Engine code
P0336: Crankshaft position sensor out of range
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $40 | $130 |
| Labor: 0.7 to 1.4 hours × $125 to $175 an hour | $88 | $245 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $20 |
| Total, rounded | $120 | $400 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Boston, $31.54 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
This is the range for the most common fix, crankshaft position sensor replacement. Which repair your car needs depends on a proper diagnosis.
The crankshaft position sensor tells the computer engine speed and the exact position of the pistons. This code means the signal is out of range or does not look right compared with other sensors. A worn sensor, a damaged tone wheel or a loose sensor can all cause it.
- Safe to drive?
- No, get it looked at first
- Most common cause
- Failed crank sensor
Stalling or no-start is possible. Avoid driving until fixed.
What you may notice
- Hard starting
- Stalling
- Misfire or rough running
- Check-engine light on
Common causes, most likely first
- Failed crank sensor
- Damaged reluctor wheel
- Wiring fault
- Loose sensor
Check this first
Check the sensor connector for oil or looseness, and make sure the sensor is bolted down tight. A sensor that sits a bit loose can read out of range and then work again after a wiggle.
Other repairs that sometimes fix P0336
| Repair | Typical range, Boston |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic scan (check engine light) | $60 to $290 |
| Timing chain replacement | $1,250 to $2,850 |
Before you pay
- Ask the shop what test showed this part is the cause, not just that the code appeared.
- Ask for parts and labor listed separately, and for the hours.
- Ask for a written OK before any extra work. Massachusetts rules require written authorization before repairs.
Got a quote already? Check it against the range. Want to see if your car has a recall tied to this problem? Check recalls by VIN.
Need to read a code yourself? OBD-II scanners on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure).
P0336 questions
Will it strand me?
Yes, it can. The engine may stall or fail to restart because the computer loses track of the pistons. Avoid long trips and highways until it is fixed.
Cost?
The sensor itself is usually cheap, but labor varies a lot. Some sit at the front of the engine where they are easy to reach, and others are behind the transmission and take hours to get at.
Cam sensor?
The cam sensor is a different sensor, and its codes have different numbers. They work together, so a shop compares both signals to see which one is out of line.
How much does it cost to fix P0336?
The most common fix, crankshaft position sensor replacement, has a typical range of $120 to $400 in Boston. It is an estimate built from parts prices and local labor wages, not a quote. Your car and shop change it.
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Code meaning written in our own words. Some codes mean different things on different makes, so check your scan tool or manual. Not a repair shop, estimates only.