When faced with an illuminated Check Engine light on the dashboard of your Nissan Almera, many drivers immediately run for diagnostics. Code P0335 is one of the most common electronic failures in Japanese cars, indicating a problem with the crankshaft position sensor (CPS) control circuit. Without the correct operation of this element, the engine will not be able to synchronize the operation of the ignition and fuel injection systems, which makes starting the engine impossible or extremely unstable.
Ignoring this error often leads to serious consequences: from loss of power and jerking during acceleration to complete engine stop while driving. Owners Nissan Almera HR15DE or MR20DE series engines are especially susceptible to such failures, since the electronics of these motors require perfect synchronization. Understanding the Nature of Code P0335 will help you save a significant amount on service station services if you are ready to carry out the initial diagnostics yourself.
In this article we will analyze in detail all aspects of the malfunction, from interpreting scanner data to the procedure for replacing the sensor. You'll learn how to differentiate between a problem with the sensor itself and problems with the wiring or engine control module (ECU). The absence of a signal from the DPKV is a critical condition in which the ECU forcibly blocks the flow of fuel and spark to prevent engine damage.
The essence of error P0335 and the operation of the synchronization system
The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is the “eye” of the electronic control unit. It reads the teeth of a special disc mounted on the crankshaft and converts this mechanical movement into an electrical signal. By car Nissan Almera this sensor usually works on the principle of magnetic induction or the Hall effect, depending on the year of manufacture and modification of the motor.
When you start the engine, ECU expects to receive a certain pattern of impulses from the DPKV. If the signal is missing, interrupted or has an incorrect shape, the system records an error P0335 — “Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction.” This is not just a warning, but a command to emergency stop the engine, since the computer does not know what stroke the pistons are in.
Drivers often confuse this sensor with the camshaft position sensor (camshaft position sensor). It is important to understand the difference: if the DPRV is faulty, the car may start with difficulty, but still work, and if the DPRV is faulty, starting is most often impossible at all. Synchronization is a key process that is disrupted when this code appears.
- 🔍 The sensor records the exact position of the crankshaft at every moment of time
- 📉 The signal is used to calculate the ignition timing
- ⚙️ Lack of impulse blocks injectors and ignition coils
⚠️ Attention: Even a short-term loss of signal can lead to the engine stopping while moving, which creates an emergency situation on the highway.
The main reasons for the failure
Reasons for the appearance of the code P0335 there may be several, and they are not always associated with failure of the sensor itself. Most often, the problem lies in signal transmission circuits or mechanical damage. On Nissan Almera Oxidation of the contacts in the connector is common due to moisture or oil getting into the engine compartment.
Another common cause is a damaged wiring harness. Engine vibration, high temperature and exposure to chemical reagents lead to insulation chafing and wire breakage. Sometimes the problem occurs due to contamination of the ring gear mounted on the crankshaft with oil deposits or metal shavings, which prevents the sensor from reading pulses.
In rare cases, the culprit is the electronic control unit (ECU) itself, whose internal signal processing module fails. However, before changing an expensive unit, it is necessary to eliminate all external factors. Wiring and connectors - the most vulnerable elements in this chain.
- 🔌 Oxidation or corrosion of contacts in the sensor block
- 🔥 Fuse blown or power circuit interrupted
- 🦠 Oil gets on the sensitive element of the sensor
- 🔧 Incorrect gap between sensor and flywheel/ring
- Malfunction of the sensor itself
- Wiring problems
- Contamination of the ring gear
- ECU failure
Symptoms and behavior of the car when there is an error
Behavior Nissan Almera in case of error P0335 can range from complete failure to start to rough idling. If the sensor stops working completely, you simply will not be able to start the engine: the starter will turn, but the engine will not “catch.” This occurs due to a blockage in the fuel supply.
If the contact in the circuit is intermittent (interrupted periodically), the symptoms will be more insidious. The car may stall at traffic lights, lose power when accelerating, or misfire. On the dashboard, in addition to the Check Engine icon, the “A/C” or other systems indicator may light up as the ECU goes into emergency mode.
Particular attention should be paid to starting the engine in cold weather. Sometimes at low temperatures the contacts in the connector shrink and the contact disappears, but when warmed up it is restored. This makes diagnosis difficult, since the error may not appear when it is hot. Unstable speed - a sure sign of synchronization problems.
- ❌ Impossibility of starting the engine (the starter turns, but the engine is silent)
- 📉 Sudden engine stop while driving
- 📉 Floating idle speed and jerking when pressing the gas
⚠️ Attention: If the car stalls at an intersection or in traffic, immediately turn on the hazard lights and try to start in neutral.
Step-by-step diagnostics and component testing
To start diagnosing, you will need a multimeter and an OBD2 scanner. The first step is to check for error codes and clear them to see if they reappear after a few startup cycles. If the code P0335 returns immediately, proceed to checking the circuit.
Remove the connector from the sensor and visually inspect the contacts. They should not be oxidized or covered with soot. Check the integrity of the wires coming from the connector to the ECU. Use a multimeter in resistance mode to test the sensor itself. For most models Nissan Almera the resistance should be in the range from 500 to 1000 Ohms, but the exact values must be checked with the service book.
If resistance is normal, check power supply. There should be voltage (usually 5V or 12V, depending on the type of sensor) and ground at the sensor connector. A lack of voltage will indicate an open circuit or a fuse problem. It is also important to check the gap between the sensor tip and the toothed disk.
☑️ P0335 sensor checklist
How to check DPKV without removing the sensor?
You can use an oscilloscope to analyze the waveform, but this requires sophisticated equipment. A simple method is to have a helper turn the starter and measure the AC voltage at the sensor terminals if it is inductive.
Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Procedure
If the diagnostics showed a malfunction of the sensor itself, it must be replaced. On Nissan Almera The sensor is usually located on the cylinder block, next to the crankshaft pulley. Access to it may be limited by other units, so sometimes it is necessary to remove the crankcase protection or part of the attachment.
Before installing a new sensor, be sure to clean the mounting area from dirt and oil. Install the new element, tighten the mounting bolt to the recommended torque (usually about 10 Nm). Do not overtighten the bolt, as the sensor housing may crack, and undertightening will cause vibrations and incorrect readings.
After installation, connect the connector and clear the error through the scanner. Start the engine and let it idle. Check to see if new error codes appear. If the car runs smoothly and starts without problems, the repair can be considered complete. Use only original spare parts or high-quality analogues.
| Parameter | Original sensor | Acceptable analogues | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part number | 23731-EN20A | Denso, Hitachi | Check compatibility |
| Sensor type | Magnetic/Hall | Similar | Depends on the year of the car |
| Resistance | 500–1000 Ohm | ±10% of normal | Important for diagnosis |
| Service life | More than 100 thousand km | 30–50 thousand km | For non-original |
The quality of the connector assembly and the integrity of the wiring are no less important than the health of the sensor itself when eliminating the P0335 error.
Checking wiring and searching for hidden defects
If replacing the sensor does not help, the problem is most likely in the wiring. Wires in the engine compartment are subject to constant thermal and vibration stress. A break may occur inside the insulation, which cannot be seen by visual inspection. In this case, you will need to “ring” the circuit from the sensor connector to the ECU connector.
Pay special attention to the places where the wiring harness passes through the body partitions or is secured with clamps. Often the insulation rubs against the metal, creating a short circuit to ground. Use a multimeter in continuity mode, checking each wire for a break and for lack of contact with the car body.
Sometimes simply resoldering the contacts in the connector or replacing them helps. If the oxidation has gone deep, it is better to replace the entire connector. Also check that the screen of the shielded cable, if provided by design, is not damaged. Short circuit can burn the ECU input stage, so you need to act carefully.
- 🔍 Carefully inspect the tourniquet in places of bends and fastenings
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the wire shielding
- ⚡ Make sure there is no short circuit to the car body
Before starting to check the wiring, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid an accidental short circuit.
Recovery after repair and adaptation
After eliminating the malfunction and replacing parts, it is necessary to reset the ECU adaptations. On some versions Nissan Almera This happens automatically after several startup cycles, but it is better to force the procedure through the diagnostic scanner. This will help the control unit relearn the engine operating parameters.
Start the engine and let it warm up to operating temperature. Check the operation of all systems: air conditioner, fan, generator. Drive the car in different modes: idling, accelerating, braking. Make sure the error P0335 does not return and the engine runs stably.
If the problem returned immediately after repair, it is possible that a low-quality sensor was installed or an open circuit was not repaired. In rare cases, the problem may be in the control unit itself, which requires flashing or replacement. Do not delay re-diagnosis, so as not to aggravate the situation.
Regularly checking the condition of the sensor and wiring can prevent sudden engine shutdown and costly ECU repairs.
How often should the crankshaft position sensor be checked?
It is recommended to carry out the check at each scheduled oil change or when the first symptoms of unstable engine operation appear. A visual inspection of the connector and cleaning the contacts will take no more than 15 minutes.
Is it possible to get to the service center with error P0335?
If the engine starts and runs, you can drive, but with caution. If the engine stalls while driving, it is better to call a tow truck, as restarting may not be possible in an inconvenient location.
Does P0335 affect fuel consumption?
Yes, if there is an error, the ECU can go into emergency mode, enriching the mixture or changing the ignition timing, which leads to a significant increase in fuel consumption and a decrease in dynamics.
Why does the error only appear when it is cold?
This may be due to changes in the geometry of the connector or wiring when heated, or due to moisture condensation inside the connector, which evaporates when the engine warms up.