Diesel Trouble Codes

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.

Updated September 2, 2026

What it means

ECM has detected crankshaft position sensor signal erratic, out of range, or inconsistent with expected engine operation.1

Most likely causes

  1. 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
  2. Wiring/connector fault to crankshaft position sensor — Open, short, corrosion or chafing in crank sensor circuit can produce range/performance error.1
  3. Reluctor/tone ring damage or debris — Physical damage or debris affecting crank signal generation leads to erratic reading.1
  4. ECM/PCM internal processing issue — Control module processor performance fault can manifest as sensor circuit range/performance codes.2
  5. 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

  1. Verify code and freeze frame; confirm P0336 present on 5.9L Cummins 24-Valve VP44 platform.
  2. Inspect crankshaft position sensor connector and wiring for corrosion, oil contamination, chafing, and secure routing.
  3. Check sensor supply/reference voltage and ground per service info; look for intermittent opens/shorts.
  4. Examine reluctor/tone ring for damage, debris, or misalignment; engine is gear-driven timing with single crank sensor.
  5. Monitor crankshaft position sensor signal with lab scope during cranking/running; compare to expected pattern and RPM correlation.
  6. Check for additional codes such as camshaft position sensor range/performance P0341 or control module processor P0606 that may indicate broader ECM/wiring issues.
  7. If signal is clean and wiring intact, evaluate ECM inputs and consider control module self-test/performance concerns.

Parts and tools you may need

Rough cost and difficulty

Parts and labor vary by region and vehicle condition; obtain local quotes.

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.

Sources

  1. Curated DTC seed — 5.9 Cummins 24-Valve (VP44) (curated) ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Curated DTC seed — 5.9 Cummins 24-Valve (VP44) (curated) ↩︎

  3. Curated DTC seed — 5.9 Cummins 24-Valve (VP44) (curated) ↩︎