Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
The P0336 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance. This is a critical severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Short distances only
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $100 - $500 (parts and labor)
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Common Symptoms
- Engine runs rough or misfires
- Intermittent stalling
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Erratic tachometer readings
- Hard starting
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Damaged or worn reluctor ring teeth Very High
- Excessive CKP sensor air gap High
- CKP sensor producing weak or inconsistent signal High
- Loose sensor mounting bolt Moderate
- Harmonic balancer wobble or separation Low
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0336 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2007-2020 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra 5.3L Easy DIY
Crankshaft position sensor performance issue. The sensor is reading an erratic or irregular signal pattern. Check the reluctor ring (tone ring) on the crankshaft for damaged or missing teeth. If the ring is intact, replace the CKP sensor (ACDelco). Located at the rear of the engine near the transmission bellhousing. Perform a CKP relearn after replacement. Confirm the exact part for your year and engine with a retailer's fitment lookup or your VIN before ordering - these applications split by engine and build date.
Labor: 30-45 min2008-2019 Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain 2.4L Easy (sensor), Advanced (chain) DIY
CKP sensor signal is irregular -- often caused by timing chain stretch changing the crank-to-cam relationship. If the engine has a cold-start rattle, the timing chain is stretched. Replace the timing chain kit and the CKP sensor together. If no rattle, replace only the CKP sensor and perform a relearn. Your dealer can confirm whether an open service bulletin or warranty extension applies to your VIN.
Labor: 30 min (sensor), 4-6 hours (chain)2004-2015 Pontiac Grand Prix/Buick LaCrosse 3.8L Easy DIY
CKP sensor signal range/performance on the 3800 Series II V6. The sensor is at the rear of the engine near the harmonic balancer. Replace with an OE-quality ACDelco unit. The 3800 V6 has a known issue with the harmonic balancer outer ring separating from the hub, which creates an erratic CKP signal. Inspect the balancer for wobble or a visible gap between the rings. Confirm the exact part for your year and engine with a retailer's fitment lookup or your VIN before ordering - these applications split by engine and build date.
Labor: 30 min (sensor), 1 hour (balancer)Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0336?
You can drive short distances, but be cautious. The engine may stall without warning. If the code recurs frequently, have the vehicle towed to prevent a stall in a dangerous location.
What is the difference between P0335 and P0336?
P0335 indicates no signal or a complete circuit malfunction. P0336 means a signal is present but its quality or timing is outside the expected range, often from a damaged reluctor ring or incorrect air gap.
Can a damaged reluctor ring be repaired?
No. A damaged reluctor ring must be replaced. On some engines, the reluctor ring is part of the crankshaft or harmonic balancer, which means the entire component must be replaced.
Mechanics Guide Step-by-step diagnosis
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
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Monitor CKP sensor waveform with an oscilloscope -- look for inconsistent signal amplitude or missing pulses
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Inspect the reluctor ring for chipped, cracked, or worn teeth -- any damage requires replacement
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Check the CKP sensor air gap -- should be 0.5-1.5mm; adjust or replace if out of spec
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Verify the sensor mounting bolt is tight and the sensor is properly seated
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Inspect the harmonic balancer for signs of separation between the inner hub and outer ring
Sources 1
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
- SAE J2012Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (defines the generic OBD-II code ranges)
P0336 on Diesel, EV & Equipment
The same code ID appears across other engines and platforms. The diagnostic flow varies by manufacturer — these are the platform-specific breakdowns:
Commonly Affected Vehicles
- 2007-2017 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2008-2018 GMC Sierra
- 2005-2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2010-2020 Ford F-150
- 2009-2019 Toyota Tundra
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