P0335 on Honda: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
2 Honda models · 2 documented issues · 2 critical · $40-$600 repair
P0335 on Honda by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
Honda Passport owners report the Idle Stop (automatic engine start-stop) feature causing dangerous stalling issues. When the engine auto-stops at red lights or in traffic, it fails to restart when the brake is released, leaving the vehicle stranded in traffic. The "Collision Mitigation System" warning light often appears during these incidents. The Idle Stop system is overly aggressive and doesn't account for battery health, A/C load, or hot weather conditions. Unlike some competitors, Honda doesn't have a shift interlock, so the vehicle can roll if stalled on a hill. Many owners permanently disable Idle Stop to avoid this issue.
Common Symptoms
- Engine fails to restart after auto-stop at red light
- Vehicle stalls in traffic when Idle Stop engages
- Collision Mitigation System warning light during stall
- Multiple restart attempts needed after auto-stop
- Engine cranks but won't start after Idle Stop
- Vehicle rolls backward when stalled on hill
- Battery warning light after failed restart
How to Fix
Temporary: Press Idle Stop button to disable every time you start the vehicle (annoyingly resets each ignition cycle). Permanent disable (DIY): Install Idle Stop Eliminator plug-in module ($40-80) that automatically disables the feature every startup - very popular on PassportForums. If stalling occurs: Shift to Park, turn off ignition, wait 10 seconds, restart engine. Battery related: If Idle Stop frequently won't engage or causes stalling, have battery tested (weak battery confuses system). Honda has released software updates but they don't fully address the issue.
Owner tips & cautions
- WarningCRITICAL: If Idle Stop fails on a hill, vehicle will roll backward (no shift interlock) - keep foot firmly on brake and shift to Park immediately.
- TipIf you prefer manual disable, lightly tap brake pedal when stopped - Idle Stop won't engage. Less annoying than pressing button every startup.
- TipWeak battery makes Idle Stop unreliable - if system is acting weird, get battery load tested before chasing gremlins.
1990s Civics use a distributor housing the ignition coil, ignitor/ICM, and pickup sensors. The ignitor commonly fails (the coil rarely does), producing intermittent hot no-start and misfires. A separate frequent problem is the internal distributor oil seal leaking, which lets oil contaminate the electronics and cap. Honda sourced these distributors from TEC and Hitachi.
Common Symptoms
- Hot no-start, engine fires again once cool
- Erratic/bouncing tachometer needle
- Random misfire, sputter at idle
- Stalling and hesitation at low RPM
- Oil found inside distributor cap
How to Fix
Diagnose the specific failed component; a bouncing tachometer during cranking/idle points to the ignitor. Oil inside the cap means the seal has failed and the unit should be rebuilt or replaced. Common repair is replacing the ignitor/coil or installing a reman/OEM distributor with a fresh cap and rotor.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda 30120-P0A-A01 Hitachi ignition-control module/igniterOEMHonda 30120-P0A-A01
Confirm VIN, transmission and the stamped distributor manufac
- Genuine Honda 30510-PT2-006 distributor ignition coilOEMHonda 30510-PT2-006
Internal distributor coil replacement only after resistance/output tests prove coil failure Fitment/availability: Cataloged for selected 1992-2000 Civic TEC/Hitachi distributor configurations; enter VIN and match the stamped distributor …
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Sources for this issue (3)
P0335 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0335 mean on a Honda?
P0335 stands for "Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction." This code means the engine computer has lost or detected a faulty signal from the crankshaft position sensor (sensor A), which tells the computer exactly how fast and in what position the crankshaft is rotating. That signal is essential for timing the spark and fuel injection, so a problem here can cause hard starting, stalling, or a no-start condition. The computer sets this code when the crank sensor signal is missing, erratic, or out of its expected pattern. Causes range from a failed sensor or damaged wiring to a problem with the reluctor (tone) ring the sensor reads. On Honda it is documented across 2 models: Passport, Civic.
What are the most common causes of P0335?
The most common causes of P0335 are: Failed crankshaft position sensor, Damaged, corroded, or loose sensor wiring/connector, Metal debris or oil contamination on the sensor tip, Damaged or misaligned reluctor (tone) ring, Excessive air gap between sensor and tone ring, Wiring shorted or open in the sensor circuit, Faulty PCM/ECM (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0335 on a Honda?
Published repair estimates on Honda range from $40 to $600 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for P0335 on a different make?
View P0335 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.