How To Test The CKP Sensor -P0320, P0335, P0339 (2000-2009 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango)

This tutorial walks you through the exact steps to test the CKP sensor using just a basic multimeter —you won't need any expensive diagnostic equipment.

Trouble codes like P0320, P0335, and P0339 are all strong signs the PCM may be losing the crank signal it needs to fire the engine.

We'll take a close look at how the CKP sensor works, the symptoms of failure, and how to confirm (or rule out) the sensor as the source of your Dodge's engine issues.

And if you'd rather skip testing and just install a new sensor, I've also included links to quality replacements I personally recommend —so you're covered either way.

APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:

• 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.
• 4.7L V8 Dodge Durango: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009.

IGNITION SYSTEM TESTS:

• How To Test The Ignition Coils (2000-2007 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango).
• How To Test The CMP Sensor -P0340 (2000-2007 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango).

ENGINE NO-START DIAGNOSTICS:

• How To Test An Engine No-Start (2002-2009 4.7L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup).

Symptoms Of A Failing Or Dead CKP Sensor

Your 2000-2009 4.7L Dodge Dakota or Durango depends on input from both the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor and the camshaft position (CMP) sensor to manage fuel injection, ignition timing, and spark delivery.

If either sensor sends the wrong signal —or no signal at all— the PCM won't know when to fire the spark plugs or inject fuel properly.

When the CKP sensor begins to fail or dies completely, the engine may crank endlessly without starting —or it might run with all kinds of strange behavior before finally quitting for good.

Here are the most common symptoms that point to a bad crank sensor:

• Cranks but won't start: The engine turns over, but never catches or fires up.
• Hard starts: Long crank times before it finally starts —often worse when the engine is warm.
• Sudden stalling: The engine shuts off without warning, especially at idle or while driving.
• Rough idle or loss of power: These issues are common when the sensor is on its way out but hasn't fully failed yet.
• Check Engine Light ON: Trouble codes related to crank sensor problems, such as:
  • P0320: No Crank Signal Detected At The PCM.
  • P0335: CKP Sensor Circuit Malfunction.
  • P0339: CKP Sensor Signal Intermittent.

How The CKP Sensor Works

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor on your 2000–2009 4.7L Dodge Dakota or Durango is a 3-wire Hall-effect sensor. It gets both power (5 Volts) and Ground directly from the PCM —there are no fuses or relays in between.

Its job? To report the crankshaft's exact position and speed in real time so the PCM can control fuel injection and ignition timing with precision.

Here's what happens as the engine runs or cranks:

• A metal tonewheel attached to the crankshaft rotates past the tip of the sensor.
• Each passing notch on the tonewheel triggers the sensor to send a voltage pulse —switching between ON (5 Volts) and OFF (0 Volts).
• The PCM reads these pulses to determine crankshaft position and RPM, adjusting spark timing and fuel delivery on the fly.
• The crank sensor also works in sync with the camshaft position sensor (CMP) to keep spark firing order and fuel injection timing coordinated.

If the CKP signal is lost or becomes unstable, the PCM can't keep the engine running right —or running at all. That's when you'll usually see codes like P0320, P0335, or P0339 stored in memory.

Where to find it: On the 4.7L V8, the CKP sensor is located at the rear passenger side of the engine block, mounted in a machined hole near the crankshaft.

Should You Replace the CKP Sensor Without Testing It?

When trouble codes like P0320, P0335, or P0339 show up, a lot of folks skip the diagnostics and just replace the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor —and honestly, that often solves the problem.

It's easy to see why. The sensor isn't very expensive, and getting to it to run tests can be a bit of a hassle —it's tucked away near the back of the engine block, which makes it a challenge to reach with a multimeter or scope.

Given how common CKP sensor failures are on these 4.7L engines, replacing it first is a reasonable move —especially if you're short on time and just want to get the truck running again.

If you're leaning that way, here are two solid sensor options I trust —they fit right, last long, and come from brands I personally recommend:

• Walker Products 235-1136 CKP Sensor (Amazon affiliate link).
• Standard Motor Products PC284 CKP Sensor (Amazon affiliate link).

Buying through these links helps support the site —and it doesn't cost you anything extra. I really appreciate it!

But if you'd rather be sure the sensor is actually bad before spending the money, no problem —the rest of this guide will walk you through every step to test it properly using just a multimeter.

Where To Buy The CKP Sensor And Save

The following links will help you comparison shop for the crankshaft position sensor:

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through these links helps support this site at no extra cost to you. I truly appreciate it!

TEST 1: Checking The CKP Signal With A Multimeter

The first step in diagnosing a possible crankshaft position sensor issue is checking whether the CKP sensor is actually producing a signal. You'll do this test by turning the engine by hand —not using the starter motor.

This simple test can confirm right away whether the no-start condition or drivability issues you're chasing (along with codes like P0320, P0335, or P0339) are being caused by a dead or faulty CKP sensor.

What a good signal looks like on your multimeter (as you crank the engine manually):

• ON pulse: Multimeter jumps up to about 5 Volts.
• OFF pulse: Voltage drops near 0 Volts.

We'll need to tap into the CKP sensor signal wire. Here are the CKP signal wire colors by model year:

Dakota:

• 2000–2002: Gray with black stripe (GRY/BLK).
• 2003–2004: Dark blue with white stripe (DK BLU/WHT).
• 2005–2009: Brown with light blue stripe (BRN/LT BLU).

Durango:

• 2000–2002: Gray with black stripe (GRY/BLK).
• 2003: Tan with yellow stripe (TAN/YEL).
• 2004-2009: Violet with dark green stripe (VIO/DK GRN).

Don't have a multimeter, or thinking about upgrading? Here's the one I personally use and recommend:

• Tekpower TP8268 AC/DC Auto/Manual Range Digital Multimeter (Amazon affiliate link).

IMPORTANT: During the test, the sensor must remain connected to its 3-wire connector! You'll need to either back-probe the connector or pierce the signal wire insulation to get a reading. Need a reliable probe tool? Here's one I recommend: Wire Piercing Probe.

NOTE: Do not use the starter motor to crank the engine —it spins too fast for a multimeter to catch the signal changes. Always rotate the crankshaft slowly and steadily by hand.

Alright, let's get hands-on with the test:

1. 1

   Unplug all 8 ignition coils to make sure the engine doesn't accidentally start while you're turning the crankshaft.

2. 2

   Set your multimeter to DC Volts mode.

3. 3

   Connect the black multimeter lead to the negative (-) battery terminal.

4. 4

   Back-probe or pierce the CKP sensor's signal wire (BRN/LT BLU on 2004–2009 models or GRY/BLK on 2002–2003).
   
   NOTE: If you had to disconnect the connector to access the wire, make sure to reconnect it before moving forward —the sensor won't produce a signal if unplugged.

5. 5

   Turn the key to the ON position (but don't crank the engine).

6. 6

   Use a ratchet and socket to slowly rotate the crankshaft pulley by hand.
   
   TIP: Turn it at least one full revolution so the tonewheel passes all of its slots by the sensor.

7. 7

   Watch the multimeter as you rotate the engine —you should see the voltage toggle:
   
   ON: Around 5 Volts
   
   OFF: Drops near 0 Volts
   
   On models with a 3-connector PCM, expect about 16 ON/OFF pulses per full revolution. On models with a 4-connector PCM, you'll likely see 32 pulses.

Let's interpret that multimeter reading:

CASE 1: You see a clean ON/OFF voltage pattern. That confirms the CKP sensor is working correctly and producing the signal the PCM needs.

If you're dealing with a P0320, P0335, or P0339, the root cause probably lies elsewhere (possibly wiring or an intermittent issue).

If no CKP sensor codes are present, then these step-by-step guides are a great next move —they walk you through related systems that often cause the same symptoms.

• How To Test The CMP Sensor -P0340 (2000-2007 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango).
• How To Diagnose A No Start (2000-2009 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango).

CASE 2: No signal detected —voltage stays flat. Double-check your test setup and repeat the test.

Still no change? Then your next move is to confirm the sensor is receiving 5 Volt power from the PCM. Go to: TEST 2: Verifying the CKP Sensor's 5 Volt Power Supply.

TEST 2: Verifying the CKP Sensor's 5 Volt Power Supply

If the last test didn't show any ON/OFF signal from the crankshaft position sensor (CKP), your next move is to check if the PCM is actually sending the required 5 Volts to power the sensor.

This 5V supply is essential —without it, the CKP sensor can't do its job, and that's usually when codes like P0320, P0335, or P0339 start showing up along with no-start problems.

The 5 Volt reference is delivered through terminal 1 of the CKP sensor connector. The wire color varies by model year:

Dakota:

• 2000–2004: Orange (ORG).
• 2004–2009: Pink with yellow stripe (PNK/YEL).

Durango:

• 2000: Violet with white stripe (VIO/WHT).
• 2001–2003: Orange (ORG).
• 2004–2009: Pink with yellow stripe (PNK/YEL).

Here's the walk through on how to check it:

1. 1

   Unplug the CKP sensor connector from the sensor.

2. 2

   Set your multimeter to DC Volts mode.

3. 3

   Attach your black multimeter lead to the battery's negative (-) post.

4. 4

   Turn the ignition key to ON (engine not cranking).

5. 5

   Probe terminal 1 of the connector with your red multimeter lead.
   
   TIP: Make sure this terminal corresponds to the PNK/YEL (or ORG) wire before continuing.

6. 6

   You should see a voltage reading between 4.5 and 5.0 Volts.

Let's figure out what it all means:

CASE 1: You see 4.5 to 5 Volts. That's the correct reading —it means the PCM is delivering power, and the CKP sensor is getting what it needs to function. Next step? Go to TEST 3: Making Sure the CKP Sensor Is Getting Ground.

CASE 2: You see 0 Volts. First, double-check your connections and try again. If you still see 0V, you've likely got a break or open-circuit in the PNK/YEL or ORG wire between the PCM and the sensor.

Without this power supply, the CKP sensor will stay dead and continue to trigger P0320, P0335, or P0339 —and your engine won't start until the wiring issue is resolved.

TEST 3: Making Sure The CKP Sensor Is Getting Ground

At this point, you've already completed two critical tests:

• TEST 1: No ON/OFF voltage signal from the crankshaft position sensor.
• TEST 2: The PCM is sending the required 5 Volts to power the CKP sensor.

The final step is to verify that the CKP sensor is receiving a solid Ground connection. Without Ground, the sensor won't work —and you'll continue to see P0320, P0335, or P0339 trouble codes.

Ground comes from the PCM and enters the sensor through terminal 2. Here's how the wire is identified:

Dakota:

• 2000–2004: black with light blue stripe (BLK/LT BLU).
• 2005–2009: dark blue with dark green stripe (DK BLU/DK GRN).

Durango:

• 2000–2003: black with light blue stripe (BLK/LT BLU).
• 2004–2009: dark blue with dark green stripe (DK BLU/DK GRN).

WARNING: Never apply battery voltage to this wire —it will destroy the PCM. The test described below is safe, quick, and accurate using just a multimeter.

OK, let's get'er done:

1. 1

   Unplug the CKP sensor connector from the sensor.

2. 2

   Switch your multimeter to DC Volts mode.

3. 3

   Connect your red multimeter lead to the battery's positive (+) terminal.

4. 4

   Turn the key to the ON position (engine OFF).

5. 5

   Touch your black multimeter lead to terminal 2 of the CKP sensor connector.
   
   TIP: Make sure you're probing the correct wire: DK BLU/DK GRN or BLK/LT BLU, depending on year.

6. 6

   Look for a voltage reading of 10 to 12 Volts on your multimeter.

OK, this what your reading tells you:

CASE 1: 10 to 12 Volts confirmed. Excellent —you've confirmed the Ground circuit is intact and functional. With power and Ground verified, a missing signal (from TEST 1) means the CKP sensor is bad and should be replaced.

Installing a new sensor will usually get your engine running and clear the P0320, P0335, or P0339 codes.

If you're ready to swap it out, I've included links below to CKP sensors I trust —solid fit, reliable performance, and no knockoff junk:

• Walker Products 235-1136 CKP Sensor (Amazon affiliate link).
• Standard Motor Products PC284 CKP Sensor (Amazon affiliate link).

Buying through these links helps support the site, and it doesn't cost you anything extra. I truly appreciate it.

CASE 2: No voltage (0V). Double-check your meter connections and repeat the test.

If you still get 0 Volts, the Ground wire is likely damaged or broken somewhere between the PCM and the sensor —that issue must be repaired before the sensor can function.

More 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango Tutorials

If you're wrenching on your Dodge Dakota or Durango, the guide you just finished is just the tip of the iceberg.

Over the years, I've put together a growing library of step-by-step diagnostic tutorials, wiring diagrams, and real-world how-to's for the 4.7L V8 —the kind of stuff you won't find in a generic repair manual.

Whether you're chasing down a no-start, misfire, sensor issue, or just want to understand your truck better, the index is your go-to starting point:

• 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango Index Of Articles.

Here's a small sample of what's waiting for you there:

• How To Test The Throttle Position Sensor (2000-2007 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango).
• How Often Should I Replace The Spark Plugs? (2000-2009 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango).
• How To Test The Alternator (2001-2002 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango).
• How To Test The Fuel Pump (2000-2007 4.7L V8 Dodge Dakota And Durango).