The P0335 Code on Chevy Silverado? (Causes and Fixes Explained)

You know the old-school check engine light staying lit up? And how along comes the problematic crank issue? Well, this has to be the most common code there is!

The P0335 code on Chevy Silverado refers to Crankshaft Position “A” Circuit Malfunction. The cause is a faulty crank position sensor. When the sensor fails, the engine will not start.

This code is quite easy to fix but can be confusing to diagnose. The reason is that the symptoms match with many other codes. But in this article, I will describe the causes and fixes of the code P0335 in simple and distinctive words for you to understand.

What Does P0335 Code Mean On Chevy Silverado?

P0335 is a generic OBD-II trouble code that stands for Crankshaft Position “A” Circuit Malfunction. When the computer does not receive any crank position readings for 8 seconds, P0335 is set. This could be due to a faulty sensor, a faulty reluctor wheel at the crankshaft, a faulty PCM, or faulty wiring.

The Crankshaft Position Sensor CKP is located behind the starter in the right rear of the engine block. The sensor includes a B+ power supply, a ground, and a signal circuit. The CKP sensor communicates with a 24X reluctor wheel mounted on the crankshaft’s rear part.

The reluctor wheel teeth interrupt a magnetic field generated by a magnet within the sensor as the crankshaft rotates. The internal circuitry of the sensor detects this and generates a signal. This signal is read by the PCM.

The PCM uses this signal to accurately measure crankshaft velocity. This velocity is a variable used to detect misfires, sparks, and fueling.

Now, let’s look at what the different parts of the code P0335 signify:

• P- Powertrain, the assembly of parts that move your car forward.
• 0 – Standardized Code
• 3 – Ignition System
• 35 – Specific Problem (in this case the Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction). 

What Happens When the Code P0335 On Chevy Silverado Appears?

Here are a few symptoms of the code P0335:

• Check engine light will light up.
• The engine will not start.
• If the engine starts, then it mostly runs decently. The crank but no start when the ignition is in the start position is quite a common symptom for this code.
• There is rough idle, stalling, or sluggishness.
• The speed oscillates between 1,000 to 500 RPMs.
• The fuel injector is inactive.

What Causes Code P0335 On Chevy Silverado?

Check for harness wear by removing the inner fender on the driver’s side as well.

The Silverado doesn’t know when to fire the injector without the cam sensor. With a pilot and main injection in the cylinder, it must know where the crank/cam is at all times.

But too much timing advance will blow a hole in the piston. It may end up breaking a crankshaft/cam, bending a connecting rod, and so on. Additionally, the wean harness was problematic with later engines.

Other than these, some additional reasons why the problem appears are-

• Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
• Damage to the crankshaft reluctor wheel or improper installation.
• The sensor colliding with the reluctor wheel.
• The engine running out of fuel.
• Excess crankshaft end play causing the CKP sensor reluctor wheel to become misaligned with the CKP sensor. This could lead to a non-starter or a start and a halt. It also causes variable performance.
• Excessive crankshaft end play may result from an incorrectly installed propeller shaft.
• Using Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data to locate an intermittent condition may help.

How to Reproduce the P0335 Code On Chevy Silverado

If you can’t duplicate the DTC, the information in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can help you. It can enable you to figure out how many miles have passed since the DTC was set.

The Fail and Pass Counters can also be used to determine how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported as a pass or a fail. Operate the vehicle under the same freeze frame conditions that you observed (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature, and so on). When the DTC fails, this will isolate the situation.

How To Fix The P0335 Code On The Chevy Silverado?

1. Troubleshooting the Sensor

Take a look at the sensor. It is a resistive type sensor with internal analog-to-digital converter circuitry. The sensor has a Hall effect and so you cannot Ohm it.

Check especially the last segment of the sensor. Look for signs that it has been scraping against the crank’s reluctor wheel.

If this is the case, you may need to shim out the sensor. This will keep it from being damaged.

While rotating the engine by hand, look for the sensor in the hole and inspect the reluctor wheel of the crankshaft for any damage.

Make sure the sensor is connected to the starter properly via the wire. If necessary, replace the crank sensor.

Follow these steps accordingly to replace the sensor yourself:

• Remove the negative battery terminal by simply using a wrench.
• Remove the starter by first taking off the bolts.
• Spray some lubricant on the area around the sensor over the penetrant.
• Take the old sensor out.
• Install the new sensor. The sensors from AC Delco are the best choice.

I suggest you follow this video which discusses the process of replacement in detail.

2. Troubleshooting the PCM

If there is no visible damage at the reluctor, you must visually inspect the wiring. If nothing else appears to be wrong, unplug the PCM and measure the resistance of the crank sensor wires from the sensor’s connector to the PCM connector. Before servicing the PCM, clean any debris from the PCM connector surfaces.

When diagnosing/replacing the PCM, inspect the PCM connector gaskets. Check that the gaskets are properly installed. The gaskets keep contaminants out of the PCM.

Use the Connector Test Adapter Kit J 35616-A for any test that requires probing the PCM or a component harness connector. This kit protects the harness connector terminals from damage.

3. Troubleshooting the Wiring and ECM

The wiring may be damaged with cuts or any rubbing. Before replacing or fixing the wires, you must check if they have voltage. There may be more wires with no signal than just the cut one.

Then follow the wires that have no signal and you may find more cuts or damages. Now change the damaged wires accordingly or take the car to mechanics. It is recommended to take the Silverado to the dealership to get better wiring.

If the wiring does not fix the code, the ECM is the next thing to look at. The electronic control module or ECM should be replaced. 

4. Fuse

Check the functionality of the K68 Trailer Lamp Control Module. Also, see if only fuse F46UA is impacted. Due to an excessive load on the running lamp circuit, the trailer’s running lights shut off.

This is best done in a dealership.

Others

Verify that the drive unit case and engine block are clean and secure. These are ground locations. Often rare than not, the ground bolt for the drive unit case may not be drilled to the correct depth.

This results in a low clamp load on the ground eyelet and the ground bolt bottoming out in the hole.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix The Chevy Silverado P0335 Code?

Fixing the code P0335 is very cheap. A replacement of the sensor costs only $35 to $80. You can do it yourself so there is no labor cost. But if you choose to take it to the service shop, they may keep the car for inspection.

The change of the sensor or other fixes from the dealership may cost about $150-250 including parts and labor costs. 

Can You Drive Your Chevy Silverado With Code P0335?

No. Once this code is activated, you shouldn’t keep driving your car. The Silverado may stall due to the problem with the CKP, which can be dangerous.

People often suggest to keep driving a few miles to get rid of the code. But that can cause accidents on a busy road or a parking lot. It can be life-threatening.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

As you can see, the common code P0335 in a Silverado has some complexity in diagnosing it. I have mentioned how to reproduce the code and also the fix of the code.

Hopefully, you will be able to fix it without breaking the bank. But only if you have read the article carefully!