P0335 on 2015-2018 Ram PROMASTER CITY: Crank Sensor Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2015-2018 Ram PROMASTER CITY

For the 2015-2018 ProMaster City, this code is not always a straightforward sensor failure. Ram has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) indicating that P0335 can be set erroneously due to software issues in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). These TSBs often bundle P0335 with other seemingly unrelated codes, pointing to a required software update as the primary solution. A particularly telling TSB, #68079375A from 2015, explicitly asked technicians to contact FCA Engineering before replacing the sensor for a P0335 code, showing the manufacturer was actively investigating false positives. Therefore, checking for and performing a PCM reflash should be a primary step before replacing parts.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Engine cranks but will not start
• Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving
• Hard starting, especially when the engine is warm
• Rough or erratic idle
• Engine hesitation or stumbling on acceleration
• Illuminated Check Engine Light
• Tachometer may behave erratically or drop to zero

Most Likely Causes

1. PCM Software Update Required 🔴 High Probability Multiple manufacturer TSBs (#18-063-17 REV. A, #18-008-16 REV. B, etc.) specifically list P0335 as a code that can be resolved with a PCM software update designed to improve diagnostic logic and prevent false codes. TSB #68079375A from 2015 also shows FCA was investigating this exact issue early in the vehicle's life.
   How to confirm: Contact a Ram dealership or a qualified repair shop with the vehicle's VIN to determine if any open TSBs related to PCM software apply.
   Typical fix: A technician will use a proprietary scan tool (like a wiTECH) to reflash the PCM with the latest software from the manufacturer.
   Est. part cost: $0
2. Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor 🔴 High Probability Like any electronic component exposed to heat and vibration at the back of the engine, the sensor can fail over time. Its location near the hot exhaust manifold increases the likelihood of heat-related failure.
   How to confirm: After confirming the PCM software is up-to-date, test the sensor's signal with an oscilloscope or a capable scan tool while cranking. If the signal is absent or erratic, the sensor is faulty. A simple test is to see if the tachometer registers any RPM during cranking; if it stays at zero, the CKP circuit is a likely culprit.
   Typical fix: Replace the crankshaft position sensor. 🎬 See this video for the sensor's exact location and replacement. It is located on the rear of the engine block, near the transmission bellhousing and exhaust. The job requires working in a tight space, so the engine must be cool.
   Est. part cost: $25-$70
3. Wiring or Connector Issue 🟡 Medium Probability The sensor's wiring is located near the hot exhaust, making it susceptible to melting or heat damage. Vibration can also cause wires to chafe or the connector to become loose or brittle. On similar engines, the wiring harness sheath is known to crack and fall apart near the oil filter, exposing the wires.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness from the sensor to the PCM for any signs of melting, chafing, or corrosion. Check for a secure connection at the sensor and PCM. A multimeter can be used to check for continuity and shorts.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wiring or replace the pigtail connector. Use heat-resistant loom and secure the wiring away from the exhaust.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30

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 damaged, has broken teeth, or has excessive rust, it can cause an incorrect signal. This is rare but can happen, and inspection often requires significant disassembly, such as removing the transmission.
• Faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM): In very rare cases, the PCM itself can have an internal fault in the crankshaft sensor circuit. This should only be considered after all other possibilities, including software updates, have been exhaustively ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read all stored DTCs with an OBD-II scanner. Note if other codes like P030x, P0133, or P0456 are present, as this strongly points towards a potential software issue.
2. IMPORTANT FIRST STEP: Contact a Ram dealer or qualified shop with your VIN. Ask them to check for applicable TSBs, specifically #18-063-17, #18-008-16, #18-030-16, and the early-warning TSB #68079375A. If a PCM software update is available, have it performed. This may resolve the issue entirely.
3. If the software is up-to-date or the problem persists, perform a thorough visual inspection of the crankshaft position sensor's wiring harness and connector. Look for any signs of melting, chafing, or corrosion, especially near the exhaust manifold and where the harness passes the oil filter.
4. If the wiring appears intact, use a scan tool to monitor live data for an RPM signal while cranking the engine. No RPM signal (0 RPM) points directly to a problem in the crank sensor circuit (sensor, wiring, or PCM).
5. For definitive diagnosis, use an oscilloscope to back-probe the sensor's signal wire. A good sensor should produce a clean square wave signal that changes frequency with engine speed. An absent, weak, or erratic signal confirms a bad sensor or wiring issue.
6. If the signal is good at the sensor but not at the PCM, the wiring is at fault. If the signal is bad at the sensor, replace the sensor.
7. If the sensor and wiring test good, the next, much less common, step would be to inspect the reluctor ring for damage, which may require removing the transmission.
8. Only consider PCM failure as a last resort after all other components have been proven to be good.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Crankshaft Position Sensor (OEM #68206852AA) — This is the most common hardware failure for this code after software issues are ruled out. It provides the essential engine speed and position signal to the PCM. The original part number may have been superseded; always verify with a dealer using your VIN.
  Trusted brands: Mopar, NTK, Bosch, Standard Motor Products (SMP)
  OEM price range: $50-$75
  Aftermarket price range: $25-$50

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0300-P0304 — Cylinder Misfire codes are common because the PCM uses the crank sensor signal to detect misfires. TSB #18-008-16 specifically mentions misfire improvements when P0335 is present.
• P0133 — O2 Sensor 1/1 Slow Response. This code is frequently listed alongside P0335 in TSBs related to PCM software updates, indicating a broader software calibration issue.
• P0456 — EVAP System Small Leak. This is another code commonly grouped with P0335 in software-related TSBs for this vehicle.
• P2610 — PCM Internal Engine Off Timer Performance. Also frequently cited in the same TSBs, suggesting a broader software logic issue that a reflash addresses.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• 18-063-17 REV. A: Lists P0335 among several codes addressed by a PCM software update.
🎬 Watch a walkthrough on how to fix code P0335.
• 18-008-16 REV. B: Includes P0335 in a list of DTCs that may be set, addressed by a PCM update.
• 18-008-16 REV. A: Notes MIL illumination with P0335 as a possible DTC to be addressed by a software flash.
• 18-030-16: Again lists P0335 as one of several DTCs that can be set and are addressed by a PCM update.
• 18-008-16: Mentions cylinder misfire improvements when P0335 is present, linking the two issues.
• 68079375A (STAR Case S1508000191): A 2015 bulletin asking technicians to contact engineering before replacing the CKP sensor for a P0335, indicating an investigation into the root cause.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The most significant issue for the 2015-2018 ProMaster City is the high likelihood that code P0335 is triggered by a software glitch rather than a hardware failure. Multiple TSBs confirm that a PCM reflash is a common and necessary fix.
• An early TSB (#68079375A) from August 2015 shows that FCA Engineering was investigating this specific code on these vehicles and requested technicians to call them before replacing the sensor, strongly indicating a known issue with false codes.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Crankshaft Position Sensor Power Supply Voltage — expected: Approximately 5V with key on, engine off.. Failure: 0V indicates an open in the power supply wire from the PCM or a PCM fault. Voltage significantly lower than 5V suggests a wiring issue or faulty PCM.
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Ground Circuit — expected: Near 0V (good ground continuity).. Failure: Voltage reading above 0.1V indicates a poor ground connection, which can cause an erratic signal.
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Signal (Oscilloscope) — expected: A clean, digital square wave pattern that toggles between approximately 0V and 5V when the engine is cranked or running. The frequency of the wave should increase with engine RPM.. Failure: A flat line at 0V or 5V, a noisy or erratic pattern, or a wave that does not appear when cranking indicates a faulty sensor, wiring issue, or damaged reluctor ring.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• wiTECH or equivalent professional scanner (e.g., Autel): Crankshaft Position Sensor Relearn / CKP Relearn — After replacing the crankshaft position sensor. Some FCA vehicles require this procedure to synchronize the new sensor with the PCM to prevent rough running or future codes.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) — Located on the rear of the engine block, on the passenger side, behind the oil pan. It is typically held in place by a single 10mm bolt.. This is the primary component for code P0335. Its location near the exhaust makes its wiring susceptible to heat damage, a common cause of circuit failure.
• CKP Sensor Connector — Pigtail connected directly to the sensor.. The connector is a 3-wire design for a Hall-effect sensor, containing pins for Power (approx. 5V), Ground, and Signal. A poor connection, corrosion, or damaged locking tab can cause an intermittent or total loss of signal.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Electrical Car Repair LIVE' (2015 Dodge Dart with 2.4L Multiair engine (same engine family as ProMaster City)) — Engine cranks but does not start. Check Engine Light is on with code P0335.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The video directly proceeds to the fix, implying no other parts were tried first.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The crankshaft position sensor was replaced. After replacement, the diagnostic code was cleared with a scanner, and the engine started and ran normally.