The crankshaft position sensor in your Scion xB is responsible for providing the real time position of your crankshaft and engine speed to your Scion ECU. When your crankshaft position sensor begins to fail, you might see that familiar check engine light on your Scion xB dashboard. If you use a scan tool to read the trouble code, and it returns as the OBDII trouble code P0335 you can use our guide to test your crankshaft sensor and replace it if needed.
What does the OBDII check engine trouble code P0335 mean?
This trouble code is triggered when your Scion ECU fails to receive a crankshaft position sensor signal within the first few seconds of cranking your engine. It’s also known as the CKP and it’s responsible for reading the speed of your crankshaft. Your Scion uses this information to deliver the right amount of fuel and orchestrate the ignition events to properly operate your engine.
What can cause a P0335 trouble code?
There can be several different reasons for this OBDII P0335 trouble code in your Scion. Some of these issues can be minor or easily taken care of. Here’s a short list of problems that can be easily corrected, and can be quickly checked.
- Weak battery – Lack of cranking power can trick your Scion ECU into thinking that there’s an error or problem with your crank position sensor
- Faulty starter – When your starter doesn’t properly engage your flywheel or flex plate, and fails to start your engine this can also trigger your trouble code
If you’ve already checked these in your Scion xB and your P0335 trouble code is still there, you need to test the crankshaft sensor. This trouble code can also create a dangerous driving condition, because if your ECU fails to receive a crankshaft sensor signal, the engine will shut off at speed. This will leave your xB without power steering or brake assist, you could be seriously injured in a crash.
To test your Scion xB crankshaft position sensor, you will need to use a multimeter to test the resistance of the sensor itself. This sensor is located near the crankshaft pulley, and reads the teeth on your crank plate to determine engine speed.
How can I test my Scion xB crankshaft position sensor?
This is a two pin sensor and you’ll be reading the resistance of the sensor using your multimeter. Not sure how to use a multimeter or don’t know what one is? Check our how to guide here.
There are two different styles of connector and crankshaft position sensor, but there’s just two pins so you are okay there. There are two different conditions in which you can test this sensor, and in typical Scion / Toyota fashion it’s cold and hot.
- Resistance value when cold – 985 to 1,600 Ω
- Resistance value when hot – 1,265 to 1,890 Ω
If your crankshaft sensor fails to report a resistance value during either of these conditions, the sensor must be replaced.
What if my P0335 trouble code doesn’t go away after I replace the sensor?
There may be a short or damage to the wiring between your crankshaft position sensor and your Scion ECU. Inspect the wiring loom and look for any breaks in the wiring or exposed wires that are corroded or possible damaged.
The next step is to test continuity between the sensor connector and your ECU harness at the ECU terminal. Your ECU is located behind the glovebox in your cabin.
Your Scion xB crank trigger plate could also be bent or damaged, which can be extremely difficult to replace or service. Because it’s behind the crankshaft pulley as well as the timing assembly, you will need to remove the entire front half of your engine to access this plate.
Once you’ve replaced or serviced your Scion crank position sensor, use your scan tool to clear your trouble code. Have any questions about our how to guide? Leave them for us below and let us know!