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
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 …
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (3)
On some Honda Passports, the engine shuts off as designed when Auto Idle Stop engages at a light or in traffic, but then does not restart by itself when the driver lifts off the brake. The vehicle is left stopped in the lane, and some owners say it needed a jump start before they could drive on. Honda published service bulletins 23-008 and 23-009 in January 2023 for this no-restart condition. They cover the 2019-2022 Passport along with several Pilot, Ridgeline, Acura MDX and TLX model years. In March 2023 Honda sent owners of 2019-2022 Passports a warranty-extension letter. It extends coverage for the starter assembly, the starter relays and a related valve adjustment to 10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit. NHTSA opened Engineering Analysis EA25-004 on March 26, 2025, which escalated an earlier preliminary evaluation (PE22-005). Its scope covers 2019-2025 Passports and about 2.2 million Honda and Acura vehicles in total. NHTSA counted 1,348 complaints, including 4 crashes and 2 injuries. It says it keeps receiving reports of failed restarts from owners who say the bulletin repair had already been done, and it is reviewing how well Honda's fix works. Many owners turn Idle Stop off each time they start the car, because the setting resets with every ignition cycle.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stays off when the brake is released after Auto Idle Stop shuts it down at a stop
- Vehicle is left stopped in traffic or at an intersection after an auto-stop
- Engine needs a manual restart or, in some reports, a jump start before the vehicle can be driven
How to Fix
First check: ask a Honda dealer whether your VIN is covered by service bulletins 23-008/23-009 and whether that work has already been done. The bulletin repair has two stages. Stage 1 is a PGM-FI (engine computer) software update. Stage 2 is used only if the software update does not fix the problem: the dealer replaces the starter assembly and the starter relays and, depending on model and year, adjusts the valves. On 2019-2022 Passports, Honda's warranty extension covers this stage 2 repair free for 10 years from the original purchase date, with no mileage limit, and the coverage carries over to later owners. Honda's letter says the repair takes about 3 hours. If you already paid for a starter and starter relays because of this problem, you may be able to get reimbursed through Honda, even if you no longer own the vehicle. Honda's customer support line for this is 1-888-234-2138. If the car still fails to restart after the bulletin work, report it to the dealer and to NHTSA. NHTSA's investigation EA25-004 is still open and is specifically looking into continued failures after the repair. The 2023 Passport is included in the NHTSA investigation but is not named in Honda's warranty-extension letter. Until the problem is fixed, press the Idle Stop OFF button each time you start the vehicle, because the setting resets with every ignition cycle.
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.
Sources for this issue (2)
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: Civic, Passport.
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.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.