P0335 on 2014-2018 Ram 3500: Crank Sensor Causes, Fixes, and Part Numbers

What's Unique About the 2014-2018 Ram 3500

For the 2014-2018 Ram 3500, the fix for P0335 depends heavily on the engine. The 6.7L Cummins diesel and the 5.7L/6.4L Hemi gasoline engines have the crankshaft sensor in completely different locations. Furthermore, Ram has issued several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) where P0335 appears alongside other codes (like P2610, P0456), and the recommended fix is a PCM software update, not a new sensor. This suggests the code can sometimes be triggered by software glitches rather than a true hardware failure. On the 6.7L Cummins, the wiring harness is also a known failure point, with wires chafing on the engine block or the connector becoming brittle from heat cycles.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Engine cranks but will not start
• Engine stalls unexpectedly, sometimes when coming to a stop or while cruising
• Hard starting, especially when the engine is hot (heat-soak failure)
• Tachometer needle drops to zero while driving
• Rough or unstable idle
• Engine misfires or backfires
• Noticeable loss of power and acceleration

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor 🔴 High Probability Sensors are exposed to extreme heat and vibration, leading to eventual electronic failure. A common failure mode is heat-soak, where the sensor works when cold but fails when the engine warms up, causing a no-start condition after a short stop. It is considered a 'wear and tear' item, and forum users strongly recommend using OEM Mopar parts to avoid premature failure of aftermarket alternatives.
   How to confirm: After confirming wiring is intact and has power/ground, replacing the sensor is the most direct confirmation. A no-start or stalling condition with a P0335 code, especially when the engine is hot, strongly points to the sensor. Using a scan tool to monitor RPMs while cranking will show 0 or an erratic signal.
   Typical fix: Replace the crankshaft position sensor. A crankshaft position relearn procedure with a capable scan tool may be required after replacement.
   Est. part cost: $50-$180
2. Wiring Harness or Connector Damage 🟡 Medium Probability On the 6.7L Cummins, the harness is known to rub against the engine block, chafing the insulation and causing a short. On all engines, proximity to exhaust components can make the wiring and connector brittle, leading to loose connections or broken wires. Rodent damage is also a common cause.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness from the sensor to the PCM for any signs of melting, chafing, breaks, or corrosion in the connector. Pay close attention to where the harness may contact the engine block or other components. Test for continuity, 5V reference voltage, and ground at the connector with a multimeter.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the harness or replace the connector pigtail. For the 6.7L Cummins, aftermarket pigtail kits like the Fleece FPE-HAR-CUMM-CC-EXT are available.
   Est. part cost: $15-$75
3. PCM Software Glitch ⚪ Low Probability Manufacturer TSBs #1810822REVA, #18-062-16, and others indicate that P0335 can be set along with other seemingly unrelated codes like P2610 (PCM Internal Engine Off Timer) or P0456 (EVAP Leak). This indicates a software logic issue rather than a hardware fault.
   How to confirm: This is typically diagnosed by a dealer after ruling out sensor and wiring issues. If your truck also has codes P2610, P0456, or P2299, a TSB likely applies.
   Typical fix: Update the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) software at a dealership.
   Est. part cost: $0 (if under warranty) - $200

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged Reluctor Ring: The reluctor ring (or tone wheel) on the crankshaft has teeth that the sensor reads. If this ring is bent, cracked, or has broken teeth, it will send an erratic signal. This is a major repair requiring significant engine disassembly and is much less common than sensor or wiring failure.
• Failed Powertrain Control Module (PCM): It is possible for the PCM itself to fail, but this is extremely rare. In one forum instance, a user had the PCM replaced by a dealer only for the problem to persist, with the actual cause later suspected to be a wiring issue. All other possibilities should be exhausted before considering PCM replacement.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Scan for Codes: Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0335 is present. Note all other codes, as they can point towards a software issue (e.g., P2610, P0456).
2. Check Live Data: While cranking the engine, monitor the RPM signal on your scanner. If it reads 0 or is erratic, the PCM is not getting a valid signal from the CKP circuit.
3. Visual Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the crankshaft position sensor and its wiring harness. On the 6.7L Cummins, pay special attention to the harness for chafing against the driver's side of the engine block. Look for obvious damage like frayed wires, melting, or a loose/corroded connector on both engine types.
4. Check for Power: Disconnect the sensor and turn the ignition to 'ON'. Use a multimeter to check for reference voltage (usually 5V) and a good ground at the connector pins. A loss of the 5V reference is a common wiring failure.
5. Replace the Sensor: If the wiring appears intact and has power/ground, the sensor itself is the most likely culprit, especially if symptoms worsen as the engine heats up. Using an OEM Mopar part is highly recommended.
6. Locate the Sensor: For 6.7L Cummins, it's on the driver's side of the engine block, accessible from underneath, and typically held by a 5mm Allen bolt. For 5.7L/6.4L Hemi, it's on the passenger side of the block, near the rear by the transmission bell housing, held by a 10mm bolt.
7. Clear Codes and Test: After replacement, clear the codes and start the engine. A test drive is necessary. Some vehicles may require a 'crankshaft position variation relearn' procedure using a high-end scan tool to prevent future issues.
8. Advanced Diagnostics: If the problem persists, the issue may be the reluctor ring or the PCM itself, which may require professional diagnosis with an oscilloscope.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Crankshaft Position Sensor (6.7L Cummins) (OEM #68526830AA (or superseding 68526830AB)) — This sensor is the most common failure point. On the 6.7L Cummins, the same part is used for both the cam and crank position sensors.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, Cummins (P/N: 2872277 or 5594275NX), Bosch, NTK
  OEM price range: $120-$180
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$100
• Crankshaft Position Sensor (5.7L/6.4L Hemi) (OEM #5033307AE) — This sensor is the most common failure point for the P0335 code on Hemi engines due to heat and vibration.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NTK, Delphi, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $90-$140
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80
• Crankshaft Sensor Connector Pigtail (6.7L Cummins) — The connector on the 6.7L Cummins is known to become brittle and fail, or the wiring can chafe. A pigtail allows for replacement of just the failed connector end.
  Trusted brands: Fleece Performance (FPE-HAR-CUMM-CC-EXT), Dorman, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: N/A
  Aftermarket price range: $20-$50

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0339 — This code for 'Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent' is often seen with P0335 and strongly suggests a wiring harness or connector issue, or a sensor that is in the process of failing. TSB #18-090-16 REV. A lists them together.
• P2610 — As cited in TSBs #1810822REVA and #18-062-16, this code for 'PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance' often appears with P0335, suggesting a potential PCM software issue that requires a reflash.
• P0456 — TSBs #1810822REVA and #18-062-16 also list this 'EVAP System Small Leak' code alongside P0335, pointing to a PCM software update as a potential fix for the group of codes.
• P0300 — This code for 'Multiple Cylinder Misfire' is a direct result of the faulty crankshaft signal, as the PCM cannot properly time spark and fuel, leading to misfires. This is mentioned in TSB #18-096-16.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• Bulletin #1810822REVA: Links P0335 with P2610 and P0456, often addressed by a PCM software update.
• Bulletin #18-096-16: Connects P0335 with P0300 (Multiple Cylinder Misfire) under certain driving conditions.
• Bulletin #18-062-16: Associates P0335 with P0456, P2610, and P0300, pointing towards a group of codes that may be resolved with a PCM update.
• Bulletin #18-090-16 REV. A: Links P0335 with P0339 (intermittent signal), suggesting a wiring or failing sensor issue, on vehicles with the 6.4L Hemi.
• Bulletin #68079375A: An older bulletin asking technicians to contact FCA engineering before replacing the sensor for a P0335 code, indicating an ongoing investigation into the root cause.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• On 6.7L Cummins engines, the sensor is located on the driver's side of the block and can be accessed fr

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Crankshaft Position Sensor 5-Volt Supply Circuit Voltage — expected: 4.75 - 5.25 Volts (Key On, Engine Off). Failure: Voltage outside this range indicates a fault in the supply wire from the PCM or a short circuit.
• Sensor Ground Circuit Resistance to PCM — expected: Below 5.0 Ohms. Failure: Resistance above 5.0 Ohms indicates an open or high resistance in the ground circuit wire.
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Resistance (Cold) — expected: 985 to 1,600 Ω (approx. -10 to 50°C / 14 to 122°F). Failure: Resistance outside this range suggests a faulty sensor.
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Resistance (Hot) — expected: 1,265 to 1,890 Ω (approx. 50 to 100°C / 122 to 212°F). Failure: A significant change in resistance when hot can indicate heat-soak failure.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or capable aftermarket scan tool: Crankshaft Position Relearn / Cam/Crank Relearn — This procedure may be required after replacing the crankshaft position sensor or timing components. It calibrates the PCM to the precise position of the new sensor and the existing reluctor ring to prevent rough running or a return of the code. However, for a simple sensor swap, many find it is not necessary.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• CKP Sensor Connector (6.7L Cummins) — On the driver's side of the engine block, just behind the starter motor.. This is the primary connection point for testing. It is prone to heat damage and oil contamination, and the harness is known to chafe against the block in this area.
• CKP Sensor Connector (5.7L/6.4L Hemi) — On the passenger side of the engine block, near the rear by the transmission bell housing, above the transmission cooler lines.. This is the primary connection point for testing on Hemi engines. Its location makes it susceptible to heat from the exhaust and transmission.
• F855 (5-Volt Supply Circuit) — Wire running from the PCM (Connector C2) to the CKP sensor connector.. This wire provides the 5V reference voltage needed for the Hall-effect sensor to operate. A loss of voltage on this wire will cause an immediate P0335 code.
• K900 (Sensor Ground Circuit) — Wire running from the CKP sensor connector back to the PCM (Connector C2).. This wire provides the ground reference for the sensor. High resistance or an open in this circuit will prevent the sensor from sending a valid signal.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• DodgeForum.com user (2004 Ram Hemi (similar platform and issue)) — Extended crank time (5 seconds), tachometer would not read until the engine started, limited to 4,000 RPM, no overdrive. The issue would sometimes resolve after a restart when warm, but eventually became permanent.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replaced Crank and Cam sensors, Replaced PCM (programmed to VIN), Replaced Integrated Power Module (fuse block), Replaced Body Control Module, Replaced transmission valve body and solenoids
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user discovered that the 5V reference circuit is shared among multiple sensors. A short in another sensor (like the MAP sensor) can affect the crank sensor's signal. The final resolution was not posted, but the diagnosis pointed toward a complex wiring issue where the crank signal wire was shorting to another circuit, a problem that was not solved by replacing individual components.
• YouTube video (2014 Dodge Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi) — Code P0335, engine would crank but not start.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The crankshaft position sensor had failed and came out in pieces. Replacing the sensor and clearing the codes resolved the no-start condition.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5093101AA, 5179099AA, 5179099AB → 68526830AA, which was then superseded by 68526830AB — Standard part updates for improved reliability or manufacturing changes.
  Heads up: These parts are for the 6.7L Cummins engine. While they are generally interchangeable, it is always best to use the latest revision (68526830AB) for optimal performance.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2014-2018: A new 6.4L Hemi V8 engine became an option starting in 2014, joining the existing 5.7L Hemi and 6.7L Cummins. The P0335 diagnosis for the 6.4L is identical to the 5.7L, as the sensor location and function are the same, but different from the Cummins diesel.
• 2018: For the 2018 model year, the high-output 6.7L Cummins received a torque increase to 930 lb-ft. This did not change the P0335 diagnostic procedure but is a notable powertrain update for that year.