Error P0335 on Nissan X-Trail (especially relevant for models T31 And T32 with engines MR20DE, QR25DE And M9R) is one of the most common problems associated with the ignition system. It indicates a malfunction crankshaft position sensor (CPS) or its chains. Unlike other errors, it cannot be ignored: when driving for a long time with P0335 the engine may go into emergency mode, increase fuel consumption by 20-30% or completely stall while driving.

Owners X-Trails They often encounter this error after replacing the timing belt, flashing the ECU, or when operating in high humidity conditions. In 60% of cases, the problem is solved by cleaning the sensor contacts, but sometimes it requires replacing it or diagnosing the wiring. In this article we will analyze all possible reasons, methods for checking with a multimeter, and we will also give step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting - from the simplest actions to complex repairs.

What does error P0335 mean on Nissan X-Trail

Code P0335 stands for "Circuit Malfunction in Crankshaft Position Sensor A" — a malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor circuit. This sensor is responsible for synchronizing the operation of the ignition and fuel injection systems. When the ECU (electronic control unit) does not receive the correct signal, it:

  • 🔴 Disables fuel injectors by 1-2 cylinders (to avoid detonation).
  • ⚡ Blocks increase in speed above 3000-3500 RPM (emergency mode).
  • ⛽ Increases fuel consumption by 15-30% due to suboptimal injection.
  • 🚗 Prohibits engine starting in case of a critical malfunction (if the signal is completely absent).

On Nissan X-Trail The crankshaft position sensor is located next to the flywheel (on the gearbox) or on the cylinder block, depending on the engine model. For example, on MR20DE it is attached to the timing cover, and on M9R (diesel) - to the clutch housing. Important: even a slight shift of the sensor by 1-2 mm may cause an error P0335!

📊 Which error have you encountered most often on the Nissan X-Trail?
  • P0335 (DPKV)
  • P0300 (Misfire)
  • P0171 (Lean mixture)
  • P0420 (Catalyst)
  • Other

Symptoms of error P0335: how it manifests itself on the X-Trail

Error P0335 rarely appears “on its own” - it is usually preceded by noticeable changes in engine operation. Here are the key signs that should alert you:

Symptom Reason Danger level
The engine stalls while driving The ECU loses the DPKV signal and blocks the ignition ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (critical)
Floating idle speed Unstable sensor signal ⭐⭐⭐ (average)
Difficult starting (especially when hot) The ECU cannot detect the crankshaft position ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high)
Check Engine light comes on and goes off on its own Intermittent failures in the sensor circuit ⭐⭐ (low)
Loss of power during acceleration The ECU limits the speed due to an error ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (high)

Feature Nissan X-Trail: on error P0335 the machine can starts normally when cold, but stalls after warming up. This is due to the fact that when heated, metal parts expand and the gap between the sensor and the flywheel increases. If you notice such a symptom - First of all, check the DPKV mounting!

⚠️ Attention: On diesel X-Trail (M9R) error P0335 often accompanied thick black smoke from the exhaust pipe. This is a sign that the ECU does not correctly calculate the timing of fuel injection. In this case, you cannot drive the car - there is a high risk of damage to the turbine!

Causes of error P0335: top 7 problems on Nissan X-Trail

According to statistics from service centers, in 85% of cases the sensor itself or its wiring is to blame. But there are also less obvious reasons. Let's consider them by frequency of occurrence:

  1. Malfunction of the crankshaft position sensor (CPS).

    The average service life of the original sensor is 100-150 thousand km. After this, its sensitivity drops and the signal becomes weak. On X-Trail non-original sensors are often installed (for example, Hitachi CPS-003), which fail after 50 thousand km.

  2. Oxidation of contacts or broken wiring.

    The sensor wires run close to the manifold outlet and often melt. Also, the contacts oxidize due to the ingress of oil or antifreeze (for example, when the crankshaft oil seal leaks).

  3. Offset of the sensor relative to the flywheel.

    If the sensor is unscrewed or installed skewed, the gap between it and the flywheel exceeds the permissible 0.5-1.2 mm. This results in a weak signal.

  4. Damage to the flywheel ring gear.

    On X-Trail T31 with mileage >200 thousand km, the teeth on the flywheel often wear out or break. The sensor “does not see” the gaps and generates an error.

  5. Faulty ECU or firmware.

    After unsuccessful chip tuning or software update, the ECU may incorrectly process the DPKV signal. For example, on X-Trail 2014-2017 there was a problem with the firmware ECU-284B, which caused false positives P0335.

  6. Interference from high-voltage wires.

    If the ignition wires are laid too close to the DPKV harness, they create electromagnetic interference that distorts the signal.

  7. Mechanical damage.

    Impacts to the pan or transmission (for example, when driving off-road) can dislodge the sensor or damage its housing.

How to check the flywheel ring disk without removing the gearbox?

One of the indirect signs of tooth damage is error P0335 that appears only at high speeds (3000+ RPM) or during vibrations. You can also use a strobe light: point it at the crankshaft pulley while the engine is running. If the marks "jump" there is probably a problem with the flywheel.

How to Diagnose Error P0335: Step-by-Step Instructions

Before changing the sensor, you need to make sure that it is the problem. For diagnosis you will need:

  • 🔧 Multimeter (with resistance and voltage measurement mode).
  • 🔍 Flashlight and mirror on the handle (to inspect the sensor).
  • 📱 Diagnostic scanner (ELM327 or Launch CReader).
  • 🧲 Magnet (to check the sensor response).

Sequence of actions:

1. Read errors by the scanner and delete them|2. Check the sensor circuit with a multimeter|3. Inspect the DPKV for damage|4. Measure the gap between the sensor and the flywheel|5. Check the signal with an oscilloscope (if available) -->

Step 1: Read Errors

Connect the scanner to the connector OBD-II (located under the steering wheel, to the left of the pedals). If in addition P0335 there are errors P0336 (intermittent DPKV signal) or P0325 (problems with the knock sensor), the problem is most likely in the wiring.

Step 2: Check the sensor with a multimeter

Remove the connector from the DPKV (it is secured with a plastic latch). Measure the resistance between the sensor contacts:

  • 🔹 Norm for Nissan X-Trail: 500-700 Ohm (at +20°C).
  • 🔹 If resistance 0 ohm - short circuit.
  • 🔹If ∞ (infinity) - winding break.

Step 3: Check Wiring

Set the multimeter to dialing mode. Check the circuit from the DPKV connector to the ECU (contacts 1 → pin 24 And 2 → pin 47 on most X-Trail). The resistance should be close to 0 ohm. If there is a break, look for a damaged section of the wire.

Step 4: Mechanical Inspection

Remove the sensor (unscrew the bolt on 10 mm). Inspect it for:

  • 🔍 Cracks or chips on the case.
  • 🧲 Presence of metal shavings (attracted by a magnet).
  • 💧 Traces of oil or antifreeze on the contacts.

Also check the gap between the sensor and the flywheel - it should be 0.5-1.2 mm. If the gap is larger, place a washer under the fastener.

💡

On diesel X-Trail (M9R) The crankshaft position sensor often “sticks” due to the ingress of diesel fuel. Before checking, wipe its contacts with alcohol and blow with compressed air.

How to fix error code P0335: from simple to complex

Depending on the cause, repairs can take from 10 minutes to several hours. Let's start with the simplest and cheapest methods:

1. Cleaning contacts and rebooting the computer

In 30% of cases there is an error P0335 disappears after:

  • 🧹 Cleaning the sensor contacts and connector (use contact cleaner or alcohol).
  • 🔄 Reset errors by scanner.
  • 🔋 Removing the battery terminal for 10-15 minutes (to reboot the ECU).

2. Replacing the crankshaft position sensor

If the sensor is faulty, it must be replaced. For Nissan X-Trail fit:

Article Manufacturer Price, ₽ Note
23731-4M200 Original (Nissan) 3500-4200 Best quality, 2 year warranty
CPS-003 Hitachi 1800-2300 Good analogue, but less resource
SS20103 Blue Print 1500-1900 Budget option, suitable for T31

Replacement instructions:

  1. Disconnect the battery.
  2. Remove the protective cover (if equipped).
  3. Disconnect the sensor connector.
  4. Unscrew the fastening bolt (10 mm).
  5. Remove the sensor and install a new one (do not reverse the polarity!).
  6. Tighten the bolt firmly 8-10 Nm.
  7. Connect the connector and check the gap.
⚠️ Attention: On X-Trail T32 with engine MR20DD (direct injection) after replacing the DPKV it is necessary reset ECU adaptations through a diagnostic scanner. Otherwise the error may remain!

3. Wiring repair

If the problem is in the wires, proceed as follows:

  • 🔍 Find the location of the break (most often - near the collector outlet).
  • 🧵 Strip and solder the wires, insulate with heat shrink.
  • 🛠️ Secure the tourniquet so that it does not touch hot parts.

4. Checking the flywheel and replacing the ring

If the teeth on the flywheel are worn or broken, you will need:

  • 🔧 Remove the gearbox (at a service station it costs ~15,000 ₽).
  • 🔄 Replace the crown or flywheel assembly.
  • 📏 Check the flywheel runout (tolerance - no more than 0.1 mm).
💡

On Nissan X-Trail T31 with mileage >250 thousand km, it is often not the crown that wears out, but crankshaft bearing. This leads to shaft play and an unstable DPKV signal. In this case, engine repair is required.

Cost of repairs in service vs. on your own

Prices for fixing errors P0335 highly dependent on the cause and region. Here are the estimated prices for Nissan X-Trail:

Type of work Service cost, ₽ Cost yourself, ₽
Diagnostics with a scanner 1000-1500 0 (if there is ELM327)
Replacing the DPKV sensor 2000-3500 500-2500 (sensor cost)
Wiring repair 1500-4000 200-500 (soldering iron, heat shrink)
Replacing the flywheel crown 15 000-25 000 8000-12,000 (if you remove the gearbox yourself)
ECU firmware/chip tuning 5000-12 000 3000-6000 (if there is cable and software)

You can save on:

  • 🛒 Purchasing a sensor in trusted online stores (for example, Exist.ru or Autodoc).
  • 🔧 Independent replacement (if you have the tools and experience).
  • 📊 Free diagnostics (many service stations read errors for free if you later have them repaired).

However, there are cases when DIY repairs are not recommended:

  • 🚫 If there is an error P0335 accompanied by P0300-P0306 (misfire) - this may indicate problems with the timing belt.
  • 🚫 On diesel X-Trail with the system Common Rail - Improper repairs can damage the fuel injection pump.
  • 🚫 If after replacing the sensor the error remains, an in-depth diagnosis of the ECU is needed.

Frequently asked questions about error P0335 on Nissan X-Trail

Is it possible to drive with P0335?

Short term - yes, but with caution. The engine will operate in emergency mode: loss of power, increased fuel consumption, risk of stalling while driving. On diesel X-Trail riding with P0335 may damage the turbine due to improper injection.

Why does P0335 only appear when it's hot?

This is a typical sign:

  • 🔥 Thermal expansion — the gap between the sensor and the flywheel increases when heated.
  • 💧 Oil ingress to the sensor connector (when heated, the contacts oxidize).
  • 🧲 Magnet degradation in the sensor (loses properties at high temperatures).

Solution: check the gap, clean the contacts, replace the sensor with an original one.

Which DPKV sensor is better to install on the X-Trail T32?

For X-Trail T32 (2014-2020) recommended:

  • 🥇 Original 23731-4M200 - best quality, but expensive.
  • 🥈 Hitachi CPS-003 — optimal price/quality balance.
  • 🥉 Blue Print SS20103 — a budget option, but a resource of ~50 thousand km.

Do not take cheap Chinese analogues (for example, Febi or Meyle) - they often fail after 10-20 thousand km.

Could P0335 be due to bad gas?

No, P0335 not related to fuel quality. However, bad gasoline can cause Misfire (P0300-P0306), which indirectly affect the operation of the DPKV. If errors appear after refueling, drain the fuel and flush the fuel system.

Do I need to reset the ECU after replacing the DPKV?

On most Nissan X-Trail with gasoline engines (MR20DE, QR25DE) reset is not necessary - the error will reset itself after 2-3 starts. But on:

  • 🔋 Diesel M9R — you need to reset adaptations through Nissan Consult.
  • 🔧 Models with direct injection (MR20DD) - Retraining of the throttle valve is required.