P0339: Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
The crankshaft position sensor A signal jumps or drops out intermittently — connector, sensor air gap, or damaged tone wheel. The PCM may detect a "false" stall or misfire spike when the signal drops.
What P0339 means
P0339 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the timing, cam & crank group. In plain English: the computer found an electrical fault in that circuit: an open, short or bad connection, or a failed component.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Not required
Get it fixed
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Common causes
- 01Intermittent connectorMost likely
- 02Tone wheel chipped or contaminatedPossible
- 03Connector with intermittent contact under vibrationLess likely
Can I drive with P0339?
Usually yes, for a short time.
The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
Why we rate it moderate
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P0339
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0339. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Check for related codes first
Look for P0389. Related codes often share a cause; a circuit or sensor code usually needs fixing before a performance code like this one.
- 3
Test the circuit
Inspect the wiring and connector at the crankshaft position sensor and flywheel for damage, corrosion or chafing. With a multimeter, check supply voltage, ground and signal against the specifications in the service manual for your vehicle.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Intermittent connector; tone wheel chipped or contaminated; connector with intermittent contact under vibration. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and drive the car under the conditions in the freeze-frame data to confirm it does not return.
P0339 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Needs a scan tool and some experience with testing.
Parts and systems involved
- Crankshaft position sensor
- Flywheel
P0339 FAQ
What does P0339 mean?
P0339 means “Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent”. The crankshaft position sensor A signal jumps or drops out intermittently — connector, sensor air gap, or damaged tone wheel. The PCM may detect a "false" stall or misfire spike when the signal drops.
Is P0339 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0339 as moderate severity. Usually yes, for a short time. The car will often drive normally, but get it diagnosed soon. Left alone it can raise fuel use and emissions and will fail an OBD inspection. If you notice rough running, warning lights flashing, overheating or a burning smell, stop driving.
What causes P0339?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Intermittent connector; Tone wheel chipped or contaminated; Connector with intermittent contact under vibration. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0339?
Typical labor is about $65–$315 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P0339 myself?
DIY difficulty is moderate. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0339 clear itself?
If the fault was intermittent, the warning may go off once the computer stops seeing it, but the code stays in memory. Fix the cause; clearing the code alone doesn’t repair anything.