Encountering an error P0335 by brand car Nissan often becomes an unpleasant surprise for owners, especially if the car has been used previously without complaints. This code indicates a failure in the crankshaft position sensor control circuit, which is critical to the operation of the internal combustion engine. Without correct data on the position of the crankshaft, the electronic control unit cannot calculate the timing of fuel injection and ignition, which leads to the power unit stopping.
Ignoring this problem may lead to your Nissan Qashqai or another model will simply stop starting at the most inopportune moment. In some cases, the car goes into emergency mode, limiting power and engine speed. Understanding the nature of this error and knowing the algorithms for eliminating it will help you save time and money by avoiding expensive repairs at the dealership.
The essence of the problem and error code P0335
Error P0335 is classified as a crankshaft position (CKP) sensor circuit malfunction. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) monitors signals from this sensor to synchronize the operation of the injectors and the ignition system. If the signal is missing, interrupted, or has an incorrect amplitude, the computer detects a failure and the Check Engine light comes on.
It is important to understand that the problem may lie not only in the sensor itself, but also in the wiring, connectors, or even mechanical damage to the crankshaft pulley. By car Nissan With engines of the MR or QR series, this error occurs quite often due to the specific layout of the engine compartment and temperature loads.
When the P0335 code appears, the engine may behave unpredictably: stall at idle, jerk during acceleration, or not start at all. In some cases, the car may start, but immediately stall after a few seconds because the control unit loses synchronization with the rotation of the crankshaft.
⚠️ Attention: If the P0335 error is accompanied by a complete failure to start the engine, do not try to forcefully turn the starter for more than 10 seconds in a row. This can drain the battery and overheat the starter without solving the sensor problem.
The main reasons for the failure
There are several factors that can trigger the error. P0335. The most common cause is physical wear and tear on the crankshaft position sensor itself. Over time, the sensitive element loses its magnetic properties or the electronic filling fails due to overheating.
The second most common culprit is problems with electrical wiring. Engine compartment of the car Nissan exposed to constant vibrations and temperature changes. This can lead to chafing of the wire insulation, oxidation of the contacts in the connector, or an open circuit inside the harness.
- 💥 Damage to the crankshaft pulley ring gear, which serves as a magnetic reference for the sensor.
- 💥 Contamination of the working end of the sensor with metal shavings or oil deposits.
- 💥 Incorrect clearance between sensor and pulley due to fastener misalignment or deformation.
- 💥 Engine control unit software failure (less common, but possible).
Sometimes the problem lies in a banal breakdown of contact. The connector connecting the sensor to the vehicle wiring may have oxidized contacts or a loose lock. Visual inspection often reveals these defects faster than complex computer diagnostics.
Symptoms of a faulty crankshaft sensor
You can determine the presence of a problem not only by the scanner, but also by the behavior of the car. The first and most obvious sign is the lamp coming on. Check Engine on the dashboard. However, the lamp itself does not indicate that the problem is in the crankshaft sensor.
A more specific symptom is the inability to start the engine. The starter turns the engine normally, but the car does not “catch.” This happens because the ECU does not see the moment of rotation and does not issue a command to spark. In some cases, the engine may start, but be extremely unstable.
Dips in traction during acceleration and loss of power are also typical. Electronics tries to adapt to the lack of data, putting the system in emergency mode. This may be accompanied by sudden jerks and vibrations of the body. If you notice such symptoms, it is better to get diagnosed as soon as possible.
- Yes, often
- Rarely, once
- No, but I'm afraid
- I don't know what it is
Circuit Diagnostics and Testing
Before purchasing a new sensor, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the circuit. The first step is to visually inspect the connector and wires leading to the sensor. Look for signs of melting, cracked insulation, or traces of oil in the contacts.
To check the resistance of the sensor, you will need a multimeter. Disconnect the connector and measure the resistance between the sensor contacts. The value should be between 500 and 1500 ohms (the exact value depends on the engine model). If the multimeter shows “infinity” or zero, the sensor is faulty.
It is also necessary to check the presence of voltage at the connector from the control unit. When the ignition is turned on, a voltage of about 5 or 12 volts should be present at one of the contacts (depending on the circuit). No power indicates a break in the wiring or a problem with the ECU.
☑️ Crankshaft sensor diagnostics
Don't forget to check the gap between the sensor and the toothed disk. On some models Nissan this gap is adjusted by shimming or installing the sensor all the way. If the disc has chips or damaged teeth, even a new sensor will not be able to provide the correct signal.
⚠️ Attention: When checking the sensor resistance, make sure that the engine has completely cooled down. Hot metal and residual heat can distort the multimeter readings, leading to a false indication of a fault.
Step-by-step replacement instructions
Replacing the crankshaft position sensor on most models Nissan - The procedure is relatively simple, but requires care. The sensor is usually located at the bottom of the engine, near the flywheel or crankshaft pulley, often on the passenger or transmission side.
First, you need to de-energize the car by removing the negative terminal from the battery. This will eliminate the risk of a short circuit when disconnecting the connector. Then locate the sensor and gently press the connector lock to disconnect it.
Unscrew the mounting bolt holding the sensor. Please note that the bolt may be stuck, so use a quality tool and, if necessary, a penetrating lubricant. Remove the old sensor, being careful not to damage the wiring.
Install the new sensor, making sure the O-ring (if equipped) is tight and not twisted. Tighten the bolt to the recommended torque to avoid stripping the threads. Connect the connector until it clicks.
Installation nuances on different models
On a Nissan Qashqai with an MR20 engine, the sensor is often hidden under a protective cover that must be removed. On a Nissan X-Trail, access from underneath the vehicle may be required to easily remove the bolt.
After installation, you need to reset the error. Connect the diagnostic scanner and perform the “Clear Codes” function. If you don't have a scanner, you can try removing the battery terminal for 10-15 minutes, although this is not always effective in resetting the adaptations.
Before unscrewing the old sensor, take a photo of its position and the location of the wires. This will help you install the new element correctly, especially if the mounting design is non-standard.
Comparison of original and analog sensors
The choice between an original sensor and a high-quality analogue is always a matter of compromise. Original parts Nissan (catalog number often starts with 23731...) guarantee perfect compatibility and durability, but are significantly more expensive. Their resource usually exceeds 100 thousand kilometers.
Analogs from trusted brands (for example, Denso, NTK, Halla) often offer good value for money. However, there are many fakes on the market that can fail after just a couple of months. Always check the packaging and the presence of holograms.
| Manufacturer | Approximate price | Resource | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (Original) | High | 150,000+ km | Ideal for warranty |
| Denso (Analog) | Average | 100,000+ km | Optimal choice |
| Unknown brand | Low | Unknown | Risk of re-breakage |
If you plan to sell your car in the near future, it may make sense to install a high-quality analogue so as not to overpay for the brand. For long-term use, it is better to choose the original or a top-end analogue to avoid repeated visits to the service center.
The quality of the sensor signal directly affects fuel consumption and acceleration dynamics. Saving on cheap analogues may result in increased gas consumption and unstable engine operation in the future.
Prevention and Maintenance
To avoid the error reappearing P0335, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive measures. First of all, monitor the condition of the engine compartment: cleanliness and the absence of oil stains prolong the life of electronic components.
At every oil change or maintenance, inspect the wiring harness leading to the sensor. Even a small crack in the insulation can lead to oxidation of the contacts under the influence of moisture and salt from the roads.
- 🛡️ Use special aerosols to protect contacts from moisture and oxidation.
- 🛡️ Change the crankshaft seals in a timely manner to prevent oil from getting onto the sensor.
- 🛡️ Avoid mechanical damage to wires when repairing other engine components.
It is also useful to periodically check the gap between the sensor and the pulley, especially if the car is operated in conditions of strong vibrations or off-road conditions. Timely cleaning of the working end of the sensor from metal shavings can prevent false alarms.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use harsh chemicals to clean the sensor. Solvents can damage the housing and insulation, causing a short circuit inside the element.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions from owners
Is it possible to drive with P0335?
Short-term - possible if the engine starts and runs stably. However, long-term operation with this error is dangerous, since the control unit may operate in emergency mode, which leads to increased wear of the catalyst and other components. It's better to fix the problem immediately.
How long does it take to replace a sensor?
Depending on the car model and the availability of space under the hood, replacement takes from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. On some models Nissan Removal of protection or other attached elements is required to access the sensor.
Will resetting the error help without replacing the sensor?
No, if the sensor is physically faulty, the error will return immediately after starting the engine and cranking the starter. A reset only makes sense after the mechanical or electrical cause of the failure has been eliminated.
Where is the sensor located on Nissan Qashqai?
On most MR20DE and MR20DD engines, the sensor is located at the bottom of the engine, on the gearbox side, near the flywheel. Access may require lifting the vehicle or removing wheels.
Could P0335 be a false alarm?
Yes, sometimes the error occurs due to poor contact in the connector or temporary electronic failure. If after clearing the contacts and resetting the error does not return, the problem was most likely in the contact group.
Solving the problem with error 335 on cars Nissan requires a careful approach and basic knowledge in the field of auto electrics. By following the instructions, you can independently diagnose and fix the problem, returning the machine to its former reliability and performance.