Many owners Nissan Almera Classic encounter the sudden appearance of the Check Engine light on the dashboard. One of the most common codes that are read by a diagnostic scanner is P0335. This error indicates incorrect operation of the crankshaft position sensor circuit, which makes it impossible to start the engine or leads to unstable operation.
Engine management system MR18DEinstalled on these vehicles critically depends on the synchronization of the sensors. Without accurate data on the position of the crankshaft, the control unit cannot calculate the timing of fuel injection and ignition. As a result, the car may simply not start, stall at idle, or operate with serious interruptions, which creates an emergency situation on the road.
Symptoms of malfunction and vehicle behavior
When the crankshaft position sensor (CPS) begins to produce incorrect signals, ECU (electronic control unit) goes into emergency mode. In most cases, you will notice that the car stops responding to the gas pedal when you try to start it. The starter turns the engine, but there is no spark in the cylinders.
Sometimes the problem manifests itself differently: the car starts, but immediately stalls or runs jerkily. The light on the instrument panel may flash Check Engine. It is important to understand that symptoms can vary depending on whether the sensor has completely failed or whether the signal is simply weakened due to poor contact.
Key symptoms of trouble include:
- 🚫 Complete failure of the engine to start, despite a working starter and the presence of fuel
- ⚠️ Sudden stopping of the engine while driving without the possibility of restarting
- 📉 Unstable idle speed, floating in a wide range
- 💡 Engine management system malfunction indicator lights up
Common Causes of Code P0335
Although the error code directly indicates a problem with crankshaft sensor, the reason may be hidden not only in the device itself. On Nissan Almera Classic Wiring and connectors often suffer due to vibrations and temperature changes. Oxidation of the contacts in the connection block can interrupt the signal that the control unit is trying to transmit.
A common cause is mechanical damage to the wire. There are many rotating elements in the engine compartment, and if installed incorrectly or due to aging insulation, the wire may rub against the engine housing or other components. It is also worth checking the condition of the flywheel ring gear that the sensor is approaching. If the teeth are damaged or contaminated with metal shavings, the signal will be distorted.
Problems with the engine control unit itself should not be ruled out, although this happens less often. Failure of internal signal processing circuits in ECU may simulate a sensor failure. However, before replacing an expensive computer, it is necessary to exclude all external factors and check the integrity of the wiring.
Diagnostics and testing of the sensor circuit
Before replacing the sensor, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis so as not to waste money. You will need a multimeter to check the resistance and voltage. Start by visually inspecting the connector and wiring harness going to DPKV. Look for signs of melting, breaks or oxidation of the contacts.
The resistance of the sensor itself is checked with the connector disconnected. Connect the multimeter probes to the sensor contacts and compare the obtained values with factory standards. For Nissan Almera Classic with an MR18DE engine, the resistance is usually from 500 to 1000 Ohms, but it is better to check the exact numbers in the service documentation. If the multimeter shows an open circuit or short circuit, the sensor must be replaced.
It is also important to check the power supply to the sensor. The connector must be supplied with voltage from the control unit. If there is power, but there is no signal when the crankshaft rotates, the problem is definitely in the sensor or its gap. If there is no voltage, you need to look for an open circuit in the circuit to the computer.
- The car won't start
- The car stalls while driving
- Problems only when hot
- I only saw the error in diagnostics.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the sensor
Replacing the crankshaft position sensor with Nissan Almera Classic - a task of medium complexity that you can handle on your own with a basic set of tools. The sensor is located at the bottom of the engine, next to the flywheel, which makes access to it not the most convenient, but quite possible.
First you need to de-energize the car by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. Then remove the engine protection, if installed. You will need a 10mm socket wrench to remove the sensor mounting bolts. Be careful not to drop the bolts into the engine compartment.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
After unscrewing the bolt, carefully remove the old sensor. Pay attention to the condition of the O-ring. If it has lost elasticity or is damaged, it must be replaced to prevent oil from entering the installation site. Place the new sensor in place, maintaining the correct orientation, and tighten the mounting bolt.
Connect the wiring connector until it clicks. Before installing the motor protection, be sure to check the operation of the motor. Start the engine and make sure that the error does not appear immediately. If everything works stably, the repair can be considered complete.
What are the dangers of driving with a faulty DPKV?
If the car starts but runs rough, driving may cause the catalytic converter to overheat due to incorrect ignition angle. There is also a high risk of stopping the engine in the flow, which creates an emergency situation.
⚠️ Attention: When installing a new sensor, make sure that the gap between the sensing element and the flywheel ring gear is correct. Positioning too close may result in mechanical damage to the sensor due to vibrations.
Technical characteristics and selection of spare parts
For Nissan Almera Classic The original sensor with catalog number is suitable for the MR18DE engine 23731-ED00A (or its analogues). The use of non-original parts of questionable quality often leads to the reappearance of the error after a short time. Cheap analogues may have unstable resistance characteristics and fail faster.
When choosing a spare part, pay attention to the packaging and the presence of holograms. Genuine Nissan sensors are supplied in a branded box and are clearly labeled. If you decide to purchase an analogue, choose only trusted brands specializing in Japanese cars, such as Nippon Denso or Tokyo Roki.
Below is a table comparing the parameters of the original sensor and popular analogues:
| Part type | Catalog number | Resistance (Ohm) | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Nissan | 23731-ED00A | 500-1000 | 3500-4500 rub. |
| Analogue Denso | DSK-001 | 600-950 | 2000-2800 rub. |
| Analogue Kojima | KJ-0335 | 550-900 | 1500-2200 rub. |
| Analogue Unipart | UNP-23731 | 500-1100 | 1200-1800 rub. |
Before purchasing a new sensor, be sure to measure the distance from the old sensor to the flywheel (if it has not yet been removed) or remember the seating depth. This will help you install the new element correctly.
Error reset and system check
Error after replacing sensor P0335 may not disappear immediately, since it is stored in the memory of the control unit. To reset the error, you must use a diagnostic scanner. Connect the device to the OBDII connector located under the instrument panel and execute the command Clear DTCs (Clear error codes).
If you don’t have a scanner at hand, you can try to reset the error by disconnecting the battery terminal for 10-15 minutes. However, this method is not always effective, since the control unit may store the error in non-volatile memory. Additionally, resetting the power may cause the radio and clock settings to be lost.
After the reset, start the engine and let it idle for 5-10 minutes. Then test drive in different modes: smooth acceleration, driving at a constant speed, braking. If the error is not returned, then the problem is completely resolved.
Proper diagnosis before replacing the sensor saves money and time by eliminating the possibility of replacing faulty components.
Prevention and maintenance tips
To avoid the error reappearing P0335, regularly inspect the wiring harness in the engine compartment. This is especially true for cars with a mileage of more than 100,000 km. Over time, the insulation of the wires becomes dull and cracks, which leads to a short circuit or breakage.
It is recommended to periodically clean the sensor connector from oxides and dirt. Use special contact cleaners, but avoid harsh solvents that can damage the plastic of the connector. Also check the condition of the protective caps on the wires.
If you notice that the engine has begun to operate unstably or there are jerks during acceleration, do not delay your visit for diagnostics. Early detection of problems with crankshaft and camshaft sensors avoids costly repairs in the future and preserves engine life MR18DE.
⚠️ Attention: Do not ignore even a short-term illumination of the Check Engine light. The P0335 code may come and go, but if the cause is not corrected, it will return at the most inopportune times, such as on the highway.
Specifics of the sensor operation on MR18DE engines
Engine MR18DE, which is installed on Nissan Almera Classic, has its own characteristics in the operation of the ignition and injection systems. The crankshaft sensor here plays the role of the main synchronizer. Unlike some other motors, it uses a magnetic sensor that generates alternating current as the teeth of the flywheel pass.
A special feature of this system is its high sensitivity to contamination. Even a small shaving of metal deposits at the end of the sensor can significantly distort the signal. Therefore, when replacing, be sure to wipe the sensitive element with a clean cloth without using chemicals.
It is also worth noting that on some firmware versions the ECU may be too sensitive to signal level. If you installed a non-original sensor with slightly different characteristics, the control unit may perceive this as a malfunction, even if the car is operating normally. That is why for reliable operation it is critical to use original spare parts or certified analogues from reputable manufacturers.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the sensor on the MR18DE engine, make sure that you do not damage the wiring going to the phase sensor, which is located in close proximity.
Is it possible to get to the service with this error?
If the engine doesn't start, then no. If the car starts but runs intermittently, you can drive there, but it is highly not recommended, as this can lead to failure of the catalyst.
Owner Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does it cost to replace a crankshaft sensor at a service station?
The cost of replacing the sensor at specialized services varies from 1000 to 2500 rubles, depending on the region and level of service. This amount usually includes diagnostics, replacement itself and error reset. If you do it yourself, the cost will only be the cost of the spare part.
Can P0335 be caused by bad gasoline?
No, the P0335 code is directly related to the crankshaft position sensor circuit or the flywheel mechanical part. Fuel quality can cause other errors related to detonation or mixture composition, but not this specific malfunction.
How often should the crankshaft sensor be replaced?
The crankshaft sensor is a resource unit and does not have a scheduled replacement period. It serves until it fails or the wiring is damaged. On average, the service life is 10-15 years or more than 200,000 km, provided there is no mechanical damage.
Why does the error only appear when it's hot?
This may indicate a wiring problem or an internal break inside the sensor, which is caused by thermal expansion of the materials. When the engine cools down, the contact is restored and the error disappears. A thorough check of the harness and the sensor itself is required.
Do I need to replace the camshaft sensor when replacing the crankshaft sensor?
No, these are different nodes with different functions. However, if you have problems starting the engine and errors on both sensors, it makes sense to check their condition at the same time. But a scheduled replacement of the camshaft sensor when replacing the crankshaft is not required.