P0320 to P0323, P0370 to P0379, P0385 to P0389 and related codes: engine speed and timing reference signals
The engine speed input from the ignition or distributor, a high resolution timing reference signal (A or B), or the second crankshaft position sensor (B) has no signal, too many or too few pulses or an erratic signal, or the crankshaft variation has not been learned (P0315), or a rough road sensor has a fault.
SeverityHighCarrying on can cause expensive damage, so deal with it now.
Can you keep driving?Only as far as the workshopWhat does P0320 mean?
The engine computer times every injection and spark from signals that tell it where the crankshaft is and how fast it turns. Besides the main crankshaft sensor covered by P0335 to P0339, some engines use a distributor signal, a high resolution timing wheel or a second crankshaft sensor. If one of these signals drops out, the engine may misfire, stall or refuse to start. P0315 is different: after some repairs the computer must relearn the small variations of the crankshaft wheel before it can detect misfires reliably.
What causes P0320?
- A failed sensor or a damaged wire to it
- A sensor gap too large, or metal debris on the sensor tip
- A damaged reluctor ring or timing wheel
- A distributor pickup failing on older engines
- A crankshaft variation relearn not done after replacing the sensor, the computer or the flywheel
What to check first for P0320
- Note whether the engine stalls or misfires when hot, a sign of a failing sensor
- Inspect the sensor's connector and wiring and look for metal on its tip
- Have the signal looked at on an oscilloscope for missing or extra pulses
- For P0315, have the crankshaft variation relearn done with a scan tool
Can you drive with P0320?
Drive only to a workshop if the engine runs smoothly. A lost engine speed signal can stop the engine without warning, so have the car towed if it has stalled, cuts out or will not start.
In states with an OBD-II emissions inspection, a car with the check engine light on fails the test until the fault is fixed.
Codes on this page
23
- P0315Crankshaft Position System Variation Not Learned
- P0317Rough Road Hardware Not Present
- P0318Rough Road Sensor "A" Signal Circuit
- P0319Rough Road Sensor "B"
- P0320Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit
- P0321Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/Performance
- P0322Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal
- P0323Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Intermittent
- P0370Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "A"
- P0371Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "A" Too Many Pulses
- P0372Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "A" Too Few Pulses
- P0373Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "A" Intermittent/Erratic Pulses
- P0374Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "A" No Pulse
- P0375Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "B"
- P0376Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "B" Too Many Pulses
- P0377Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "B" Too Few Pulses
- P0378Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "B" Intermittent/Erratic Pulses
- P0379Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "B" No Pulses
- P0385Crankshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit
- P0386Crankshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit Range/Performance
- P0387Crankshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit Low
- P0388Crankshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit High
- P0389Crankshaft Position Sensor "B" Circuit Intermittent
Related codes
Checked on · Rafael Soares
These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.
