Car diagnostics often begin with the appearance of alarm signals on the instrument panel, and one of the most common problems on modern engines Nissan - this is the error code P0335. This parameter indicates a malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor control circuit, which is critical for the operation of the ignition and fuel injection system. Without correct data on the position of the shaft, the electronic control unit cannot synchronize the operation of the cylinders, which leads to the inability to start the engine.
Many owners are faced with a situation where the engine stalls while driving or refuses to start after parking, and the scanner produces exactly this code. It is important to understand that the problem may be hidden not only in the sensor, but also in wiring, connectors or even mechanical elements of the engine. Ignoring the signal can lead to complete failure of other components of the control system.
The essence of the malfunction and the role of the sensor in the system
The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is one of the most important elements in the engine management system. It transmits information about the rotation speed and the exact position of the crankshaft, which is necessary to form a spark and inject fuel at the right time.
When an error occurs P0335 the system detects the absence of a signal or its instability. ECU Nissan goes into emergency mode, trying to maintain functionality, but often this ends in a complete stop of the motor.
Without this signal, the car cannot determine the top dead center of the cylinder, making starting the engine physically impossible for most modern control systems. Without the DPKV signal, the Nissan engine will not start under any circumstances..
Owners Qashqai and X-Trail It is worth remembering that this sensor is often located in a hard-to-reach place, which makes it difficult to quickly replace it without a special tool.
A malfunction of this component can cause not only problems with starting, but also sudden drops in traction while driving, which creates an emergency situation on the road.
The main causes of code P0335
The reasons for the error can be very diverse, ranging from banal contamination to serious mechanical damage. Most often the problem lies in the sensor, which over time loses its magnetic properties or is subject to thermal effects.
- 🔧 Wear or internal failure of the crankshaft position sensor itself
- 🔌 Open circuit or short circuit in the wiring harness going to the sensor
- 🧲 Contamination of the sensing element with metal shavings or oil
Often the reason lies in the oxidation of the connector contacts, especially in regions with high humidity or when the car is used in winter. Moisture penetrates the pad, causing corrosion, which interferes with signal transmission.
It is also worth paying attention to the condition of the drive disk (ring gear), which rotates with the crankshaft. If there are missing teeth or mechanical damage, the sensor will not be able to correctly read the signal.
In some cases, the problem may be due to incorrect operation electronic control unit, although this happens much less frequently than sensor or wiring failures.
⚠️ Warning: Never try to start the engine multiple times in a row if you see the P0335 code. This can lead to overfilling of the cylinders with fuel and jamming of the starter.
Symptoms of malfunction and vehicle behavior
The behavior of the car when this error appears is usually quite clear, but may vary depending on the specific model and year of manufacture. The most common symptom is that the engine does not start, the starter turns, but the engine does not catch.
Sometimes the car may start the first time, but immediately stalls after a few seconds. This happens because the control unit does not receive confirmation of shaft rotation and turns off the fuel supply.
- ⚡ Sudden loss of power when driving at high speeds
- 🔴Check Engine light on dashboard
- 📉 Unstable idle speed and engine vibration
In more rare cases, the error may appear only when the engine heats up, when the wires expand and the contact disappears. This is especially true for older vehicles with worn-out wiring insulation.
If you notice that the car stalls just after warming up, you need to pay special attention to checking the wiring near hot engine components.
- Engine won't start
- Stalls immediately after starting
- Dips in power when driving
- The error appears only when hot
Diagnostics and testing of the sensor with a multimeter
Before changing parts, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis to eliminate false positives. To check the resistance of the sensor, you will need a regular multimeter. Disconnect the connector and measure the resistance between the contacts.
Normal resistance for most motors Nissan varies between 500–1500 Ohms, but it is better to check the exact values in the technical documentation. If the resistance is infinite or zero, the sensor is faulty.
It is also necessary to check the presence of supply voltage at the connector. To do this, turn on the ignition and measure the voltage between the power and ground contacts. The expected value is around 5 or 12 volts.
- 🔍 Inspect the wiring for chafing and traces of melting
- 🧹 Check the sensitive part of the sensor for metal shavings
- 🔨 Make sure the crankshaft drive disc is intact
If the electrical part is OK but the error persists, there may be a mechanical problem. Check the gap between the sensor and the ring gear, which should usually be 0.5–1.5 mm.
Sometimes it is enough to simply clean the sensor from dirt and chips to restore its functionality without replacement.
☑️ Checking the sensor
The process of replacing the crankshaft position sensor
Replacing the sensor is a procedure that you can do yourself if you have access to the installation location and the necessary tools. On models Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail The sensor is often located at the bottom of the engine, near the flywheel or pulley.
Before starting work, be sure to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid a short circuit. Then remove the protective covers and unscrew the sensor mounting bolt.
Carefully remove the old sensor, being careful not to damage the wiring. If it's stuck, you can shake it slightly, but don't use too much force.
Install the new sensor, making sure the gasket (if equipped) is level. Tighten the bolt to the recommended torque to avoid stripping the crankcase threads.
Difficulty in accessing the sensor on different models
On some MR20 and QR25 engines, access to the sensor is very difficult and requires removal of the generator or other attachments. On K4M engines the situation is simpler; the sensor is accessible from below through the fender liner.
After installation, you must reset the error using a scanner or by disconnecting the battery for 15–20 minutes. Start the engine and check that the error does not return.
If you find metal shavings on the sensor during replacement, this may indicate wear on the crankshaft bearings or other internal parts, which requires in-depth diagnostics.
When installing a new sensor, be sure to keep the mounting area free of dirt and oil to ensure proper clearance and prevent vibration.
Table of typical values and parameters
For ease of comparison and analysis of data during diagnostics, below is a table with typical parameters specific to engines Nissan. These values may vary slightly depending on the motor modification.
| Parameter | Normal value | Symptom of malfunction |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor resistance | 500 – 1500 Ohm | More than 2000 Ohm or 0 Ohm |
| Supply voltage | 5 – 12 V | No voltage |
| Gap to crown | 0.5 – 1.5 mm | More than 2mm or contact |
| Scanner indication | No error codes | P0335, P0336 |
Understanding these numbers will help you navigate faster when checking yourself. If the indicators go beyond the specified limits, further operation of the vehicle is not recommended.
Particular attention should be paid to the voltage parameter, since a drop in voltage may indicate problems with the generator or wiring, and not with the sensor itself.
Correct diagnosis of resistance and clearance is the key to successful repair and prevention of recurrence of the error.
Prevention and operating tips
To avoid the recurrence of the P0335 code, it is recommended to regularly inspect the electrical connectors and engine wiring. This is especially true for cars with a mileage of more than 100,000 km.
Use special contact lubricants when connecting connectors to prevent oxidation and moisture penetration. This is a simple and cheap way to extend the life of electrical components.
Monitor the condition of the alternator and voltage regulator, as power surges can damage sensitive electronics, including sensors.
If you notice that the sensor is often contaminated with chips, it is worth checking the condition of the crankshaft bearings and the belt drive.
- 🛡️ Use high-quality spare parts, avoiding cheap analogues without markings
- 🔧 Regularly clean the engine of dirt and oil
- 💡 Check the engine grounding, as poor contact affects the operation of the sensors
⚠️ Attention: Using non-original sensors with low quality magnets can lead to the error returning after several thousand kilometers.
Timely maintenance and careful attention to minor symptoms will help you avoid serious breakdowns and costly repairs in the future.
Remember that the crankshaft position sensor is a consumable item, and replacing it is a normal process in the life of any car.
Regularly checking connectors and using high-quality contact lubricants significantly reduce the risk of electrical faults.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to get to the service center with error P0335?
In most cases, the engine will not start at all. If the car starts, it will work unstably and may stall at any moment, which is dangerous for driving in traffic.
Could P0335 be a false alarm?
Yes, sometimes the error occurs due to poor contact in the connector or temporary ECU failure. Try cleaning your contacts and resetting the code. If the error returns immediately, the problem is real.
Do I need to change the sensor together with other parts?
Usually it is enough to replace only the sensor itself. However, it is recommended to check the condition of the master disk and wiring. If there are traces of corrosion, it is better to replace the connector immediately.
How much does it cost to replace a sensor on a Nissan?
The cost of the sensor itself varies from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles, depending on the brand. Working with the service usually costs from 1,000 to 3,000 rubles, since access can be difficult.
Why does the error only appear when the engine is hot?
This is a sign that there are microcracks inside the sensor or in the wiring. When heated, the metal expands, the contact disappears, and the signal is lost. When it cools down it appears again.