Error P0335 on Nissan: Crankshaft sensor circuit malfunction - causes and repairs

Fault code P0335 on cars Nissan - one of the most common problems associated with the engine management system. This error indicates a problem with crankshaft position sensor (CPS) circuits, which is responsible for synchronizing the operation of fuel injectors and the ignition system. If you ignore it, the consequences can range from unstable engine operation to complete failure to start the engine.

Model owners Qashqai, X-Trail, Almera and others often encounter this error after 100–150 thousand kilometers, but it can appear earlier - for example, after unsuccessful repairs or exposure to external factors (moisture, mechanical damage). In this article we will look at all possible causes of P0335, diagnostic methods (including testing with a multimeter), and step-by-step troubleshooting instructions - from simply cleaning the contacts to replacing the sensor or wiring harness.

What does P0335 mean on Nissan?

Code P0335 stands for "Circuit Malfunction in Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A'" - Malfunction of the crankshaft position sensor circuit. This sensor (DPKV) generates a signal about the position and speed of rotation of the crankshaft, which Engine ECU uses for:

• 🔥 Accurate determination of the moment of fuel injection.
• ⚡ Synchronization of the ignition system.
• 📊 Engine speed control (for example, to limit the “cutoff”).

If the signal from the DPKV disappears or becomes unstable, the ECU records an error P0335 and can:

• 🚗 Switch the engine to emergency mode (power limitation, increased fuel consumption).
• 🔴 Block the engine from starting (in severe cases).
• 🔄 Light up Check Engine on the dashboard.

Important: on some models Nissan (For example, Juice or Note with engines HR16DE) error P0335 may be accompanied by additional codes such as P0336 (signal out of acceptable limits) or P0325 (knock sensor malfunction). This complicates diagnosis, so you should always start by checking the DPKV.

The main causes of error code P0335

A faulty crankshaft sensor circuit may be caused by: mechanical damage, as well as electrical problems. Below is a complete list of possible causes, from most likely to rare:

Reason	Frequency of occurrence	Remedy
Contamination or damage to the DPKV	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Cleaning or replacing the sensor
Open or short circuit in wiring harness	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Chain continuity test, wiring repair/replacement
Oxidation of contacts in the sensor connector	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Cleaning contacts, treating with contact lubricant
Malfunction of the ring gear on the flywheel/pulley	⭐⭐⭐	Diagnostics of the mechanical part, replacement of the crown
Engine ECU malfunction	⭐⭐	Reflashing or replacing the block

In practice in 70% of cases the problem lies in the sensor itself or its connector. For example, on Nissan Qashqai J10 with engine MR20DE The DPKV is located next to the flywheel and is often exposed to dirt or metal shavings. On X-Trail T31 More often than not, the wiring suffers - the harness rubs against the suspension brackets.

⚠️ Attention: If the error P0335 appears after washing the engine or driving through deep puddles, there is a high probability that the problem is moisture getting on the sensor connector. In this case, it is enough to dry the contacts and treat them contact lubricant (For example, CRC 2-26).

How to diagnose P0335 yourself

For diagnostics you will need multimeter (preferably with a diode test function), OBD-II scanner (For example, ELM327) and a basic set of tools. Follow the step by step instructions:

Step 1: Read Errors

Connect the scanner to the connector OBD-II (usually located under the steering wheel) and read the fault codes. If in addition P0335 there are other errors (for example, P0300 - misfires), write them down - this will help narrow down the search for the problem.

Step 2: Visual Inspection of the Sensor and Wiring

Find DPKV on your Nissan (exact location varies by model, but it is usually attached to the cylinder block near the flywheel or crankshaft pulley). Inspect:

• 🔍 Sensor housing for cracks or signs of impact.
• 🔌 Connector — oxidation, contamination, planting density.
• 🔗 Wiring harness - chafing, melting of insulation.

Step 3: Check the sensor with a multimeter

Disconnect the DPKV connector and check:

1. Winding resistance: Connect the multimeter probes to the sensor terminals (polarity is not important). Normal for most Nissan — 500–1000 Ohm. If resistance tends to 0 (short circuit) or ∞ (break), the sensor is faulty.
2. Supply voltage: Turn on the ignition and check the voltage between +12V And mass on the harness connector (not the sensor!). Must be 12–14 V.

If the sensor and wiring are ok, but the error remains, the cause may be mechanical damage to the ring gear on the flywheel or pulley. To check, you will need to remove the starter or engine protection and visually inspect the ring gear for chips or worn teeth.

Step-by-step instructions for resolving error P0335

Depending on the cause, repair methods will vary. Below are universal solutions for most models Nissan.

1. Cleaning or replacing the crankshaft sensor

If the sensor is contaminated with metal shavings or oil deposits:

1. Remove the DPKV by unscrewing the mounting bolt (usually 10 mm).
2. Clean the housing and contact part lint-free cloth, soaked in isopropyl alcohol or carburetor cleaner.
3. Check the gap between the sensor and the ring gear - it should be 0.5–1.5 mm. If necessary, adjust the position of the sensor.

If the sensor is faulty (open/short circuit), it must be replaced. For Nissan Original sensors with article numbers are suitable:

• 23731-4M000 (for Qashqai J10/J11, X-Trail T31/T32).
• 23731-AL500 (for Almera N16, Note E11).
• 23731-3M600 (for Juice, Micra).

⚠️ Attention: When replacing DPKV with Nissan with HR16DE/MR20DE engines use only original sensors or analogues from Denso/Bosch. Cheap Chinese substitutes often give false signals, which leads to the re-emergence of P0335.

2. Wiring repair

If the problem is in the wiring harness:

1. Check the circuit from the DPKV connector to the ECU for an open or short circuit.
2. If you find a damaged area, strip and solder the wires, insulating them with heat shrink tubing.
3. If the harness is severely damaged (for example, rubbed against a bracket), replace it entirely.

On Nissan X-Trail T31 And Pathfinder R51 The wiring near the right engine mount often frays. In this case, it is recommended to additionally secure the tourniquet plastic clamps and pave corrugation for protection.

3. Checking the ring gear

If the sensor and wiring are OK, but the error remains:

1. Remove the starter or crankcase guard to access the flywheel.
2. Inspect the ring gear for chips, wear, or misaligned teeth.
3. If any defects are found, replace the ring gear or flywheel assembly.

What should I do if, after replacing the DPKV, error P0335 remains?

If the sensor is new, but the error does not disappear, check:

1. The connector is connected correctly (sometimes the contacts are mixed up).

2. The presence of voltage on the sensor power supply (should be 12V when the ignition is on).

3. ECU condition - the unit may require flashing or replacement.

Features of error P0335 on popular Nissan models

Although the general principles of diagnosis and repair are the same, on some models Nissan There are nuances that are worth knowing:

Nissan Qashqai (J10, J11) and X-Trail (T31, T32)

On these crossovers with engines MR20DE And QR25DE The DPKV is located in an inconvenient place - next to the flywheel, closer to the cabin. Frequent problems:

• 💧 Moisture gets into the connector after washing or driving through puddles.
• 🔧 Loosening of the sensor due to vibrations (leads to an increase in the gap).

Solution: after replacing the sensor, be sure to treat the connector dielectric grease and tighten the mounting bolt to a torque 8–10 Nm.

Nissan Almera (N16, G15)

On Almera N16 with engine QG16DE error P0335 often accompanied P0325 (knock sensor). The reason is the common wiring harness, which runs next to the exhaust manifold and melts due to high temperature.

Solution: Replace the harness or route it into heat-resistant corrugation, moving away from the collector.

Nissan Juke (F15) and Note (E11, E12)

On these models with engines HR16DE And MR16DDT DPKV is integrated into the engine control unit (ECU). If the error P0335 appears along with P0606 (ECU malfunction), you will need:

1. Reflash the unit (sometimes resetting adaptations helps).
2. Replace the ECU assembly (expensive, but inevitable if there is physical damage).

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Nissan make typical mistakes that lead to reoccurrence P0335 or new problems. That's what can't do:

• 🛠️ Use non-original sensors without checking resistance. Cheap analogues often have incorrect characteristics, which leads to false signals.
• 🔌 Ignore contact oxidation in the ECU connector. Even if the sensor is OK, poor contact on the control unit side will cause an error.
• 🔧 Do not check the gap between the DPKV and the crown. Too large a gap (>1.5 mm) or metal shavings on the sensor distort the signal.
• 📉 Reset the error without eliminating the cause. If you just erase P0335 scanner, it will return the next time you start the engine.

Another common problem is damage to the wiring when removing the starter (for example, on Nissan Pathfinder R51). When dismantling the starter, it is easy to touch the DPKV harness, so before work, disconnect the sensor connector and secure the wires to the side.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Nissan (For example, Navara D40 with diesel engine YD25DDTi) error P0335 may indicate a malfunction camshaft sensor (DPRV). Before replacing the DPKV, check it too - the resistance should be 200–900 Ohm.

Prevention of error P0335

To avoid crankshaft sensor problems in the future, follow these guidelines:

• 🚿 Avoid high-pressure engine washing, especially in the area of DPKV and ECU.
• 🔧 Check the sensor mounting regularly (every 30 thousand km) - a loose bolt leads to an increase in the gap.
• 🔌 Treat connector contacts contact lubricant (For example, Liqui Moly Kontaktreiniger).
• 🛠️ When replacing the timing belt or starter inspect the condition of the DPKV harness for chafing.

For cars with high mileage (>150 thousand km) it is recommended prophylactic replacement of DPCV once every 100 thousand km, even if there are no errors. Sensor cost (from 1 500 ₽ for the original) is not comparable with the risk of being left without starting the engine on the road.

Also note fuel quality. Bad gasoline or diesel with impurities accelerates wear of the ring gear on the flywheel, which ultimately leads to an unstable DPKV signal.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error code P0335 on Nissan

Is it possible to drive with P0335?

Short-term - yes, but with reservations. The engine will operate in emergency mode: loss of power, increased fuel consumption, jerking during acceleration. However, you cannot drive with this error for a long time, because:

• Risk catalyst overheating due to incorrect air-fuel mixture.
• Possible misfire, which damage spark plugs and coils.
• On some models (for example, Nissan GT-R) The ECU may completely block the engine from starting.

It is recommended to rectify the malfunction within 1–2 days after the error appears.

How much does it cost to replace the DPKV on a Nissan?

The cost depends on the model and type of sensor:

Model Nissan	Sensor price (original)	Work price (STO)
Qashqai, X-Trail	1 500–2 500 ₽	800–1 500 ₽
Almera, Note	1 200–2 000 ₽	600–1 200 ₽
Patrol, Navara	2 500–4 000 ₽	1 500–2 500 ₽

Self-replacement takes 30–60 minutes and allows you to save on work.

Could P0335 be caused by the battery?

Yes, but indirectly. If the battery is very discharged (<11.5 V), the ECU may incorrectly interpret signals from sensors, including DPKV. However, after charging or replacing the battery, the error should disappear. If P0335 The problem remains in the sensor itself or the wiring.

How to reset error code P0335 after repair?

There are three ways to reset the error:

1. OBD-II scanner: Connect the device and select the function "Clear DTC".
2. Disabling the battery: remove the negative terminal on 10–15 minutes (on some models this clears errors).
3. On your own: on some Nissan (For example, Almera Classic) errors are reset after 3 successful engine starts in a row.

If the error appears again, the problem has not been resolved.

What other errors can accompany P0335?

Frequent "companions" P0335:

• P0336 — incorrect DPKV signal.
• P0325 - malfunction of the knock sensor (on Almera N16).
• P0300–P0304 — misfires in the cylinders.
• P0606 - ECU malfunction (on Juke, Note).

If together with P0335 there are other errors, start diagnosing by checking ECU power supply and ground.