Error Code P0335 on Nissan Primera: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Fault code P0335 on Nissan Primera (especially models P11 And P12 with engines QR20DE, SR20DE or GA16DE) is one of the most common and insidious problems that owners face. It indicates a fault in the circuit crankshaft position sensor (CPS), but often the reason lies deeper: from oxidized contacts to mechanical damage to the sensor itself or even problems with the timing belt. Unlike other errors, P0335 can appear sporadically - the car starts “every time”, stalls while driving or loses power for no apparent reason.

In this article we will look at all possible reasons error code P0335 specific to Nissan Primera, including diagnostic nuances with a multimeter, oscilloscope and scanner ELM327. You will learn how to distinguish a real sensor breakdown from false alarms (for example, due to bad fuel or ECU “glitches”), and also receive step-by-step repair instructions - from cleaning the contacts to replacing the DPKV, taking into account design features Primera. For clarity, we present real cases from practice, sensor compatibility tables and video of the replacement process.

What does error P0335 mean on Nissan Primera

Code P0335 stands for «Circuit Malfunction in CKP Sensor» — a malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor circuit. In the system OBD-II this code belongs to the category «Critial» (critical errors), as it directly affects the operation of the engine. On Nissan Primera DPKV is responsible for:

• 🔹 Fuel injection timing — without the correct signal, the ECU does not “know” when to open the injectors.
• 🔹 Ignition control — determines the moment of supplying a spark to the spark plugs.
• 🔹 Adjustment of valve timing (on engines with system VVL or VTC).
• 🔹 Determining engine speed — data is displayed on the tachometer.

On Primera P11/P12 The crankshaft sensor is located next to the flywheel (on the gearbox) or on the cylinder block near the pulley. It reads the signal from toothed disc (60 teeth, of which 2 are missing to determine TDC). If the ECU does not receive a stable signal or its amplitude is outside the permissible limits, error P0335 occurs. Feature Nissan: on some models the code may be accompanied by P0340 (camshaft sensor), which complicates diagnosis.

⚠️ Attention: On Primera with engine SR20DE The P0335 code often masks a problem with timing belt. If the sensor is working, but the code appears after replacing the belt, check the alignment of the marks and the tension!

Symptoms of error code P0335 on Nissan Primera

The manifestations of the malfunction depend on the degree of damage to the sensor or circuit. On Primera most often observed:

• 🚗 Engine won't start — the starter turns, but there are no flashes in the cylinders (the ECU “does not see” the position of the crankshaft).
• 🔥 Misfires — the car “troubles”, twitches during acceleration, lights up on the dashboard CHECK ENGINE.
• 📉 Power Loss — the speed “fails,” especially at low and medium (1500–3000 rpm).
• 🔄 Occasional failures — the error appears and disappears after restarting the engine (typical for oxidized contacts).
• 🛑 Spontaneous engine stop - for example, while driving or after warming up to operating temperature.

On Primera P12 with QR20DE Trouble P0335 may be accompanied by jumping revs at idle speed (500–1500 rpm) or detonation when you press the gas hard. Important: if appears along with P0335 P0300 (multiple misfires), the problem is more likely to be in the wiring or ECU, and not in the sensor itself.

Causes of error P0335: from sensor to ECU

On Nissan Primera code P0335 may be caused 12+ reasons, but 80% of cases occur in 5 main ones:

Reason	How it manifests itself	Difficulty in eliminating
DPKV malfunction	Permanent error, engine does not start or stalls immediately after starting	⭐⭐ (sensor replacement)
Oxidation of contacts	Occasional failures, the error appears after rain or washing	⭐ (cleaning contacts)
Wiring damage	Code P0335 + other errors (for example, P0500 - speed sensor)	⭐⭐⭐ (continuity check, harness repair)
Tooth Disc Displacement	Error after replacing the timing belt or flywheel	⭐⭐⭐⭐ (engine disassembly)
ECU malfunction	Multiple errors, dashboard glitches	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (diagnostics at a service station)

Additional reasons specific to Primera:

• 🔌 Short circuit in the wiring harness (often rubs against the box bracket).
• 🛠️ Incorrect sensor installation — the gap between the DPKV and the toothed disk should be 0.5–1.5 mm.
• 🔋 Voltage sag in the on-board network (for example, due to a weak battery).
• 🔄 Poor ground contact ECU (on Primera P11 the mass is attached under the battery).

How to check ECU ground on Primera P11?

Unscrew the negative terminal of the battery and check the condition of the contact on the body under the battery. Oxidation or loose connections can cause P0335 due to unstable power supply to the control unit.

Diagnosing error P0335: step-by-step instructions

Before replacing the sensor necessarily perform a full diagnostic. On Nissan Primera it includes 4 stages:

1. Reading errors with a scanner (For example, ELM327 or Launch CReader). If besides P0335 there is P0336 (incorrect DPKV signal), the problem is definitely in the sensor or its circuit.
2. Visual inspection sensor and wiring:
   • 🔍 Check the integrity of the DPKV case (cracks, chips).
   • 🔌 Inspect the connector for oxidation or burning of contacts.
   • 🔗 Make sure that the harness is not frayed and does not touch hot engine parts.

Testing the circuit with a multimeter (more details below).

Checking the signal with an oscilloscope (optional, but gives 100% results).

To check the continuity of the DPKV circuit on Primera:

1. Disconnect the sensor connector (located next to the gearbox).
2. Switch the multimeter to resistance measurement mode (200 Ohm).
3. Connect the probes to the sensor contacts:
   • 🔹 Between pins 1 and 2 (power and signal) resistance should be 500–700 Ohm.
   • 🔹 Between any output and “ground” - infinity (no short circuit).

If the resistance is normal, but the error remains, check food on the connector (with the ignition on between pin 1 and “mass” should be 12 V). Lack of voltage indicates a broken wire or a faulty ECU.

⚠️ Attention: On Primera P12 with QR20DE The crankshaft sensor may fail due to its proximity to the manifold outlet. When the engine overheats (for example, in a traffic jam), error P0335 appears more often - check the heat shield of the sensor!

Replacing the crankshaft position sensor on a Nissan Primera

If diagnostics confirm a faulty DPKV, it must be replaced. On Primera P11/P12 the process takes 20–40 minutes and does not require special tools. Important: use original sensor or a high-quality analogue (for example, Denso or Hitachi). Non-original DPKVs often fail after 10–20 thousand km.

Sensor articles for Primera:

• 🔧 Original: 23731-4M200 (for SR20DE), 23731-AL50A (for QR20DE).
• 🔧 Analogues: Denso 550103-0710, Hitachi CPS-A003.

Step-by-step replacement instructions:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
2. Disconnect the sensor connector (press the lock and pull up).
3. Unscrew the DPKV fastening bolt (usually 10 mm).
4. Carefully remove the sensor without damaging the O-ring.
5. Install the new sensor, maintaining the gap 0.5–1.5 mm to the toothed disc.
6. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm.
7. Connect the battery connector and terminal.

After replacement necessarily reset the errors using the scanner. If the P0335 code appears again, check:

• 🔹 Correct installation (gap, seal integrity).
• 🔹 Condition of the toothed disc (are there any chips or dirt).
• 🔹 Integrity of wiring from sensor to ECU.

Common repair mistakes and how to avoid them

When eliminating P0335 on Nissan Primera owners often make mistakes that lead to code reappearance or new problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

1. Ignoring clearance check. On Primera the optimal gap between the DPKV and the toothed disk is 0.5–1.5 mm. If the sensor is installed too close or too far away, the signal will be unstable.

   ⚠️ Attention: On the engine SR20DE the toothed disc may move when replacing the flywheel or clutch - always check the clearance after such work!

2. Using non-original sensors. Cheap analogues (for example, NoName from China) often have incorrect resistance or unstable signal amplitude, resulting in an error P0336.
3. Untested wiring. Even a new sensor will generate an error if there is an open or short circuit in the harness. Always ring the chain from connector to ECU.
4. Resetting errors without checking. If you simply erase P0335 with a scanner without eliminating the cause, the code will return. Always test the car in different modes (idling, accelerating, warming up).

Another typical problem is toothed disc damage. On Primera P11 With high mileage, the teeth may wear out or break (for example, after an impact when replacing the clutch). In this case, the flywheel or damper will need to be replaced.

Repair cost: DIY vs service

The cost of eliminating error P0335 on Nissan Primera depends on the cause and method of repair. Let's look at the estimated costs:

Type of work	Cost (DIY)	Cost (STO)
Replacing DPKV (original)	1 500–2 500 ₽	3 000–5 000 ₽
Cleaning contacts	0–200 ₽ (spray WD-40)	500–1 000 ₽
Wiring repair	300–800 ₽ (heat shrink, soldering iron)	1 500–3 000 ₽
Diagnostics with an oscilloscope	—	1 000–2 000 ₽
Flywheel/gear replacement	5 000–10 000 ₽	15 000–25 000 ₽

Self-repair is beneficial if the problem is in the sensor or contacts. However, to diagnose the ECU or repair wiring without experience, it is better to contact a service station - mistakes here can be more expensive. For example, incorrect soldering of the harness can lead to fire or ECU failure.

Helps you save:

• 🛒 Buying a sensor at a disassembly site (a used original will cost 800–1 500 ₽).
• 🔧 Rent a tool (for example, an oscilloscope) from self-service services.
• 📹 Using video instructions (on YouTube there are videos on replacing DPKV specifically for Primera P11/P12).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error code P0335 on Nissan Primera

Is it possible to drive with P0335?

Short term - yes, but it is dangerous. The engine may stall while driving (for example, at an intersection), which creates an emergency situation. In addition, unstable operation of the DPKV leads to:

• 🔥 Re-enrichment of the fuel mixture (risk of flooding the spark plugs).
• 💥 Detonation in cylinders (accelerated engine wear).
• ⚡ Damage to the catalyst (due to improper fuel combustion).

We recommend that the problem be resolved within 1–2 days after the code appears.

Why does P0335 only appear when it's hot?

On Nissan Primera this is typical for:

1. Thermal expansion — the sensor or connector loses contact when heated.
2. Problems with ECU weight — oxidized ground contacts degrade the signal when warmed up.
3. Tooth disc deformation — when heated, the metal expands, and the gap between the sensor and the disk becomes suboptimal.

Check the circuit for heat shrink (for example, wrap the connector with heat-resistant electrical tape) and the DPKV gap.

Which scanner is best to use to diagnose P0335?

For Nissan Primera will fit:

• 📱 ELM327 Bluetooth (budget option, works with applications Torque Pro or OBD Auto Doctor).
• 🖥️ Launch CReader V+ (shows graphs of DPKV signals).
• 🔧 Consult III+ (professional scanner for Nissan, but expensive).

For deep diagnostics (checking the oscillogram) you need oscilloscope or a multimeter with a graph recording function (for example, Mastech MS8250D).

Could P0335 be caused by bad gasoline?

No, directly - no. However, low-quality fuel can:

• 🔥 Call detonation, which mechanically damages the toothed disc.
• 🛢️ Contaminated injectors, which leads to misfires and false alarm P0335.
• 🔋 Reduce the voltage in the on-board network (due to poor fuel combustion), which affects the DPKV signal.

If the error appears after refueling, drain the gasoline and flush the fuel system, but do not ignore the diagnosis of DPCV!

Where is the crankshaft sensor located on the Nissan Primera P12?

On Primera P12 with engine QR20DE DPKV is located:

1. Below, on gearbox housing (near the flywheel).
2. To access you will need remove engine protection or jack up the car.

On Primera P11 with SR20DE the sensor is located on cylinder block on the right (in the direction of travel) next to the pulley.

Advice: Before searching for the sensor, clear the area of dirt - this will simplify access and prevent debris from getting into the connector.