contamination; address leaks first if present.

RELATED CODES (typical family of CKP issues)

• P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
• P0337: CKP A Circuit Low Input
• P0338: CKP A Circuit High Input
• P0339: CKP B Circuit
• P0330-P0334: Knock sensor / CKP-related family in some systems; check service manual for exact mapping on your engine

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 PRICES)

Notes:

• Prices can vary by region, shop, and whether you use OEM Toyota parts or reputable aftermarket parts.
• Labor times can differ based on engine access and workshop rates. The Tacoma’s CKP replacement is typically a straightforward job for a competent DIYer or a shop.

Typical parts costs

• CKP sensor (Toyota OEM): roughly $40–$120
• Aftermarket CKP sensors: roughly $25–$70
• Gaskets/seals or minor sealing materials (if needed): $5–$20 (rarely required)

Estimated repair costs (U.S. market, 2025)

• DIY replacement (parts + basic tools): approximately $60–$150
• Professional replacement (parts + labor): approximately $150–$450
  • Labor time often 0.5–1.5 hours depending on access
  • Shop rates typically range from $75–$150/hour, depending on region

What you’re paying for

• Sensor itself (new CKP sensor)
• Labor for removal of components to access the sensor
• Any incidental gaskets/seals if a portion of the throttle body or timing cover must be moved
• Diagnostic time if the shop is also verifying the fault

DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

DIY considerations

• Suitable for a confident DIYer with basic automotive electrical skills and some engine bay access.
• Pros: lower cost, quick turnaround, can be done with common hand tools.
• Cons: access to the CKP sensor varies by engine; removal may require removing belts, pulleys, or other components; improper reconnection can cause more faults.
• Typical steps (high level): disconnect battery, locate CKP sensor, unplug connector, remove sensor, install new sensor with proper torque and alignment, reconnect, clear codes, test drive.

Professional considerations

• Pros: proper diagnosis with live data, correct sensor wiring harness checks, torque specs followed, proper clearing of codes, test driving to confirm fix.
• Cons: higher cost and scheduling.
• If similar codes persist after a sensor replacement, a professional evaluation is warranted to check wiring harness, PCM, or timing.

PREVENTION AND BEST PRACTICES

• Regularly inspect and fix oil leaks around the timing sensor area to prevent contaminant ingress.
• Protect the CKP wiring harness from chafing or heat; ensure connectors are clean and dry; use dielectric grease on seal-friendly connectors if recommended.
• Maintain battery health and stable charging voltage; 12.6V+ resting voltage, and higher during operation to ensure PCM and sensors function correctly.
• When modifying or replacing components near the engine, route wires away from hot surfaces and moving parts; use proper insulation and shielding.
• Address any symptom early: stalling or hard starting should be diagnosed promptly to prevent potential stalling in traffic.

Important caveats

• No recalls found in NHTSA database for this exact issue and model/year in the provided data. If you have access to official sources, verify current recall status locally.
• Data limitations: The provided data indicates no owner complaints in NHTSA for this code on these model years, and no recalls. Real-world experiences may differ, and other sources or updated databases may show different results.

Practical quick-reference for P0336 on a 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma

• Most common cause: Faulty CKP sensor or its wiring/connector
• Primary symptoms to watch for: hard-start, no-start, stalling, rough idle, MIL with P0336
• Core checks: inspect sensor and wiring, verify 5V reference and ground, view CKP signal during cranking, test/replace sensor if needed
• Related codes to check alongside: P0335, P0337, P0338, P0339
• Replacement approach: replace CKP sensor if symptoms and tests indicate failure; cost generally in the range of $180–$450 with labor
• DIY feasibility: doable for many home mechanics with basic tools and mechanical aptitude
• Preventive measures: fix oil leaks, protect wiring, ensure clean connections, and monitor for intermittent sensor signals

If you’d like, I can tailor this guide to a specific Tacoma engine variant (2.7L I4 vs. 3.5L V6) or provide a step-by-step DIY replacement guide with torque specs and a parts list based on your exact engine code.