Error P0335 on Nissan Almera: crankshaft sensor malfunction - diagnosis and repair

Error code P0335 on Nissan Almera (regardless of generation - G15, N16 or N17) indicates problems with crankshaft position sensor (CPS). This malfunction can manifest itself in different ways: from unstable engine operation to complete failure to start. Unlike other errors related to the ignition system or fuel supply, P0335 is often accompanied by “floating” symptoms - today the car starts with difficulty, and tomorrow it works as if nothing had happened..

Owners Almera with motors HR16DE, K4M or QG15DE encounter this problem most often due to the design of the sensor and its location. In this article we will analyze not only the reasons for the error, but also step-by-step diagnostics (including checking with a multimeter), as well as repair methods - from simply cleaning the contacts to replacing the sensor or wiring harness. We will pay special attention typical mistakes in diagnostics, which lead to unnecessary expenses for replacing serviceable parts.

What does error P0335 mean on Nissan Almera

Code P0335 stands for "Circuit Malfunction in the Crankshaft Position Sensor A" — a malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor circuit. Unlike the error P0336 (signal leaving the permissible range), here we are talking about complete absence of signal or its incorrect transmission to the ECU. The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is a critical element of the engine management system. It transmits data on the rotation speed and position of the crankshaft, on the basis of which the ECU calculates:

• 🔥 Moment of spark supply to the cylinders
• ⛽ Optimal composition of the air-fuel mixture
• ⚙️Valve distribution phases (on engines with a variable phase system)

On Nissan Almera the sensor is usually located on oil sump near the crankshaft pulley or on the cylinder block (depending on the engine model). Its design is simple: a magnetic core, a winding and a housing. However, even minor damage (for example, a crack in the case or oxidation of the contacts) can lead to signal loss.

⚠️ Attention: If the dashboard lights up Check Engine with code P0335, and the engine won't start at all — do not try to tow the car “on a tie”. In some cases, a faulty DPKV can cause mechanical damage due to inconsistent operation of pistons and valves.

Reasons for error P0335

In practice only in 30% of cases The sensor itself is to blame. The remaining 70% are due to problems with wiring, connectors or mechanical damage. Here is a complete list of possible causes, ranked by frequency of occurrence:

Reason	Frequency (%)	Signs
Damage to wiring (break, short circuit)	40%	The error appears periodically, depending on vibration or humidity
Oxidation of contacts in the sensor connector	25%	Problems after washing or in wet weather
Malfunction of the DPKV itself	20%	Constant error, engine will not start
Mechanical damage to the pulley ring gear	10%	Knocks or vibrations when the engine is running
Problems with the ECU (less common)	5%	Multiple errors, unstable operation of electronics

Feature Nissan Almera — poor protection of the DPKV wiring harness from external influences. For example, on models with HR16DE wires often rub against the generator mounting bracket, and on K4M — suffer from oil getting in from under the valve cover. Also, error P0335 may appear after:

• 🔧 Unsuccessful repair (for example, replacing a timing belt with damaged wiring)
• 🚿 Engine washes (water gets into the sensor connector)
• 🛠️ Installations of non-original DPKV (Chinese analogues often fail after 10–20 thousand km)

Symptoms of DPKV malfunction on Nissan Almera

Error P0335 rarely comes alone. It is usually accompanied by the following symptoms:

• 🚗 Engine won't start or starts after 3–5 attempts (the starter turns, but there are no flashes)
• ⚡ At idle speed there are "failures" or floating speed (800–1200 rpm)
• 💨 Loss of power during acceleration (especially noticeable at speeds of 60–90 km/h)
• 🔥 Lights up Check Engine with code P0335 (sometimes paired with P0325 - knock sensor circuit malfunction)
• 🛑 Engine stalls while driving and does not start until the ECU is “rebooted” (removing the battery terminal)

On Almera N16 with motor QG15DE P0335 appears frequently only when cold. After the engine warms up, the symptoms may disappear until the next start. This is due to the thermal expansion of the contacts in the sensor connector. On Almera G15 (HR16DE), a wire break near the ECU chip is more common - in this case, the error appears during vibration (for example, on a rough road).

⚠️ Attention: If errors appear along with P0335 P0300–P0304 (misfire), this may indicate ring gear damage on the crankshaft pulley. In this case, a visual inspection is required - when rotating the crankshaft manually (using the key on the pulley bolt), the teeth should be smooth, without chips.

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

Diagnostics of the crankshaft position sensor on Nissan Almera includes 4 stages: visual inspection, checking the wiring, testing the sensor with a multimeter and analyzing the signal with an oscilloscope (if available). Let's start with the simplest thing.

1. Visual inspection of the sensor and wiring

To access DPKV on most versions Almera enough:

1. Remove the engine protective cover (if equipped).
2. Disconnect the sensor connector (press the lock and pull up).
3. Unscrew the sensor with a key 10 mm (on some models - on 12 mm).

Please note:

• 🔍 Sensor housing condition - cracks, chips, traces of oil.
• 🔌 Contacts in the connector - oxidation, greenery, burnt paths.
• 🔗 Wire integrity — chafing, melting (especially near convex metal parts).

Inspect the sensor for cracks|

Check the chip for oxidation|

Make sure the wires are intact|

Clean contacts with alcohol (if necessary) -->

2. Checking the wiring with a multimeter

For the test you will need a multimeter in mode 200 Ω (dialing) and 20 V DC. Proceed according to the scheme:

1. Ring the wires from the DPKV connector to the ECU:
   • Contact 1 (signal) → contact 24 on the ECU chip (usually a brown wire).
   • Contact 2 (ground) → contact 10 on the ECU chip (black wire).

   There must be resistance 0–1 Ohm. If it shows OL - break.

2. Check power:
   • Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
   • Measure the voltage between the contact 3 (power, usually red wire) and ground (2). Must be 4.5–5.5 V.

If there is no power, the problem is in the ECU or fuse. EF15 (10 A) in the block under the hood. If the resistance of the wires is too high, look for a place where there is chafing (often under the valve cover or near the generator).

3. Testing the sensor with a multimeter

DPKV winding resistance at Nissan Almera must be within 550–750 Ohm (depends on temperature). To check:

1. Set the multimeter to mode 2 kΩ.
2. Connect the probes to the sensor terminals (polarity is not important).
3. Compare the readings with the norm (see table below).

Engine model	Resistance (Ohm)	Note
HR16DE	600–700	When heated, resistance increases by 10–15%
K4M	550–650	Sensitive to contamination from metal shavings
QG15DE	650–750	Often fails after 150 thousand km

If resistance 0 ohm - short circuit if OL - winding break. In both cases, the sensor must be replaced.

How to fix error code P0335: from simple to complex

The repair algorithm depends on the cause of the malfunction. Let's start with the cheapest and fastest ways.

1. Cleaning contacts and connectors

In 25% of cases, error P0335 disappears after simply cleaning the contacts. You will need:

• 🧴 Contact cleaner (For example, CRC Contact Cleaner).
• 🧻 Lint-free napkin or cotton swabs.
• 🔧 Plastic spatula for carefully prying up the chip.

Procedure:

1. Disconnect the DPKV connector and the ECU chip.
2. Spray the contacts liberally with cleaner, then wipe with a cloth.
3. Check the integrity of the plastic clips in the connector - if they are broken, the chip may come off due to vibration.
4. Put everything back together and reset the error (by removing the battery terminal for 10 minutes or using a scanner).

If the error disappears after cleaning, but returns after rain, treat the connector dielectric grease (For example, Liqui Moly Electronic-Spray).

2. Wiring repair

Broken or shorted wires are the most common cause of P0335. On Almera The most commonly affected areas are:

• 🔹 Near the DPKV connector (they rub against the metal bracket).
• 🔹 Under the valve cover (oil ingress corrodes the insulation).
• 🔹 In the harness near the ECU (they break when dismantling the unit).

For repair:

1. Find the location of the damage (visually or by dialing).
2. Strip and solder wires (twisting is not allowed!).
3. Close the repair site heat shrink tube.
4. Secure the harness so that it does not touch moving or sharp parts.

How to find a break without a multimeter?

If you don't have a tester at hand, you can use 12 V light bulb with two wires. Connect it to ground and one by one to each contact of the DPKV connector with the ignition on. If the light does not light up on the power contact (3) - the problem is in the wire or ECU.

3. Replacing the crankshaft position sensor

If the sensor is faulty, it must be replaced. For Nissan Almera original and analogues are suitable:

Manufacturer	Article	Price (RUB)	Note
Original Nissan	23731-4M515 (HR16DE)	2500–3500	Best quality, 1 year warranty
Bosch	0 261 210 115	1800–2200	Good analogue, suitable for K4M
Febi	21619	1200–1500	Budget option, possible marriage

Replacement procedure:

1. Remove the old sensor (key on 10 mm or 12 mm).
2. Clean the seat from dirt and metal shavings.
3. Install the new sensor, tightening it to torque 8–12 Nm.
4. Connect the connector and reset the error.

⚠️ Attention: When replacing DPKV with Almera G15 (HR16DE) do not use sealant on the thread - it can get into the sensor and damage it. The correct tightening torque is sufficient.

4. Checking the ring gear and pulley

If the error remains after replacing the sensor, inspect ring gear on the crankshaft pulley. Signs of malfunction:

• 🔹Chipped or worn teeth (especially missing 20th tooth - it serves for synchronization).
• 🔹 Pulley play (checked by shaking your hand).
• 🔹 Traces of impacts (for example, after unsuccessful repairs).

On Almera N16 with motor QG15DE often wears out damper pulley - its rubber layer is destroyed, and the ring gear moves relative to the axis of rotation. In this case, replacement of the pulley is required (original article number - 12310-4M500).

Common mistakes when diagnosing P0335

Many car owners and even some services make mistakes that lead to unnecessary expenses. That's what can't do:

• 🚫 Change the sensor without checking the wiring - in 40% of cases the wires are to blame, and not the DPKV itself.
• 🚫 Ignore codes P0325 or P0336 - They often appear along with P0335 and indicate problems with the circuit or signal.
• 🚫 Buy cheap analogues — Chinese sensors costing 500–800 rubles rarely last longer than 20 thousand km.
• 🚫 Reset the error without eliminating the cause - she will return, and the problem will worsen.

Another common mistake is checking the sensor without removing it. For example, some “masters” measure the resistance directly at the connector without disconnecting the chip. This gives incorrect readings due to parallel circuits in the ECU. Always remove the sensor before testing!

Prevention of error P0335 on Nissan Almera

To avoid problems with DPKV, follow these simple recommendations:

• 🛠️ Every 30 thousand km Clean the sensor and its connector from dirt (especially after off-road driving).
• 🚿 Avoid washing the engine under high pressure - water gets into the DPKV chip.
• 🔧 When replacing the timing belt or crankshaft pulley check the integrity of the wires sensor
• 🔋 Monitor the voltage of the on-board network - drawdowns up to 11 V can cause false errors.
• 🛢️ Use quality motor oil — cheap lubricants form carbon deposits on the ring gear, which interferes with signal reading.

On Almera G15 (HR16DE) it is recommended to check every 100 thousand km damper pulley condition — its destruction leads not only to P0335, but also to a broken timing belt. It is also useful to treat DPKV contacts once a year anti-corrosion lubricant (For example, WD-40 Specialist).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about error P0335

Is it possible to drive with P0335?

Short term - yes, but it is dangerous. The engine will operate in emergency mode, which leads to:

• 🔥 Increased fuel consumption (up to 20–30%).
• 💥 Risk of detonation due to incorrect ignition timing.
• ⚡ Possible engine stop while driving (especially on the highway).

If the error appears for the first time, you can drive to your home or service center, but don't delay repairs.

How much does it cost to diagnose P0335 in a service?

The cost depends on the region and service station level:

• 🔧 Diagnostics with a scanner (reading errors) - 500–1000 rub.
• 🔍 Full check (multimeter + oscilloscope) - 1500–2500 rub.
• 🛠️ Replacing the sensor - 1000–1500 rub. (excluding spare parts).

At dealerships Nissan the price may be 30–50% higher.

Which sensor is better to choose: original or analogue?

Original sensor (Nissan 23731-4M515) more reliable, but more expensive. If your budget is limited, take:

• 🥈 Bosch 0 261 210 115 — optimal price/quality ratio.
• 🥉 Denso 550-0105 - a good Japanese analogue.

Avoid cheap Chinese sensors (eg. Febi or Meat & Doria) - they often fail after 10–20 thousand km.

Could P0335 be caused by bad fuel?

No, no direct connection. However, low-quality fuel can:

• 🔥 Cause detonation that will damage the ring gear.
• 💣 Clog the injectors, which will lead to misfires (errors P0300–P0304) and indirectly will affect the operation of the DPKV.

If the error appears after refueling, check first spark plugs and ignition coils.

What should I do if the error remains after replacing the sensor?

Check:

1. Wiring from DPKV to ECU (break, short to ground).
2. Gap between the sensor and the ring gear (should be 0.5–1.5 mm).
3. Crankshaft pulley for play or damage to the teeth.
4. ECU — there may be a problem in the control unit (diagnosis with an oscilloscope is needed).

If everything is in order, but the error remains, try it flash the ECU (sometimes helps with software glitches).