Error P0335 on Nissan Primera P12: complete analysis of the crankshaft sensor fault

If on your dashboard Nissan Primera P12 the indicator came on Check Engine, and the scanner issues a code P0335 — the problem lies in the crankshaft position sensor (CPS) circuit. This error can manifest itself in different ways: from unstable engine operation at idle to complete failure to start. Unlike many other fault codes, P0335 on Primera P12 often occurs due to the design of the sensor and its location - it is vulnerable to contamination and mechanical damage.

In this article we will look in detail at what exactly the error means. P0335how does it affect engine performance? QR20DE or QR25DE, and what to do to eliminate it. You will learn how to check the sensor with a multimeter, what tools are needed for replacement, and why sometimes the problem lies not in the DPKV itself, but in the wiring or ECU. We have also collected typical mistakes made by car owners during diagnostics and will give practical advice on how to avoid the recurrence of the code.

What does error P0335 mean on Nissan Primera P12

Code P0335 stands for "Crankshaft position sensor circuit malfunction" (Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Malfunction). 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 from the DPKV, it goes into emergency mode or even blocks the engine from starting.

On Primera P12 The sensor is located on the cylinder block next to the flywheel. Its task is to read the teeth on the flywheel crown and transmit data about the angular position of the crankshaft to the ECU. If the signal disappears or becomes unstable, an error occurs P0335. Moreover, in practice, the problem can be both in the sensor itself and in:

• 🔌 Wiring — breaks, short circuits or oxidation of contacts;
• 🔋 Connector — poor contact or corrosion;
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage — cracks in the sensor housing or displacement of the flywheel crown;
• 💻 Software failures — errors in the ECU firmware (rare, but it does occur).

It is important to understand that P0335 - this is not a sentence. In 60% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the sensor or cleaning the contacts. But you can’t ignore it: driving for a long time with this error can lead to excessive fuel consumption, loss of power and even damage to the catalyst due to improper operation of the injection system.

Signs of DPKV malfunction on Primera P12

Error P0335 rarely appears “on its own” - it is usually preceded by noticeable changes in the behavior of the car. Here are typical symptoms that should alert you:

• 🚗 Engine won't start or stalls immediately after starting;
• ⚡ Misfires at idle or under load;
• 🔄 Unstable speed (float from 500 to 1500 rpm);
• 💨 Loss of dynamics — the car “stumbles” when accelerating;
• ⚠️ Check Engine lights up and goes out randomly.

Feature Primera P12 The problem is that if the DPKV is faulty, the engine can start “every time”. For example, in the morning the car starts normally, but after warming up it refuses. This is due to the fact that when heated, the resistance in the sensor circuit changes, and the signal becomes even more unstable.

⚠️ Attention: If the engine QR25DE suddenly stalled while driving and will not start again, do not try to tow the car “on the starter”. This can lead to damage to the catalyst due to improper operation of the injection system. It is better to call a tow truck or try to temporarily disable the DPKV (more on this below).

One more nuance: on Primera P12 error with automatic transmission P0335 may be accompanied by jerking when changing gears. This happens because the transmission ECU receives incorrect data about engine speed and incorrectly selects switching points.

How to check the crankshaft position sensor on Primera P12

Before changing the DPKV, it needs to be checked. For this you will need:

• 🔧 Multimeter (with resistance and voltage measurement function);
• 🔍 Flashlight (the sensor is located in an inconvenient place);
• 🧲 Screwdriver with a flat blade (for dismantling the connector).

Verification algorithm:

1. Remove the connector from the sensor. It is located on the cylinder block on the gearbox side. You may have to remove the air filter to get to it.
2. Ring the chain. Set the multimeter to ohmmeter mode and measure the resistance between the sensor contacts. For Primera P12 normal value - 500–700 Ohm. If the resistance approaches zero or infinity, the sensor is faulty.
3. Check the voltage. Connect a multimeter in voltmeter mode (limit 200 mV) to the sensor contacts. Carefully move a screwdriver near the DPKV core - if the sensor is working properly, the device will show voltage surges (from 0 to 50–100 mV).
4. Inspect the connector and wiring. Oxidation, traces of corrosion or damaged wires are a reason for repair.

If the sensor does not pass the test, it must be replaced. Original number for Primera P12 — 23731-4M000 or 23731-4M005 (depending on the year of manufacture). The cost of the original is about 3-5 thousand rubles, but you can find high-quality analogues from Bosch or Denso cheaper.

Remove the negative terminal from the battery|Clean the area around the sensor from dirt|Prepare a new sensor and O-ring|Check for a diagnostic scanner to reset the error-->

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the sensor on Primera P12

Replacing DPKV with Nissan Primera P12 does not require special skills, but there are several nuances. For example, the sensor is located in an area where dirt and oil deposits accumulate - they must be cleaned before installing a new device.

Tools:

• 🔧 10 mm head with extension;
• 🔨 Ratchet handle;
• 🧴 Contact cleaner (eg. WD-40 Contact Cleaner);
• 🧲 Screwdriver with a flat tip.

Procedure:

1. Disconnect the battery. Remove the negative terminal to avoid short circuit.
2. Remove the air filter. This will make it easier to access the sensor. On some modifications, it is enough to move the pipe to the side.
3. Disconnect the DPKV connector. Press the latch and carefully pull out the block. Inspect the contacts for oxidation.
4. Remove the fastening bolt. Use a 10mm socket. Be careful - the bolt is small and may fall into the pan.
5. Remove the sensor. It fits tightly, so you may need to pry it off with a screwdriver. Do not use excessive force to avoid damaging the housing.
6. Clean the seat. Remove dirt and old O-ring. The new sensor should fit in without distortion.
7. Install a new DPKV. Tighten the bolt to torque 8–10 Nm (do not overtighten!). Connect the connector.
8. Reset the error. Connect the scanner (for example, ELM327) and remove the code P0335 from the ECU memory.

After replacement, start the engine and check its operation at idle and under load. If the error persists, the problem may lie in the wiring or the ECU.

Frequent mistakes during diagnostics and repairs

Many car owners Primera P12 are faced with the fact that after replacing the DPKV there is an error P0335 returns. Most often this happens due to the following errors:

Error	Consequences	How to avoid
Uncleaned seat	The new sensor quickly fails due to dirt	Wash the mounting socket with brake cleaner
Overtightened mounting bolt	Crack in the sensor housing or deformation of the seat	Tighten to a torque of no more than 10 Nm
Using a non-original sensor	Unstable signal, P0335 reappears	Buy sensors only from trusted brands (Bosch, Denso)
Untested wiring	Short circuit or open circuit	Ring the wires from the sensor to the ECU

Another common problem is flywheel ring damage. If the teeth on it are worn out or broken, the sensor will not be able to correctly read the signal, and the error P0335 will appear even with the new DPKV. To check the ring, you will need to remove the starter and visually inspect its condition.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the sensor the engine starts but runs intermittently, check clearance between DPKV and flywheel crown. It must be within 0.5–1.5 mm. Too much clearance results in a weak signal; too little leads to mechanical contact and damage to the sensor.

Alternative solutions to P0335

If replacing the sensor does not help, the problem may not be there. Here's what else is worth checking:

• 🔌 DPKV power supply circuit. Check the wires from the sensor to the ECU for breaks or short circuits. Pay special attention to the places where the wiring runs next to the convex manifold - it often gets chafed there.
• 💻 Electronic control unit. On Primera P12 The ECU may malfunction due to poor contact in the connectors or overheating. Try resetting adaptations (via a diagnostic scanner) or reflash the unit.
• 🔋 Battery and generator. Low voltage in the on-board network (less than 12 V) can cause sensor malfunctions. Check the battery charge and voltage at the generator.
• 🛠️ Mechanical damage. A blow to the sump or cylinder block can displace the flywheel crown relative to the DPKV. In this case, engine disassembly will be required.

In rare cases, an error P0335 arises due to immobilizer malfunction. If the ECU does not recognize the “native” key, it may block the engine from starting and generate false errors. Try starting the car with a spare key or resetting the immobilizer through diagnostics.

How to temporarily fool the ECU if the sensor fails on the road

If the DPKV fails on the way, and you need to go urgently, you can try the following trick:

1. Disconnect the sensor connector.

2. Insert a resistor with a resistance of 500–700 Ohms into it (you can remove it from an old DPKV).

3. Start the engine - the ECU will go into emergency mode, but the car will be able to drive to the service station.

⚠️ This method is only suitable for emergencies! Driving for a long time without DPKV will lead to serious damage.

Prevention: How to Avoid Recurrence of P0335

To make a mistake P0335 did not return, follow these recommendations:

• 🧹 Clean the sensor regularly. Every 30–50 thousand km, remove the DPKV and remove metal shavings and dirt from it. Use brake or carburetor cleaner.
• 🔧 Check the fastening. Engine vibrations can weaken the sensor mounting bolt, which will lead to a change in the gap and an incorrect signal.
• 🚗 Avoid driving through deep puddles. Water entering the DPKV connector can cause corrosion of the contacts.
• 💡 Monitor the condition of the battery. Voltage sags when starting the engine increase the load on the sensors.

If your Primera P12 often used in difficult conditions (dust, dirt, high humidity), it makes sense to install protective screen to the sensor. You can make it yourself from thin aluminum or plastic.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with P0335?

Short term - yes, but not recommended. Long-term driving with a faulty DPKV leads to:

• Increased fuel consumption (up to 20–30%);
• Catalyst overheating;
• Damage to spark plugs;
• Malfunctions of the automatic transmission (if there is one).

If the engine runs erratically or stalls, it is better not to take risks and fix the problem.

How much does it cost to replace DPKV with Sera?

The cost depends on the region and service:

• Sensor: 1,500–5,000 rub. (original or high-quality analogue);
• Job: 800–2,000 rub. (depending on the complexity of access);
• Diagnostics: 500–1,500 rub. (if wiring or ECU check is required).

Replacing it yourself will only cost the cost of the sensor.

Could P0335 be caused by bad gas?

No, P0335 is not directly related to fuel quality. However, bad gasoline can cause detonation, which leads to mechanical damage to the flywheel crown. In this case, the DPKV will read an incorrect signal, and the ECU will generate an error.

If, after refueling at an unfamiliar gas station, misfires appear and Check Engine, first check the spark plugs and coils, and then the DPKV.

How to distinguish a faulty DPKV from problems with the camshaft sensor?

The errors of these sensors are often confused, but they have different symptoms:

DPKV (P0335)	Camshaft sensor (P0340)
The engine does not start or stalls immediately	The engine starts but runs intermittently
No spark on all cylinders	Misfires in individual cylinders
The speed does not stabilize	The error only appears at high speeds

For an accurate diagnosis, use a scanner that will show a specific fault code.

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

Possible reasons:

1. Faulty wiring (break or short circuit);
2. Problems with the ECU (diagnostics or flashing required);
3. The flywheel crown is damaged;
4. Poor quality or non-original sensor;
5. Errors in the ECU memory have not been reset.

Check the circuit with a multimeter, inspect the ring through the starter inspection window and try resetting the adaptations through the diagnostic scanner.