P0335 Code: Chevrolet Cruze (2016-2019) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

Comprehensive diagnostic guide for OBD2 code P0335 on 2016-2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Important data note (data limitations)

• Based on the provided NHTSA data excerpt: No NHTSA owner complaints are listed for this make/model/year/issue, and there are No recalls found in the NHTSA database for this combination.
• Therefore, this guide does not cite specific NHTSA complaints or recalls. The diagnostic steps, causes, and repair guidance rely on general OBD-II knowledge and typical Cruze behavior, not on official NHTSA complaint/recall data.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code: P0335
• Full description: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
• What it means: The engine control module (ECM/PCM) is not getting a valid signal from the crankshaft position sensor (CPS) or the CPS circuit is out of expected range. This sensor provides crankshaft position data used to control ignition timing and fuel injection timing.
• Severity and likely symptoms:
  • Engine may not start or may stall when running
  • Hard starting or no-start condition
  • Rough idle or misfires
  • Intermittent power loss or stalling while driving
  • Check Engine Light (CEL) is typically illuminated
• Important note: P0335 can indicate a problem with the sensor itself, the wiring/connector in the CPS circuit, a faulty PCM input, or a problem upstream such as a damaged reluctor ring. Since it is a circuit/signal-related code, drivability can be affected severely if not addressed promptly.

COMMON CAUSES ON CHEVROLET CRUZE

• Faulty crankshaft position sensor (CPS) itself
• Damaged, frayed, corroded, or unplugged CPS wiring or connector
• Faulty or loose sensor ground or 5-volt reference supply from PCM
• Oil leaks or contamination around the CPS, or oil on the sensor
• Reluctor ring damage or misalignment (on some engines, the reluctor/teeth can be damaged or mis-seated)
• PCM input/output problem (less common but possible)
• Electrical interference or poor routing of wiring near heat/engine components
• Aftermarket alterations or wiring modifications in the CPS circuit

SYMPTOMS TO EXPECT

• No-start or hard-start condition
• Engine stalls or stalls intermittently during idle or under load
• Misfire-like rough running or reduced power
• CEL illuminated with P0335 in the DTCs
• In rare cases: no scan tool communication with PCM or intermittent loss of crank signal leading to hesitation in cranking

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS (practical, car-oriented approach)

Note: Always follow appropriate safety procedures when working on a running or hot engine. If you’re not comfortable with electrical testing, seek professional help.

A. Preparation

• Vehicle: 2016-2019 Chevrolet Cruze (gasoline, common 1.4L turbo or similar)
• Tools: OBD-II scanner, digital multimeter (DMM), back-probing probes, basic hand tools, optional oscilloscope
• Visual: Inspect CPS area, wiring harness, and connectors for obvious damage or oil leaks. Look for loose connectors or exposed wires.

B. Confirm the fault

Retrieve DTCs with a scan tool.

• Confirm P0335 is present.
• Check for related codes (P0336, P0337, P0338, P0339; also note any ignition or misfire codes that may appear as secondary indications).

Review freeze-frame data.

• Note engine RPM, vehicle speed, and any sensor values at the time of code activation if available.

C. Visual and basic electrical checks

Inspect the CPS and wiring.

• Look for oil leakage around the sensor area, damaged or chafed wires, loose or corroded connectors.
• Ensure the sensor connector is fully seated and lock/tab is engaged.

Check power, ground, and reference circuits ( PCM side and sensor side ).

• Using a DMM, back-probe the CPS power/ground and signal lines with the key in ON (engine OFF) or as recommended by your service manual.
  • Check for a stable 5V reference at the CPS reference wire (from PCM). Voltage should be present and stable.
  • Check ground continuity between the CPS ground wire and the battery negative/PCM ground.
  • Check the CPS signal wire for a voltage that changes as the engine is cranked (see waveform/testing below).
• Look for signs of corrosion, water ingress, or damaged insulation on the harness.

D. Sensor and signal testing

Sensor resistance and function (as applicable to your engine)

• If you can access the CPS sensor resistance, measure across the sensor terminals with the engine disconnected and power removed.
• Compare the measured resistance to the spec in the service manual for your Cruze’s engine variant (GM CPS typical resistance is often in the range of a few hundred to a couple thousand ohms; exact spec varies by engine). If outside spec, replace the sensor.

Signal waveform/scan data (best test)

• Use an oscilloscope if available to view the CPS signal waveform while cranking. You should see a clean, periodic waveform corresponding to teeth on the reluctor and a stable, repeating pattern.
• If your scanner can view live crankshaft signal (some modern OBD scanners provide this), observe the signal for consistency. A missing or irregular signal (sporadic or no signal) indicates a CPS or wiring fault.

E. If the CPS and wiring test fail to locate the problem

Inspect the reluctor/reluctor ring and timing components

• On some Cruze engines, a damaged reluctor ring or timing-related components can affect the CPS reading. This is a more involved diagnosis and often requires service manual procedures to access the sensor and ring.
• If a mechanical fault is suspected (e.g., damaged reluctor ring), evaluate the feasibility of replacement or timing cover work per the engine design.

Check PCM and software

• If all hardware tests pass (sensor, wiring, power/ground), but P0335 persists, consider PCM wiring harness side checks and software/ECM calibration updates or re-flashing as per GM service guidelines.
• In rare cases, PCM failure can mimic CPS circuit issues; professional diagnosis is recommended.

F. Confirm after repair

Clear codes and perform a road test

• After repairs, clear codes and test drive the vehicle through a representative range of RPMs and conditions.
• Re-scan to confirm the code does not reappear and that the crank signal is stable.

RELATED CODES

• P0336: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
• P0337: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low Input
• P0338: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High Input
• P0339: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
• Note: These are all related to the same CPS circuit family and can occur with P0335 as root or secondary symptoms.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 prices)

Prices vary by location, shop, and the engine variant. The ranges below reflect typical U.S. market pricing as of 2025. Always confirm with your shop for exact quotes.

• Crankshaft Position Sensor replacement (parts and labor)

  • Parts: roughly $15–$120 (depending on OEM vs aftermarket, sensor model)
  • Labor: about 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Typical total: $100–$250

• Wiring harness/connector repair or replacement in CPS circuit

  • Parts: typically $5–$60 (connectors, heat-shrink, etc.)
  • Labor: 0.5–2.0 hours
  • Typical total: $100–$350

• PCM/ECM-related diagnosis or replacement

  • Parts: $400–$1,200 (new PCM; price varies with model and programming needs)
  • Labor: 1.5–4.0 hours
  • Typical total: $600–$1,900 (plus programming fees, if applicable)

• Reluctor ring or timing-related components (if a mechanical fault is found)

  • Parts: variable; timing components can be $50–$400
  • Labor: 3.0–8.0 hours (engine/ timing cover work if required)
  • Typical total: $500–$2,000+

• Diagnostic fees and towing (if applicable)

  • Diagnostic fee: $50–$120 (often waived with repair)
  • Towing: $60–$150 depending on distance

• Recurring costs to keep in mind

  • If oil contamination of CPS is suspected, oil/lubricant-related seal replacement may be required
  • After repair, PCM reprogramming or software updates may incur additional charges

DIY vs PROFESSIONAL

• DIY-friendly if you have:
  • Moderate automotive electrical knowledge
  • Access to a multimeter, back-probing tools, and preferably an oscilloscope or a scan tool with live CPS signal view
  • Basic hand tools and a safe workspace
• DIY steps you can attempt (simplified):
  • Inspect and clean/repair CPS wiring and connectors; reseat connector firmly
  • Check power/ground and reference voltage with a DMM
  • If you can access the sensor, test resistance and compare to spec
  • If equipment allows, observe the CPS waveform on an oscilloscope or live data view
  • Replace the CPS if the sensor is out of spec or if wiring shows damage and cannot be repaired
• When to see a professional:
  • If the CPS tests are inconclusive or you don’t have access to electrical testing equipment
  • If there is suspicion of a mechanical timing issue (reluctor ring or timing chain/belt) or PCM fault
  • If the engine has symptoms of severe stalling or no-start that require proper diagnosis and programming

PREVENTION

• Regular engine oil maintenance to prevent CPS contamination; fix leaks promptly
• Ensure CPS connectors stay clean and dry; use dielectric grease as appropriate
• Inspect wiring harnesses for chafing, routing away from high-heat areas and moving belts
• Address any oil leaks at the timing cover area promptly to avoid sensor contamination
• Use quality, OEM-specified sensors and connectors when replacement is needed
• If there are recurring misfires or crank signal concerns, keep software/ECM up to date per GM service guidelines

Data limitations and transparency

• The provided NHTSA data indicates no owner complaints and no recalls for the 2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze with this issue. This means no complaint-based statistics or recall-driven guidance from that dataset are available here. The diagnostic steps, common causes, and repair cost estimates above are based on standard automotive knowledge for P0335 and Cruze practice, not on NHTSA complaint counts or recall history.