P0338: Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit High
The crankshaft position sensor signal is above its normal range.
High risk
The engine can stall or fail to start. Avoid long trips until checked.
Short answer · Can I keep driving with P0338?
With care. The engine may stall or not restart. Avoid long trips and busy roads until it is checked.
What does P0338 mean?
Code P0338 means the crankshaft sensor signal is higher than a working sensor gives. A short to voltage, a poor ground or a failed sensor are common causes.
What the car does when the code is set
The check engine light may come on. The engine may stall, stutter or not start at all. Because the rev counter often uses this signal, it may drop to zero just before the engine stops.
How the system works
The crankshaft position sensor reads a toothed wheel on the crankshaft or flywheel. A gap of one or two missing teeth marks a reference position. From these pulses, the engine control unit calculates the engine speed and the exact position of the pistons, which it needs to fire the injectors and spark plugs at the right moment. It is also used for misfire detection. If the signal disappears, most engines cannot run, so a fault in this circuit can stop the engine without warning.
Common symptoms
Possible causes
Listed without ranking. The cause on your car depends on make, engine and mileage — see the maker notes below.
- Faulty crankshaft position sensorHeat cycles often make these sensors fail, sometimes only when hot.
- Wiring or connector faultChafed or oil-soaked wiring near the sensor.
- Damaged reluctor (trigger) wheelMissing or bent teeth give an irregular signal.
- Metal debris on the sensorMagnetic sensors pick up metal particles.
How it is diagnosed
- Check the connector and wiringLook for oil, corrosion and damaged insulation.
- Check the rpm signal while crankingIf the scan tool shows no engine speed while cranking, the control unit is not receiving the signal.
- Measure the sensorCheck resistance or the signal with an oscilloscope, as described in the service data.
- Inspect the sensor tip and trigger wheelRemove the sensor and check it for debris and damage.
Questions about P0338
Does a new crank sensor need programming?
Usually not, but some engines need a crankshaft position relearn so misfire detection works properly.
Why does the engine stall only when hot?
Crankshaft sensors often fail when hot and work again after cooling down. That pattern is a typical sign of this code.
Will a new sensor fix a no-start?
Only if the sensor is the cause. Check the rpm reading while cranking: if it stays at zero, the signal is missing.