Nissan Check Engine Code
P0335 on Nissan
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
Also covers: Infiniti
P0335 on Nissan: what makes it different
P0335 — Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction — is a frequently reported code on Nissan vehicles, especially those equipped with the QR25DE 2.5L and VQ35DE 3.5L engines. Nissan's crankshaft position sensor design and the routing of the sensor wiring harness through areas exposed to heat and engine vibration make connector degradation and sensor failure a recurring real-world issue.
Most-affected engines
- QR25DE 2.5L I4 (Altima, Sentra, X-Trail)
- VQ35DE 3.5L V6 (Maxima, Murano, 350Z, Pathfinder, Quest)
- KA24DE 2.4L I4 (Frontier, Xterra, older Altima)
- MR20DE 2.0L I4 (Sentra, Tiida)
Common model years: 2002–2016
Most likely cause on Nissan
Failed or intermittently open crankshaft position sensor on the QR25DE or VQ35DE due to heat cycling and connector pin corrosion at the sensor harness connector.
Known Nissan engine-family issues
Nissan's QR25DE engine places the crankshaft position sensor in a location subject to significant heat from the exhaust side of the block. Over time, the sensor's internal coil insulation can break down, causing intermittent no-start or stalling conditions that come and go with engine temperature — the classic 'hot soak stall' behavior reported widely by Altima owners. The VQ35DE's timing chain tensioner wear is a known community concern on higher-mileage examples; a worn or jumped chain can damage the reluctor ring teeth, causing an erratic CKP signal even with a new sensor installed.
Nissan-specific causes (most common first)
- Crankshaft position sensor failure from heat soak on the QR25DE — sensor is located in a hot zone near the block
- Corroded or spread harness connector pins at the CKP sensor plug, common in high-humidity climates
- Damaged wiring harness chafed against engine brackets or the timing cover
- Reluctor wheel (crankshaft tone ring) damage from a jumped timing chain — particularly relevant on higher-mileage VQ35DE engines
- Weak or failing ECM power/ground causing erratic CKP signal interpretation
- Oil leaks from the crankshaft front seal contaminating the sensor tip and causing intermittent signal dropout
Nissan-specific diagnostic tip
Before replacing the sensor outright, unplug the CKP sensor connector and inspect the pins carefully with a flashlight. On Nissans in salt-belt states or humid climates, you'll often find green or white corrosion on the terminals that can be cleaned with electrical contact cleaner and a small pick. Gently tug each wire where it enters the connector boot — a wire that moves independently of the others has likely broken internally. Also note whether the code sets only when the engine is hot; a sensor that works cold but fails hot is a near-certain sign of heat-degraded internal resistance in the sensor itself.
Symptoms drivers report
- Check engine light
- Engine cranks but will not start
- Random stalling (often when hot, then restarts when cool)
- Hard starting
- Erratic tach reading
Typical repair cost on Nissan
Most Nissan owners fix P0335 for between $80 and $400, depending on which underlying cause turns out to be at fault. Start with the most-likely cause for your vehicle — Failed or intermittently open crankshaft position sensor on the QR25DE or VQ35DE due to heat cycling and connector pin corrosion at the sensor harness connector. — before throwing parts at it.
Nissan P0335 FAQ
My Nissan Altima cranks but won't start and shows P0335. What's happening?
The ECU requires a valid crankshaft position signal to authorize spark and fuel injection. If the CKP sensor signal is absent or corrupted, the engine will crank without firing. On the QR25DE Altima, this is most commonly a failed sensor or a corroded connector. Replace the sensor and inspect the harness before assuming the fault is more serious.
Could a timing chain problem cause P0335 on my Nissan Maxima or 350Z with the VQ35DE?
Yes. If the timing chain has stretched significantly or jumped a tooth, the reluctor ring on the crankshaft may no longer align properly with the sensor's expected signal pattern. In this scenario, replacing the CKP sensor will not fix the code — you'll need to inspect chain stretch and tensioner condition. A tell-tale sign is a rattling noise on cold startup that goes away as oil pressure builds.
Is P0335 on a Nissan an emergency — will my engine be damaged if I keep driving?
If the code is active and the engine is running, damage is unlikely in the short term, but you risk a sudden stall or no-restart at an inconvenient time. If the code is accompanied by rough running, misfires, or stalling, stop driving and diagnose it promptly. A no-start scenario is the most common failure mode, not catastrophic engine damage.
Related codes
Drive a different make? See the general P0335 guide for cross-vehicle causes and symptoms.
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Most common fix for P0335:
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