P0336 -What Does It Mean? (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon)

In this tutorial, I'll explain the meaning of trouble code P0336: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Circuit Problem.

I'm also going to explain how to troubleshoot and repair the cause of this trouble code. I've included the link to the tutorial you'll need to be able to test the crankshaft position sensor with a multimeter.

You can find this tutorial in Spanish here: Código P0336 ¿Qué Significa? (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon) (at: autotecnico-online.com).

APPLIES TO: This tutorial, on the P0336 OBD II trouble code, applies to the following vehicles:

Chevrolet:

• Silverado (1500, 2500):
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Silverado (2500):
  • 6.0L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Suburban (1500):
  • 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Suburban (2500):
  • 6.0L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Tahoe:
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

GMC:

• Sierra (1500, 2500):
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Sierra (2500):
  • 6.0L: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Yukon:
  • 4.8L, 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Yukon XL (1500):
  • 5.3L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
• Yukon XL (2500):
  • 6.0L: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

RELATED WIRING DIAGRAMS:

• CMP And CKP Sensor Circuit Diagram (1999-2006 V8 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon).

What Does Trouble Code P0336 Mean?

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor is designed to report the position and rotational speed of the crankshaft.

The CKP sensor does this by producing an ON/OFF voltage signal that is sent directly to the fuel injection computer.

If the fuel injection computer does not receive a CKP signal, either due to a malfunction of the CKP sensor or a problem with the CKP signal circuit wire, it'll set a trouble code P0336: Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Circuit Problem.

Common Symptoms Of A P0336 Trouble Code

A failure of the crankshaft position sensor that causes the fuel injection computer to set a trouble code P0336 will cause an engine no-start problem.

You may also see:

• Intermittent engine stall (engine runs fine most of the time but stalls every now and then).
• Intermittent engine no-start (engine starts and runs most of the time but does not start every now and then).

What Does The Crankshaft Position Sensor Do?

As previously mentioned, the crankshaft position sensor monitors and reports the position and rotation of the crankshaft to the fuel injection computer.

The crankshaft position sensor does this by monitoring the notches on a reluctor wheel that is attached to the rear of the crankshaft.

When these notches (on the reluctor wheel) pass under the crankshaft position sensor, it produces a pulsing ON/OFF voltage signal.

The fuel injection computer then uses the crankshaft position sensor signal info to:

• Calculate engine speed.
• Activate the ignition coils (to start producing spark).
• Detect misfires.
• Enable fuel injection.

What Causes A P0336 Trouble Code?

The most common cause of a trouble code P0336 is a bad crankshaft position sensor, but not always.

Other things that can cause a P0336 trouble code are:

• Damaged CKP sensor connector making a poor connection.
• Damaged crankshaft reluctor wheel.
• CKP sensor coming in contact with the reluctor wheel.
• Wiring harness problem causing tension on the CKP sensor connector.

How To Diagnose And Repair A P0336 Trouble Code

You can troubleshoot and repair a trouble code P0336 by testing the crankshaft position sensor to see if it's bad (or not).

I've written a tutorial on how to test the crankshaft position sensor and you can find it here:

• Crank Sensor Test -No Spark No Start Tests (GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L) (at: troubleshootmyvehicle.com).

Where To Buy The CKP Sensor And Save

The following links will help you comparison shop for the CKP sensor of known automotive brand names (AC-Delco, Delphi, Standard Motor Products):

NOTE: The AC-Delco brand is the original equipment part for the Chevrolet and GMC vehicles.

More Chevrolet Silverado (GMC Sierra) Tutorials

You can find a complete list of V8 Chevrolet Silverado (GMC Sierra) tutorials in this index:

• GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L Index Of Articles.

Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

• Resistance Specifications Of The TAC Electronic Throttle Body.
• How To Test The GM Accelerator Pedal Position (APP) Sensor 2.
• How To Test The MAF Sensor (GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 8.1L).
• Blown Head Gasket Test (GM 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L).