P0335 on 2002-2006 Toyota Camry 2.4L: Crankshaft Sensor Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2002-2006 Toyota Camry

While a failed sensor is common, the 2AZ-FE engine in this specific 2002-2006 Camry generation has a notable issue documented in a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB T-SB-0192-12). This TSB points to a faulty intake camshaft timing gear assembly as a potential cause for an intermittent P0335, especially when the engine is warm (coolant temp ~185°F/85°C or more) and at idle (under 1000 RPM). This makes diagnosis more critical, as replacing the crank sensor alone may not fix the issue if the cam gear is the true culprit.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Engine will not start
• Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving or at idle
• Rough or unstable idle
• Hesitation or reduced acceleration
• Check Engine Light is on
• Prolonged cranking before the engine starts

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor Sensors are electronic components that can fail over time due to heat cycles and vibration. The sensor is located on the lower part of the engine and can be exposed to oil and debris.
   How to confirm: After checking wiring, test the sensor's resistance with a multimeter. For the 2AZ-FE, the specification is 985 to 1,600 Ω when cold, and 1,265 to 1,890 Ω when hot. An open or shorted sensor is definitively bad. A more advanced test uses an oscilloscope to observe the square wave output signal while cranking the engine.
   Typical fix: Replace the crankshaft position sensor and its O-ring. It is located on the front of the engine block (passenger side), near the crankshaft pulley, and is accessible after removing the passenger-side front wheel and splash shield. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide to replacing the crankshaft position sensor.
   Est. part cost: $40-$180
2. Damaged Wiring or Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The sensor's wiring is routed near hot and moving parts. Oil leaks from the timing cover can also degrade the wiring insulation over time, leading to shorts or open circuits. Rodent damage to Toyota wiring harnesses is also a known issue.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness from the sensor to the ECM for any signs of cracking, melting, abrasion, or oil saturation. Check the connector for corrosion, moisture, or loose pins. Wiggle the harness with the engine running (if possible) to see if it induces a stall.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of wire or replace the connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30
3. Faulty Intake Camshaft Timing Gear Assembly ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft A known issue for the 2AZ-FE engine, documented in TSB T-SB-0192-12, can cause an intermittent P0335. This typically occurs when the engine is at operating temperature and near idle speed. The failure is internal to the VVT gear.
   How to confirm: This is difficult to confirm without ruling out other causes. A professional diagnosis using Toyota's Techstream software to review freeze frame data is often required. The TSB specifies checking if the code was set when coolant temp was >185°F and RPM was <1000. This is often a diagnosis of exclusion after the sensor and wiring are confirmed good.
   Typical fix: Replace the intake camshaft timing gear assembly with the updated part (P/N 13050-28021). This is a complex repair that involves removing the valve cover and timing components. 🎬 See how to replace the VVT gear without removing the front cover.
   Est. part cost: $200-$400
4. Weak or Dead Battery ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Vehicle Battery Toyota issued a Technical Tip (T-TT-0010-10 Rev) stating that low battery voltage (dropping below 11V during cranking) can cause inconsistent engine rotation, leading the ECM to set a false P0335 code, sometimes along with P0340 (camshaft sensor).
   How to confirm: Test the battery with a multimeter. A healthy battery should read ~12.6V with the engine off. Check for a significant voltage drop during cranking. A reading below 12.2V at rest or below 11V during cranking indicates a problem.
   Typical fix: Charge or replace the vehicle's battery.
   Est. part cost: $100-$250

Rare But Worth Checking

• Damaged Reluctor Ring: The toothed wheel on the crankshaft that the sensor reads can become damaged, have debris on it, or be installed incorrectly after a timing component service, causing an erratic signal. This is rare but possible, especially if other engine work has been performed recently.
• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): → Shop Engine Control Module (ECM) This is the least likely cause. The ECM should only be suspected after all other possibilities, including the sensor, wiring, and mechanical components, have been thoroughly ruled out. Poor connections at the ECM pins can also mimic a faulty module.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Retrieve the P0335 code and any other stored codes with an OBD-II scanner. Check freeze frame data to see the engine conditions (RPM, coolant temp) when the code was set.
2. Check the battery voltage. Ensure it is above 12.4V at rest and does not drop below 11V during cranking. A weak battery is a known cause of false codes on this platform.
3. Visually inspect the crankshaft position sensor and its wiring harness for any obvious damage, such as frayed wires, loose connections, or oil contamination.
4. The sensor is located on the passenger side of the engine block, near the crankshaft pulley. Access is gained by removing the passenger-side front wheel and splash shield.
5. If the wiring appears intact, test the sensor. Disconnect it and measure its internal resistance with a multimeter. It should be between 985-1,600 Ω (cold). If the resistance is out of spec, the sensor is bad.
6. For a more definitive test, use an oscilloscope to check for a proper square waveform signal at the ECM connector while cranking the engine. Gaps or a flat line indicate a problem in the sensor or circuit.
7. If the sensor and wiring test good, investigate the possibility of the faulty intake camshaft gear issue (TSB T-SB-0192-12), especially if the freeze frame data shows the code was set intermittently at a warm idle (<1000 RPM).
8. As a final step, if all other components are confirmed to be working, the ECM may be at fault, but this is extremely rare.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Crankshaft Position Sensor (OEM #90919-05043) — This is the most common failure point for a P0335 code. The sensor is an electronic component that wears out over time. Using a non-OEM sensor can sometimes cause the code to return.
  Trusted brands: Denso (OEM), NTK, Hitachi
  OEM price range: $90-$180
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$90

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Malfunction): Can appear with P0335 if a weak battery is causing erratic cranking speed, as noted in TSB T-TT-0010-10 Rev.
🎬 Watch: Diagnosing simultaneous P0340 and P0335 codes on a Camry.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• T-SB-0192-12: Addresses an intermittent P0335 on 2AZ-FE engines caused by an issue with the intake camshaft gear assembly. The TSB provides specific diagnostic criteria (warm engine, low RPM) to confirm.
• T-TT-0010-10 Rev: Notes that low battery voltage can contribute to a MIL "ON" for P0335 due to inconsistent engine rotational speed.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• TSB T-SB-0192-12: Documents an issue where a faulty intake camshaft timing gear assembly can cause an intermittent P0335 code on 2AZ-FE engines, typically at warm idle.
• TSB T-TT-0010-10 Rev: Notes that low battery voltage during cranking (below 11V) can cause a false P0335 code due to inconsistent engine rotational speed.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Crankshaft Position Sensor Resistance (Cold) — expected: 985 to 1,600 Ω. Failure: A reading of 0 Ω (short) or infinite/OL (open) indicates a failed sensor.
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Resistance (Hot) — expected: 1,265 to 1,890 Ω. Failure: Resistance outside this range when the sensor is at operating temperature (50°C to 100°C) indicates failure.
• Oscilloscope Waveform at ECM — expected: A consistent square wave pulse should be visible between terminals NE+ and NE- while the engine is cranking or idling.. Failure: Missing pulses, a flat line, or significant noise in the waveform points to a fault in the sensor or its circuit.
• Scan Tool Live Data (Engine Speed) — expected: Should display a steady RPM that matches the tachometer while cranking or running.. Failure: If the scan tool shows 0 RPM while the engine is physically cranking, it strongly suggests a complete loss of the crankshaft position sensor signal.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Toyota Techstream: Data List / Primary / ENGINE SPD — Use this to confirm if the ECM is receiving any RPM signal from the CKP sensor during cranking. If the engine is turning but the scan tool reads 0 RPM, it confirms a lack of signal to the ECM.
• Toyota Techstream: DTC INFO / CURRENT CODES & FREEZE FRAME DATA — Crucial for diagnosing the intermittent cam gear issue (TSB T-SB-0192-12). The freeze frame data will show the engine conditions (coolant temp, RPM) when the P0335 was set, helping to confirm if it matches the TSB criteria.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• CKP Sensor Connector (B22) — On the front of the engine block, passenger side, near the crankshaft pulley.. This is the primary connection point for the sensor. It's exposed to heat and oil, making it a common point for connection failure, corrosion, or wire damage.
• ECM Connector (E10) — Located in the engine bay, typically near the battery or firewall.. This is the termination point for the CKP sensor circuit. Continuity tests are performed between this connector and the sensor connector (B22) to find breaks in the wiring harness.
• CKP Signal Wires (NE+, NE-) — These two wires run in a shielded harness from the CKP sensor connector (B22) to the ECM connector (E10).. These are the specific wires that carry the crankshaft position signal. Oscilloscope tests are performed on these terminals at the ECM to verify signal integrity. A break or short in either wire will cause a P0335.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'CHECK ENGINE KSA' (Toyota Camry (XV30 generation implied)) — Intermittent check engine light with P0335, engine would stall when the wiring harness was wiggled.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis pointed towards a bad sensor.
  ✅ What actually fixed it A single wire was found to be cut internally, right at the sensor connector boot. Splicing in a new section of wire and soldering the connection resolved the P0335 code and stalling.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 13050-28020 → 13050-28021 — The original intake camshaft timing gear assembly was prone to an internal failure that could cause an intermittent P0335 code. The new part number is an improved design to address this issue as per TSB T-SB-0192-12.
  Heads up: Older part numbers like 13050-0H010 and 13050-0H030 are also superseded by 13050-28021. Using an old stock or used original part may lead to a recurrence of the problem.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2002-2006: While the engine is the 2AZ-FE throughout this range, there were minor revisions. Notably, post-2006 models had issues with oil consumption due to piston ring design changes, but the P0335 causes related to the sensor and cam gear are consistent across the 2002-2006 range. The TSB for the faulty cam gear specifically applies to this generation and later.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Stripped Cylinder Head Bolt Threads 🔴 High — Common on 2002-2006 models, especially if the engine has ever overheated. The aluminum block threads pull out, causing head gasket failure. (Ref: T-SB-0015-11 details the official repair procedure using thread inserts (Time-Sert).)
• Excessive Oil Consumption 🔴 High — More prevalent in the later (2007-2009) 2AZ-FE engines due to a piston ring design flaw, but can still affect earlier models as they age. Can lead to catalytic converter damage or complete engine failure if not monitored. (Ref: Toyota issued a warranty enhancement program (ZE7) for 2007-2011 models, but the 2002-2006 generation was not officially covered for this specific issue.)
• Sticking Starter Solenoid Contacts 🟡 Low — A very common issue across many Toyota models of this era, causing a single 'click' but no crank. It is often misdiagnosed as a failed starter motor.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For major mechanical components like a complete engine assembly, a low-mileage JDM used engine can be a cost-effective alternative to a rebuild, as they often have less wear. However, for the specific parts related to P0335, new is almost always better.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 80000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• For a used sensor, check for cracks, melting, or a swollen plastic housing.
• If considering a used VVT cam gear, avoid any that come from an engine known to have the P0335 issue or rattling noises.
• Check wiring harnesses for brittleness, exposed copper, or shoddy previous repairs.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• Crankshaft Position Sensor: Aftermarket sensors are notoriously unreliable for this application and can cause the code to return or introduce new driveability issues.
• Intake Camshaft Timing Gear Assembly: Given that the original part had a design flaw, only the new, updated OEM part (13050-28021) should be used to ensure a permanent fix.

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• Denso (This is the Original Equipment Manufacturer for Toyota, so it is the best choice)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Generic, unbranded sensors from online marketplaces are frequently cited in forums as being dead-on-arrival or failing within a short period.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0340 — Camshaft position sensor code — often appears with P0335 when low battery voltage (below 11V) causes inconsistent engine rotation during cranking.
• P0012 — Camshaft timing over-retarded — can appear alongside P0335 during engine stalls or when there are issues with the VVT system/oil levels.

Frequently Asked Questions