Error P0335 on the dashboard Nissan - signal about problems with crankshaft position sensor (CPS), which is critical for stable engine operation. This code indicates a problem in the sensor circuit: open, short circuit or incorrect signal. An error cannot be ignored - it can lead to failure to start the engine, jerks during acceleration, or even damage to the ECU.

Model owners Qashqai, X-Trail, Almera and others often encounter P0335 after replacing the timing belt, moisture getting under the hood or when the wiring is worn out. In 60% of cases, the problem is solved by cleaning the contacts or replacing the sensor, but sometimes in-depth diagnostics are required. In this article we will analyze reasons for the code, ways to check the sensor and step-by-step repair instructions - from simple steps to complex procedures.

What does P0335 mean on Nissan?

Code P0335 stands for Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction - Malfunction of the crankshaft position sensor circuit. This sensor transmits to ECU (electronic control unit) data on the rotation speed and position of the crankshaft, which is necessary for:

  • 🔧 Precise fuel injection
  • ⚡ Optimal ignition timing
  • 📊 Detonation control
  • 🚗 Stable operation of the variable valve timing (VVT) system

If the signal from the sensor is missing or distorted, the ECU goes into emergency mode: The engine may stall, lose power, or fail to start at all. On Nissan with systems HR16DE, MR20DD or QR25DE error P0335 often accompanied by:

  • 🔥 Floating idle speed
  • 🚨 By burning a check Check Engine
  • 🛑 Jerky when moving
  • 🔋 Problems with starting (especially in wet weather)
📊 Which Nissan model did you encounter the P0335 code on?
  • Qashqai
  • X-Trail
  • Almera
  • Juke
  • Other model

The main causes of error code P0335

According to statistics from service centers, in 75% of cases the sensor itself or its wiring is to blame. But there are also less obvious reasons:

Reason Frequency of occurrence Remedy
Crankshaft sensor malfunction 50% Replacing the sensor (part number for Nissan: 23731-4M000 or 23731-4M010)
Damage to wiring or connector 20% Insulation repair, contact cleaning, harness replacement
Sensor contamination with metal shavings 15% Cleaning the sensor and flywheel ring gear
Flywheel ring gear malfunction 10% Replacing the flywheel or ring gear (requires removing the gearbox)
ECU firmware failure 5% Reflashing the unit or resetting adaptations

Particular attention should be paid wiring. On Nissan with engines K4M And M9R The sensor harness often rubs against the exhaust manifold bracket, resulting in a short circuit. The error may also appear after:

  • 🔧 Replacing the timing belt (if the sensor is affected or displaced)
  • 🌧️ Water entering the engine compartment (for example, when washing under pressure)
  • 🔥 Engine overheating (melting wire insulation)
💡

If error P0335 appears only in wet weather, there is a 90% chance that the problem is in the oxidized contacts of the sensor connector. Try to clear them WD-40 or contact lubricant.

How to diagnose P0335 yourself

To check the crankshaft sensor you will need multimeter (preferably with inductance measurement function) and OBD-II scanner (For example, ELM327 or Launch CReader). Perform diagnostics in the following order:

Read error codes with a scanner (make sure there are no associated codes, for example, P0336)

Visually inspect the sensor and wiring for damage

Check the sensor resistance (normal: 500–1000 Ohm)

Measure the voltage at the connector (should be 5V with the ignition on)

Check the signal with an oscilloscope (amplitude of at least 0.5V at idle speed) -->

Step 1: Check the sensor resistance

Disconnect the sensor connector and measure the resistance between its terminals. For most sensors Nissan normal values:

  • 🔹 23731-4M000: 560–740 Ohm
  • 🔹 23731-AL50A: 800–1200 Ohm

If resistance tends to 0 - short circuit if infinity - break. In both cases, the sensor must be replaced.

Step 2: Check the supply voltage

Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine) and measure the voltage between contact 1 (plus) and mass. Must be 4.5–5.5V. If there is no voltage, the problem is in the wiring or the ECU.

How to find the crankshaft sensor on a Nissan?

On most models (Qashqai J10/J11, X-Trail T31/T32) the sensor is located:

- To the right of the oil filter (if viewed in the direction of travel)

- At the level of the top of the pallet, closer to the gearbox

- Fastened with one 10 mm bolt.

On Almera N16 And Primera P12 the sensor may be hidden under the intake manifold - you will need to remove the air duct.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the crankshaft sensor

If diagnostics confirm that the sensor is faulty, it must be replaced. To work you will need:

  • 🔧 10 mm wrench (or socket with extension)
  • 🔩 Flat blade screwdriver (for removing the connector)
  • 🧴Dielectric grease (e.g. Liqui Moly Electronic-Spray)
  • 📏 Gap gauge (optional)

Replacement algorithm:

  1. Disable negative battery terminal (required!).
  2. Disconnect the sensor connector by pressing the latch.
  3. Unscrew the sensor mounting bolt with a 10 mm wrench.
  4. Carefully remove the sensor by rocking it from side to side (do not force it!).
  5. Clean the seat from dirt and metal shavings.
  6. Install the new sensor, making sure the O-ring is in place.
  7. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!).
  8. Connect the connector and return the battery terminal.
💡

After replacing the sensor, be sure to reset the errors via the scanner! Even if Check Engine went out on its own, false codes may remain in the ECU memory, which will affect adaptation.

Important details:

  • 🔧 On Nissan Juke And Note E12 You may need to remove the air duct or battery to access the sensor.
  • 📏 The gap between the sensor and the ring gear must be 0.5–1.5 mm. If it is larger, check the flywheel for runout.
  • 🔋 After replacement, the engine may be unstable for the first 5-10 minutes - this is normal (the ECU is being retrained).
💡

If P0335 remains after replacing the sensor, check integrity of the teeth on the flywheel. even one chipped tooth can cause signal failure.

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

Many owners Nissan make critical mistakes when trying to eliminate P0335. That's what can't do:

⚠️ Attention! Never use to clean the sensor abrasive materials (sandpaper, metal brushes). This breaks the protective coating and leads to premature failure of the sensor. Cleaning only allowed gasoline or alcohol with a soft brush.

Top 5 errors when troubleshooting P0335:

  1. Ignoring flywheel check. Even a new sensor will generate an error if the ring gear is damaged or has play.
  2. Installing a non-original sensor. Cheap analogues (for example, from Febi or Meat & Doria) often have incorrect inductance characteristics, which leads to repeated errors.
  3. Incorrect bolt tightening. A weak tightening causes vibration of the sensor, a strong tightening causes deformation of the housing.
  4. Forgetting to reset ECU adaptations. After replacing the sensor, you need to reset the long-term fuel trims (via Nissan Consult or Launch X431).
  5. Checking the sensor only. In 30% of cases the problem lies in wiring harness between the sensor and the ECU (especially on Nissan Primera P12 And Almera Classic).

If after all the manipulations there is an error P0335 remains, the reasons may be more serious:

  • 🔌 Malfunction Engine ECU (diagnostics on the stand is required).
  • 🔄 Camshaft and crankshaft synchronization failure (check timing marks).
  • 🛢️ Metal shavings getting into the oil (may block the sensor).

Cost of repairs in the service vs self-repair

Elimination prices P0335 vary depending on the model and the cause of the malfunction. Below is a comparative table for Moscow and the regions (for 2026):

Type of work Cost in service (₽) Cost yourself (₽) Notes
Diagnostics with a scanner 1 000–1 500 0 (if you have your own scanner) Includes reading codes and erasing errors
Replacing the crankshaft sensor 2 500–4 000 500–1 500 Sensor cost: original - 3,000–5,000 RUR, analogue – 800–1,500 RUR
Wiring repair 3 000–6 000 300–800 Includes soldering, insulation, connector replacement
Flywheel/ring replacement 15 000–25 000 8 000–12 000 Requires removal of the gearbox, difficult to do on your own
Flashing the ECU 5 000–10 000 0 (if there is cable and software) Relevant for Nissan Juke And Qashqai J11 with ECU Bosch ME17.9.8

When should you go to the service center?

  • 🔧 If after replacing the sensor and checking the wiring, the error remains.
  • 🔄 If there are related codes (for example, P0340 — camshaft sensor).
  • 🛠️ If a flywheel replacement or ECU repair is required.

Self-repair is justified if you are confident in your skills and have a minimum set of tools. Otherwise, the risk of aggravating the problem (for example, damaging the ECU connector or incorrectly setting the timing marks) is too great.

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 run in emergency mode (loss of power, increased fuel consumption).
  • 🔥 Risk of sudden engine stop (especially on the highway).
  • ⚡ On some models (for example, Nissan X-Trail T32) long driving with P0335 can lead to catalyst overheating.

Recommendation: Correct the problem within 1-2 days.

Why does P0335 only appear when the engine is cold?

This is a typical symptom unstable contact in the sensor circuit. Reasons:

  • 🌡️ Oxidation of connector contacts (when heated, the oxides expand and improve contact).
  • 🔌 Microcracks in the wiring (in the cold, the metal shrinks, the cracks diverge).
  • 🔋 Malfunction of the sensor itself (resistance changes when heated).

Solution: Clean the contacts, check the wiring for bends and replace the sensor if the problem persists.

Which crankshaft sensor is better to install on Nissan: original or analogue?

Depends on model and year of manufacture:

  • 🔹 For Nissan Qashqai J10 (2007–2013) And X-Trail T31 original fits 23731-4M000 or equivalent Bosch 0 261 210 115.
  • 🔹 On Almera G15 And Note E12 It's better to take the original 23731-4M010 - analogues often work with a delay.
  • 🔹 For Nissan Juke And Qashqai J11 (with engine HR16DE) analogues are allowed Denso or NGK, but only with an article that matches the parameters.

Important: after installing the analogue, be sure to check resistance And inductance (must match the original ±10%).

Could P0335 be caused by a bad battery?

Yes, but indirectly. If the battery is severely discharged or faulty, the following may occur:

  • 🔋 Voltage surges in the on-board network that damage the sensor.
  • 📉 Voltage drops below 9V during startup, causing the ECU to read the signal incorrectly.

What to do:

  1. Check the battery voltage (should be 12.6V with the engine off).
  2. Measure the voltage at startup (should not fall below 10V).
  3. If the battery is weak, charge or replace it.
How to reset P0335 without a scan tool?

There are two ways to reset the code:

  1. Disabling the battery:
    1. Remove negative terminal for 10–15 minutes.
    2. Press the brake pedal 3-5 times (discharges the capacitors in the ECU).
    3. Reconnect the terminal.

    ⚠️ Attention! After that they will reset all adaptations (idle, throttle), so the engine may be unstable for the first 5–10 km.

  2. Triple ignition method (does not work on all models):
    1. Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
    2. Wait 3 seconds.
    3. Turn off the ignition.
    4. Repeat steps 1-3 2 more times.
    5. Start the engine and let it idle for 1 minute.

If the error returns, the problem has not been resolved and diagnostics is required.