P0335 — Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit — 6.0 Power Stroke
P0335 on 6.0L Power Stroke (2003.5–2007) indicates a fault in the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor circuit. The PCM uses CKP for engine speed/position; loss of…
What it means
Generic definition: The PCM has detected a fault in the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor circuit. On the 6.0L a lost CKP signal causes crank-no-start or stalling; check for RPM on the scan tool while cranking, then the sensor, connector and harness.11
Most likely causes
- CKP sensor internal failure or heat/age degradation — Sensor output becomes erratic or drops out, causing loss of RPM signal to PCM.1
- CKP connector corrosion, loose terminals or oil contamination — Poor electrical contact at the sensor connector interrupts the CKP signal circuit.1
- CKP wiring harness chafing, pinching or open/short — Physical damage to the harness between sensor and PCM creates intermittent or permanent signal loss.1
- CKP reluctor ring/tone wheel damage or debris — Distorted or contaminated tone wheel changes the signal pattern seen by the sensor.1
- PCM power/ground or reference-voltage issue affecting CKP circuit — Low/unstable PCM supply or ground can cause the CKP circuit to be flagged as faulty.1
How to diagnose
- Verify symptom and freeze-frame data; confirm engine cranks but does not start or stalls, and note any RPM reading.
- With a scan tool, check for RPM signal while cranking; no RPM indicates CKP signal loss.
- Inspect CKP sensor connector for corrosion, oil intrusion, loose terminals; clean and reseat as needed.
- Examine CKP wiring harness for chafing, pinching, heat damage, especially near exhaust/manifold and along frame routing.
- Measure CKP sensor supply, ground and signal wiring per factory pinout; look for opens, shorts to ground/power, and correct reference voltage.
- If accessible, inspect crankshaft reluctor/tone wheel for damage, debris or misalignment that would alter signal.
- Compare CKP signal to CMP signal on scan tool while cranking; correlation issues can point to timing or sensor problems.
- Clear codes, retest; if fault returns, monitor CKP PID during cranking and running to confirm stable signal before condemning PCM.
Parts and tools you may need
- Digital multimeter
- Scan tool capable of live data/RPM and CKP/CMP PIDs
- Back-probe pins or breakout box
- Dielectric grease
- Basic hand tools for sensor access
Tools you’ll need
- OBD-II scan tool — Confirms CKP signal loss by showing no RPM while cranking and allows freeze-frame review for P0335 on the 6.0 Power Stroke.
- digital multimeter — Checks CKP sensor supply, ground, reference voltage and wiring continuity to find opens, shorts or corrosion in the CKP circuit.
- inspection mirror — Lets you view the crankshaft reluctor/tone wheel and CKP sensor mounting area for damage or debris without major 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 no RPM is present while cranking, or wiring faults are found near high-heat/high-vibration areas, have a qualified diesel technician perform signal testing and harness repair to avoid misdiagnosis and prevent stalling while driving.
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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