A malfunction in the engine management system often manifests itself through the appearance of an error code P0335 on the on-board computer. For car owners Nissan This is one of the most common codes indicating a critical problem with the crankshaft position sensor. Without correct data from this element, the control unit cannot synchronize fuel supply and spark generation, which makes starting the engine impossible or extremely unstable.
Ignoring the signal P0335 can lead to a complete engine stop en route or to serious damage to internal components due to incorrect operation of the ignition system. Model owners Qashqai, X-Trail or Teana it is necessary to understand that the problem may lie not only in the sensor itself, but also in the wiring, or even in the mechanical condition of the flywheel. Let's look at how to correctly diagnose and fix this failure.
The essence of the problem and the role of the crankshaft sensor
The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is the main synchronizer in the engine management system. It is he who tells the control unit what position the pistons are in at the moment. By car Nissan this component is often integrated with the timing sensor or stands alone depending on the generation of the MR, QR or VQ series engine.
When the scanner records the code P0335, this means that the control unit does not receive a signal from the sensor for a certain time or the signal is completely absent. Without this information, the ECU simply does not know when to open the injectors and ignite the mixture. As a result, the engine may turn the starter, but never start, or stall immediately after starting.
Symptoms can vary: from complete inability to start to jerking while driving. If you notice that the car stops starting with a characteristic “whistle” of the starter, but without flashes in the cylinders, check for the code P0335 first of all.
The main causes of failure on Nissan
There can be several reasons for the error, and they range from banal oxidation of contacts to serious mechanical damage. The most common problem on Nissan - this is a failure of the sensor itself due to overheating or wear. The magnetic element inside the housing may become demagnetized or the electronic component may fail.
The second most common cause is damage to the wiring harness. Due to engine vibrations, especially on motors QR25DE or VQ35DE, the insulation may fray and the signal will be interrupted. Also, do not rule out problems with the connecting chip: oxidation of contacts or oil getting inside the connector often lead to false operation.
A less obvious but possible cause is mechanical damage to the flywheel ring gear or crankshaft pulley. If one of the teeth breaks off or becomes clogged with dirt, the sensor will not be able to correctly read the signal, even if it is fully operational. In such cases, the error appears periodically at certain speeds.
- ❌ Complete failure DPKV (crankshaft position sensor)
- ❌ Open or short circuit in the wiring harness
- ❌ Damage to the flywheel or damper ring gear
- ❌ Contamination of the sensor’s sensitive element with metal shavings
Diagnostics: how to check if the sensor is working properly
Before changing parts, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis. Start with a visual inspection. Disconnect the sensor connector and check for oil, corrosion or oxides. On models Almera and Note The sensor is often located in a hard-to-reach location, so inspection may require removing the engine protection.
Use a multimeter to check the sensor winding resistance. The value should match the specifications of your motor, usually in the range of 500 to 1500 ohms. If the resistance is infinite (open) or zero (short), the sensor requires replacement. Do not forget to also check the presence of supply voltage at the connector contacts when the ignition is on.
It is important to check the signal itself. To do this, you can use an oscilloscope by connecting it to the signal wire. When cranking the starter you should see a clear sine wave or series of pulses. If there is no signal or it is very distorted, the problem is either in the sensor or in the mechanics of the shaft.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to test the sensor using the “hot” method immediately after stopping the engine, as high temperature can distort the multimeter readings and lead to burns.
- The car won't start at all
- The engine stalls while driving
- The error appears periodically
- There is a knocking noise in the engine
Step-by-step instructions for replacing DPKV
Replacing the crankshaft position sensor on most cars Nissan - a task of medium complexity. You will need a set of wrenches, a new sensor and possibly a jack to access the underbody. Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid a short circuit.
First find the location of the sensor. It is usually located on the transmission housing or cylinder block near the crankshaft pulley. Unscrew the mounting bolt and carefully remove the old sensor. Be careful not to damage the connector or drop the bolt into the engine sump.
Before installing a new element, clean the seat from dirt and oil. Make sure that the gap between the sensor and the ring gear is correct (usually it is adjusted automatically, but sometimes a check is required). Install the new sensor, tighten the bolt to the recommended torque and connect the connector.
☑️ Check before installing a new sensor
After installation, you need to reset the error using a diagnostic scanner. Start the engine and make sure it runs smoothly and the check engine light is off. If the error returns immediately, the problem may be deeper than just a faulty sensor.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a new sensor, make sure it matches the engine code. On motors VQ and MR Sensors may have different characteristics and rod lengths.
Table of possible codes and their decoding
Understanding the associated error codes will help you more accurately determine the cause of the failure. Often code P0335 goes in tandem with other errors indicating problems with camshaft timing or misfires. Below is a table of the main codes associated with the synchronization system.
| Error code | Decoding | Probable Cause | Symptom |
|---|---|---|---|
| P0335 | Crankshaft sensor circuit malfunction | Broken sensor or broken wiring | Engine won't start |
| P0336 | Incorrect crankshaft sensor signal | Damaged ring gear | Floating speed, jerking |
| P0340 | Camshaft sensor circuit malfunction | Phase synchronization failure | Loss of power, startup error |
| P0011 | Camshaft phase shift | Problems with hydraulic compensator | Difficult start, knocking |
What to do if error P0335 appears after engine repair?
If the error occurs immediately after assembling the engine, check that the sensor is installed correctly and the ring gear is intact. It is possible that one of the flywheel teeth was damaged during disassembly, or the sensor was installed with the wrong clearance.
Interconnection with other control systems
Error P0335 rarely exists in a vacuum. The engine control module uses crankshaft position data to control the variable valve timing (VVT) system. If there is no signal, the VVT system is disabled, which may result in loss of power and increased fuel consumption.
It is also worth paying attention to the ignition system. No signal from the crankshaft means that the ignition coils are not receiving the command to spark. On modern models Nissan with direct injection (GDI), this also cuts off the fuel supply, which prevents the cylinders from flooding but makes starting impossible.
In some cases, the error may be false and caused by problems with fuel quality or low battery charge. Low voltage in the on-board network can lead to malfunctions of the ECU, which interprets this as a lack of signal from the sensor. Check the alternator and battery before replacing expensive parts.
Before purchasing a new sensor, try cleaning the connector contacts with a special contact cleaning spray - this can solve the problem in 10 minutes without the cost of spare parts.
Prevention and operating tips
To avoid the error reappearing P0335, carry out visual inspections of the engine regularly. Ensure the integrity of wiring harnesses, especially around kinks and moving parts. The use of high-quality oils and timely replacement of filters also indirectly affect the cleanliness of the sensor, since dirt and metal shavings can get on the sensitive element.
If you notice that the error appears when the engine warms up, but disappears when the engine is cold, this is a clear sign of sensor wear or wiring problems. In such cases, do not delay your visit for diagnostics, since at any moment the car may stall at the most inopportune moment.
When replacing a sensor, always use original spare parts or high-quality analogues of trusted brands. Cheap Chinese sensors often have unstable characteristics and can fail after a couple of months, creating problems with troubleshooting.
Regularly checking the wiring and keeping the contacts clean is the best way to prevent the P0335 code on Nissan vehicles without incurring unnecessary repair costs.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions from owners
Is it possible to get to the service center with error P0335?
If the engine starts and runs, it is theoretically possible, but it is risky. The engine can stall at any time due to loss of the synchronization signal, which is dangerous when driving in traffic. If the car does not start, towing is required.
Do I need to reset adaptations after replacing the sensor?
In most cases, it is enough to simply erase the error through the scanner. However, on some models with an automatic transmission, a gas pedal learning procedure or gearbox adaptation may be required for correct operation.
Does P0335 affect fuel consumption?
If the engine is running, then yes. If synchronization fails, the control unit can go into emergency mode, enriching the mixture or changing the ignition timing, which increases fuel consumption and emissions of harmful substances.
Could the error be due to poor fuel quality?
Indirectly - yes. Bad fuel can cause detonation and carbon deposits that clog the sensor or damage the flywheel teeth, but the P0335 code itself indicates an electrical or mechanical problem with the sensor, not the quality of the mixture.
Troubleshooting P0335 requires a careful approach and thorough diagnosis. Don't rush to change parts at random. The correct sequence of actions - from simple to complex - will save you time and money, and also return your Nissan former reliability and dynamics.