P0335 Code on Chevy Silverado Troubleshooting

That check engine light just came on, you plugged in a code reader, and now you're staring at P0335 on your Chevy Silverado. This code points to the crankshaft position sensor "A" circuit, and ignoring it can leave you stranded with a truck that won't start, stalls at intersections, or runs rough enough to make you nervous on the highway. Knowing how to troubleshoot this code yourself can save you a $200–$400 shop bill and get your Silverado back on the road faster.

What Does the P0335 Code Actually Mean on a Chevy Silverado?

P0335 is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code that stands for "Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Malfunction." Your Silverado's engine control module (ECM) relies on the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) to track the exact position and rotational speed of the crankshaft. This data helps the ECM control fuel injection timing and ignition spark. When the ECM detects an abnormal signal or no signal at all from the sensor circuit, it sets P0335.

On Chevy Silverados, this code is especially common on the 4.3L V6, 4.8L V8, 5.3L V8, and 6.0L V8 engines, particularly in model years from 1999 through 2013. The sensor sits on the engine block or timing cover near the crankshaft reluctor wheel, and it's exposed to heat, oil, and vibration that can wear it out over time.

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

A bad crankshaft position sensor doesn't always fail all at once. You might notice some of these signs before or alongside the P0335 code:

Engine won't start or hard starts the most common symptom because the ECM can't determine crankshaft position to fire the plugs
Intermittent stalling the engine dies suddenly while driving or idling, then may restart after a few minutes
Rough idle or misfires erratic timing signals cause uneven combustion
Check engine light flashing indicating active misfires that can damage your catalytic converter
Reduced power or hesitation on acceleration
Engine cranks but won't fire you hear the starter turning, but the engine never catches

These symptoms overlap with other issues like a bad camshaft sensor, fuel delivery problems, or even a failing ignition switch. That's why reading the code and working through a logical diagnostic process matters you don't want to throw parts at the problem.

What Causes a P0335 Code on a Silverado?

There's no single cause. Here's what technicians and experienced Silverado owners find most often:

Failed crankshaft position sensor the sensor itself wears out, especially after 80,000–120,000 miles
Damaged wiring or connectors the harness running to the CKP sensor can chafe against the engine block, melt from heat exposure, or corrode at the connector
Reluctor wheel damage the toothed wheel on the crankshaft that the sensor reads can crack or lose teeth
Timing chain stretch or skipped timing on high-mileage 5.3L engines, a stretched chain can throw off sensor readings enough to trigger the code
Poor aftermarket sensor quality cheap replacement sensors sometimes fail within months or produce inconsistent signals
ECM issues rare, but a faulty engine control module can misread a perfectly good sensor signal

If you want to see how these causes break down across different Silverado model years, our breakdown of common P0335 causes by vehicle covers the specifics for each generation.

How Do You Diagnose P0335 Step by Step?

Step 1: Read and Record the Codes

Use an OBD-II scanner to pull all stored and pending codes. P0335 may appear alongside P0336 (crankshaft position sensor range/performance), P0340 (camshaft position sensor circuit), or misfire codes like P0300. Write all of them down they give you clues about whether the problem is isolated to the crank sensor or part of a bigger issue.

Step 2: Inspect the Sensor and Wiring

Pop the hood and locate the crankshaft position sensor. On most Silverado V8 engines, it's on the lower driver's side of the engine block, near the harmonic balancer. Check for:

Oil contamination around the sensor (common on 5.3L engines with rear main seal leaks)
Frayed, melted, or broken wires in the harness
Corroded or backed-out pins in the connector
Physical damage to the sensor body

Step 3: Test the Sensor with a Multimeter

A multimeter test can tell you whether the sensor is producing a signal within spec. You'll check resistance across the sensor terminals (typically 500–900 ohms for the 5.3L, but always verify against a service manual for your specific engine). You can also check for voltage output while cranking. For a detailed walkthrough, we have a guide on testing crankshaft signal with a multimeter that covers exact procedures.

Step 4: Check the Reluctor Wheel

If the sensor checks out fine, the problem could be the reluctor wheel itself. This requires more disassembly, but if you're already chasing a persistent P0335 that comes back after replacing the sensor, it's worth inspecting.

Step 5: Verify Timing Chain Condition

On Silverados with 100,000+ miles, a stretched timing chain can cause erratic crankshaft position readings. You may also notice a rattling noise at startup or a rough idle that goes away once oil pressure builds up. A mechanic can check camshaft-to-crankshaft correlation with a scan tool to confirm this.

What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Fixing P0335?

A lot of Silverado owners waste time and money on this code because of a few avoidable errors:

Replacing the sensor without testing it first the sensor might be fine, and a $15 wiring repair could solve the problem
Buying the cheapest sensor available budget sensors from unknown brands have a high failure rate. AC Delco (OEM) or Delphi sensors are worth the extra $15–$30
Not clearing the code after the repair the check engine light won't turn off until you clear it with a scanner, even if the fix worked
Ignoring connector corrosion if the connector pins are green or white with corrosion, a new sensor plugged into a bad connector will still fail
Overlooking the camshaft position sensor CKP and CMP sensors work together, and sometimes a cam sensor problem triggers a crank sensor code

If your Silverado stalls after setting this code, our guide on diagnosing engine stalls linked to P0335 walks through what to check when the engine dies while driving.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix P0335 on a Silverado?

Costs depend on what's actually wrong:

Crankshaft position sensor replacement (DIY): $20–$60 for the part, 30–60 minutes of work
Crankshaft position sensor replacement (shop): $150–$350 including labor
Wiring repair: $10–$50 for connectors and wire if you do it yourself
Reluctor wheel replacement: $100–$200 for the part, but labor is significant since it requires removing the transmission or oil pan depending on the engine
Timing chain replacement: $500–$1,200 at a shop, $150–$300 in parts if you tackle it yourself

Always start with the cheapest and easiest possibilities first. Test before you replace.

Can You Drive a Silverado with a P0335 Code?

Technically, some trucks will keep running with this code stored, especially if it's a pending code or an intermittent circuit issue. But it's risky. If the crankshaft position signal cuts out completely while you're driving, the engine will stall potentially in the middle of traffic, on a highway, or at a railroad crossing. You also risk damaging the catalytic converter from unburned fuel if misfires are happening.

If the truck is running rough, stalling, or hard to start, don't drive it until you fix the problem.

Practical Checklist for P0335 Troubleshooting

Read all stored and pending codes with an OBD-II scanner and write them down
Visually inspect the crankshaft position sensor, wiring harness, and connector for damage, oil contamination, or corrosion
Test sensor resistance with a multimeter and compare to factory specs for your engine
Check for voltage output while cranking the engine
Inspect and clean the connector pins if corrosion is present
Replace the sensor with an AC Delco or Delphi unit if testing confirms failure
Clear the code and drive the truck through at least two warm-up cycles to confirm the fix
If the code returns, check the reluctor wheel and timing chain condition
If all mechanical components check out, have the ECM tested at a dealership or qualified shop

Quick tip: Before replacing anything, unplug the CKP sensor connector, inspect it for oil intrusion (a known issue on the 5.3L), clean it with electrical contact cleaner, apply a small amount of dielectric grease, and reconnect it. Clear the code and see if it comes back. This two-minute step has fixed P0335 on a surprising number of Silverados.

For more details on common causes specific to your Silverado's year and engine, see our full P0335 Silverado troubleshooting breakdown.