Error P0335 by car Nissan Almera - This is one of the most common problems that owners of this model face when reaching certain mileages. The code indicates a malfunction in the crankshaft position sensor circuit, which makes it impossible to start the engine or causes unstable operation. Without correct crankshaft position data, the engine management system ECU cannot synchronize fuel supply and spark generation, which leads to a complete stop of the engine.
Many car owners get scared when the light comes on Check Engine and the car stalls while driving, but in most cases the problem is solved by replacing an inexpensive component. However, before you run to the store for spare parts, you need to make sure that the problem is the sensor, and not wiring or mechanical damage. Ignoring this error can lead to serious problems with the ignition system and catalyst due to misfires.
The essence of the error and the principle of operation of the system
The crankshaft position sensor (CPS) is a key element of the engine management system on Nissan Almera any generation. Its task is to read the rotation speed of the shaft and its exact position at any given time. These data are transmitted to the control unit, which, based on them, calculates the timing of fuel injection and the ignition timing.
Error P0335 occurs when the control unit does not receive a signal from the sensor within a certain time or the signal has incorrect characteristics. This may be due to an open circuit, short circuit, magnetic contamination, or physical destruction of the element itself. As a result, the car goes into emergency mode or refuses to start.
Diagnostic system OBD-II detects the absence of a synchronizing signal. It is important to understand that desynchronization occurs instantly, and the engine stalls immediately as soon as the ECU loses contact with the crankshaft. This is a protective measure that prevents the motor from operating in unpredictable modes, which can lead to its destruction.
The main reasons for the failure
Reasons for the appearance of the code P0335 on Nissan Almera often lie not only in the sensor itself, but also in accompanying components. The most common cause is failure of the element itself due to overheating or natural wear. The magnetic tip of the sensor may become covered with metal shavings, which distorts the signal.
The second most common cause is a wiring problem. The insulation of the wires in the engine compartment dries out and cracks over time, which leads to a short to ground or an open circuit. Oxidation of the contacts in the connection connector is also often observed, especially if the car is operated in conditions of high humidity or frequent washing.
- 🔌 Oxidation or damage to contacts in the sensor connector
- 🔥 Overheating of the magnetic coil inside the sensor due to proximity to the hot engine
- 🔩 Mechanical damage to the sensor housing or flywheel gear
- 🧲 Contamination of the working surface with metal shavings or dirt
Problems with the engine control unit should not be ruled out, although this happens extremely rarely. Sometimes a failure occurs due to a malfunction in the driver circuit inside the ECU, but before replacing an expensive computer, it is necessary to exclude all external causes.
Symptoms of malfunction and vehicle behavior
Behavior Nissan Almera when an error occurs P0335 depends on when the failure occurred. If the problem occurs while the engine is running, the engine may stall at idle or suddenly lose power when accelerating. The engine runs jerkily because the ECU loses the ability to correctly synchronize the injection phases.
In the worst case scenario, the car simply won't start. The starter turns the engine, but a spark does not appear, since the control unit does not see at what moment it needs to supply a spark to the spark plugs. The indicator on the dashboard lights up Check Engine, and sometimes the oil pressure or temperature lamp may blink, which is a consequence of unstable operation.
Sometimes the error appears only in certain modes, for example, when the engine warms up to operating temperature. This is a classic sign of a faulty coil inside the sensor: a cold sensor works fine, but when it warms up, the contact inside opens. In such cases, diagnosis is difficult, since when the engine is cold, the error may not be read.
- The car won't start
- Stalls while driving
- The engine is unstable
- The error appears periodically
Step-by-step diagnostics and circuit testing
Before purchasing a new sensor, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis of the electrical circuit. To do this, you will need a multimeter and access to the connection connector. First, a visual inspection follows: check the integrity of the wires, the absence of signs of melting of the insulation and the reliability of the connector. Often the problem is solved by cleaning the contacts and treating them with contact lubricant.
To check the sensor itself, you need to measure its resistance. Disconnect the connector and connect the multimeter to the sensor contacts. The resistance value must be within the range specified in the technical documentation, usually several hundred ohms. If the multimeter shows infinity or zero, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
- 🛠️ Check the sensor resistance (usually 500-1500 ohms)
- 🔦 Inspect the flywheel ring gear for chips and damage
- 📏 Measure the gap between the sensor and the flywheel (should be within 0.5-1.5 mm)
It is also important to check the integrity of the wiring from the sensor to the control unit. Check each wire for breaks and for absence of short circuit with the car body. If the wiring is fine and the sensor resistance is normal, but the error persists, the problem may be with the control unit itself or with a mechanical gap.
☑️ Check before replacement
Pay special attention to the gap between the sensor and the ring gear. If the gap is too large, the signal will be too weak and the ECU will not be able to recognize it. Sometimes simply tightening the mounting bolt or replacing the gasket is enough to restore the correct clearance.
Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement Procedure
Replacing the sensor with Nissan Almera - a task of medium complexity that can be completed independently if you have a basic set of tools. Typically the sensor is located at the bottom of the engine, near the flywheel or crankshaft pulley. Access to it may be limited by other units, so sometimes you have to remove the engine protection or wheel.
First you need to turn off the power to the car by disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery. Then disconnect the electrical connector from the sensor. Unscrew the fastening bolt and carefully remove the old element. Be careful not to damage the fragile connector or drop the bolt into the engine compartment.
Before installing a new sensor, clean the seat from dirt and oil. Install the new element and tighten the bolt to the recommended torque. Connect the connector and repair the battery terminal. After this, you need to reset the error through a diagnostic scanner or by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes.
The nuances of installing a new sensor
When installing a new sensor, make sure there are no metal shavings on the magnetic tip. If chips remain, they can damage the flywheel ring gear. It is recommended to wipe the tip with a clean cloth. Also check the condition of the O-ring and, if necessary, replace it with a new one to prevent oil from getting inside the housing.
After replacement, start the engine and make sure it runs smoothly. Check if the lamp lights up Check Engine. If the error appears again immediately after startup, the problem may not be with the sensor itself, but with the wiring or ring gear.
Tip: When purchasing a new sensor, choose an original Nissan spare part or proven analogues (for example, Denso or NGK), since cheap Chinese analogues often have unstable characteristics and may fail after a few months.
Important nuances and problem prevention
To avoid the error reappearing P0335, you must follow some operating rules. Check the condition of wires and connectors regularly, especially after washing the engine. Do not allow oil or technical fluids to come into contact with electrical contacts, as this may cause corrosion.
⚠️ Warning: Never attempt to clean the magnetic tip of the sensor with metal brushes or abrasives. This may interfere with the magnetic properties and cause incorrect readings. Use only soft rags and special contact cleaners.
If the sensor fails repeatedly in a short time, you should pay attention to the generator. Voltage surges in the on-board network can lead to burnout of the internal winding of the sensor. Check the operation of the voltage regulator relay and make sure that the generator produces a stable voltage within 13.5-14.5 V.
It is also worth considering that on some modifications Nissan Almera The sensor has a complex shape, and its replacement may require the removal of additional suspension or engine components. In such cases, it is better to entrust the work to professionals so as not to damage neighboring nodes.
Regularly checking the condition of the sensor wiring and contacts allows you to avoid sudden engine stops and save on costly repairs in the future.
| Parameter | Normal value | Fault value |
|---|---|---|
| Coil resistance | 500–1500 Ohm | Infinity or 0 Ohm |
| Output voltage | Variable, increases with rpm | Missing or unstable |
| Clearance to flywheel | 0.5–1.5 mm | Less than 0.3 mm or more than 2.0 mm |
| Operating temperature | up to 150°C | Overheating and open circuit |
Diagnostics via scanner and error reset
To accurately diagnose and reset errors, you must use a diagnostic scanner that supports the protocol OBD-II. Connect the device to the diagnostic connector, usually located under the instrument panel on the driver's side. Turn on the ignition and start the scanning program.
If the error P0335 has a status of "Pending", which means that the problem has recently occurred, but has not yet been fully confirmed. If the status is "Confirmed", then the fault is reliably recorded. After eliminating the cause, you must execute the error reset command.
In some cases, even after replacing the sensor, the error may remain in the ECU memory. In such cases, a complete reset of adaptations or long-term driving of the car in different modes is required for the control unit to relearn. Use a scanner to check the readiness status of systems.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to reset the error by simply disconnecting the battery if the cause of the problem has not been eliminated. This will only cause the light to disappear temporarily, and the error will appear again after a few trips, making the situation worse.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to drive with P0335?
Driving with this error is highly not recommended. The engine can stall at any moment, which is dangerous when driving in traffic. In addition, running in emergency mode may damage the catalytic converter.
How much does it cost to replace a sensor on a Nissan Almera?
The cost of the sensor itself varies from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles, depending on the manufacturer. Replacement work at the service center will cost another 1,000-2,000 rubles, but if you have the tools, you can do it yourself for free.
Can P0335 be caused by bad gasoline?
Bad gasoline does not directly cause this error, since it is associated with the electrical circuit of the sensor. However, detonation from bad fuel can lead to vibrations that, over time, loosen the sensor mount or damage the wiring.
Do I need to change the sensor paired with another?
No, the crankshaft position sensor (P0335) and the camshaft position sensor (P0340) are different parts. They need to be changed only if there is a malfunction of a specific sensor. However, with high mileage, it is often recommended to check both.
Why does the error only appear when it's hot?
This is a classic sign of overheating of the internal winding of the sensor. When heated, the metal expands and the contact inside the coil opens. After cooling, the sensor starts working again and the error disappears. The sensor needs to be replaced.
⚠️ Attention: Error P0335 on Nissan Almera is most often resolved by simply replacing the sensor, but in 15% of cases the problem lies in damage to the flywheel ring gear, which requires removal of the transmission.