P0336 — Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance — 5.9 Cummins 24-Valve (VP44)
Diagnostic reference for 5.9L Cummins 24-Valve VP44 (1998.5–2002) when ECM reports crankshaft position sensor signal erratic/out of range.
What it means
ECM has detected crankshaft position sensor signal erratic, out of range, or inconsistent with expected engine operation.1
Most likely causes
- Crankshaft position sensor signal erratic/out of range — ECM sees crankshaft position sensor A circuit range/performance fault; signal inconsistent with expected engine operation.1
- Wiring/connector fault to crankshaft position sensor — Open, short, corrosion or chafing in crank sensor circuit can produce range/performance error.1
- Reluctor/tone ring damage or debris — Physical damage or debris affecting crank signal generation leads to erratic reading.1
- ECM/PCM internal processing issue — Control module processor performance fault can manifest as sensor circuit range/performance codes.2
- Related camshaft position sensor correlation issue — Cam/crank correlation problems may set crank sensor range/performance on this gear-driven engine.3
How to diagnose
- Verify code and freeze frame; confirm P0336 present on 5.9L Cummins 24-Valve VP44 platform.
- Inspect crankshaft position sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, oil contamination, chafing, and secure routing.
- Check sensor supply/reference voltage and ground per service info; look for intermittent opens/shorts.
- Examine reluctor/tone ring for damage, debris, or misalignment; engine is gear-driven timing with single crank sensor.
- Monitor crankshaft position sensor signal with lab scope during cranking/running; compare to expected pattern and RPM correlation.
- Check for additional codes such as camshaft position sensor range/performance P0341 or control module processor P0606 that may indicate broader ECM/wiring issues.
- If signal is clean and wiring intact, evaluate ECM inputs and consider control module self-test/performance concerns.
Parts and tools you may need
- Digital multimeter
- Lab scope / oscilloscope
- Back-probe pins / breakout box
- Dielectric grease
- Basic hand tools
Tools you’ll need
- digital multimeter — Checks sensor supply/reference voltage and ground for opens/shorts per service info on the 5.9L Cummins 24-Valve VP44.
- lab scope — Monitors crankshaft position sensor waveform during cranking/running to verify pattern and RPM correlation for P0336.
- OBD-II scan tool — Verifies P0336 presence, reads freeze frame, and checks for related codes like P0341 or P0606.
- inspection mirror — Allows visual inspection of the reluctor/tone ring for damage, debris, or misalignment without full disassembly.
Rough cost and difficulty
| Likely repair | Parts | Shop labor | Who usually does it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wiring or connector repair | $10–$100 | 1–4 hrs | DIY with tools and a manual |
| Crankshaft or camshaft position sensor | $40–$200 | 0.5–2 hrs | DIY with tools and a manual |
| Engine wiring harness section | $100–$500 | 2–5 hrs | Shop |
| ECM/PCM replacement (programmed) | $600–$2,000 | 1–3 hrs | Shop |
Typical US independent-shop figures; labor runs about $120–$180 per hour (dealers charge more). Confirm the diagnosis before buying parts.
When to see a pro
If diagnosis points to internal ECM fault, reluctor damage requiring front cover removal, or persistent intermittent signal, have a qualified diesel technician perform pinpoint tests and repairs.
Check for recalls
Recalls are tied to your truck’s VIN, so check yours directly: enter the VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. Open safety recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
Sources
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