P0335 on Mitsubishi: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
3 Mitsubishi models · 3 documented issues · 1 critical · $150-$7,500 repair
P0335 on Mitsubishi by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The 1995-1999 Eclipse GS-T and GSX use the 7-bolt 4G63 turbo engine, which is notoriously prone to 'crank walk' — excessive axial movement of the crankshaft caused by thrust bearing failure. The crankshaft literally moves fore-and-aft inside the block, eventually destroying the crank position sensor backplate and ruining the crank, block, and bearings. Root causes include factory-misadjusted clutch hydraulics leaving residual pressure on the thrust bearing, 7-bolt oil squirter design that bleeds pressure from main bearing feeds, and a metallurgically weaker crank than the earlier 6-bolt motor. Crankwalk was most prevalent in engines built in 1995, and most affected units failed at low mileage before the first timing belt service. There is no recall, and full repair requires a complete engine teardown with crank and bearing replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Ticking or clicking noise from timing belt / crank pulley area
- Clutch engagement/disengagement point changes (especially on left turns)
- Clutch pedal sticks down or feels inconsistent
- Engine stalls or briefly cuts out when clutch is held in
- Repeated crank position sensor (CKP) failures
- Visible fore/aft movement of crankshaft pulley when clutch is operated
How to Fix
Confirm with a dial indicator on the crank snout while a helper presses the clutch (>0.010" axial movement = crank walk). The only durable fix is to pull the engine, replace the crankshaft, all main/rod/thrust bearings, and ideally install ARP main studs with dowels. Mitigation while diagnosing: verify clutch master/slave cylinder adjustment so there is zero residual pressure on the throwout bearing at rest, and disable the clutch interlock switch so drivers do not rest a foot on the clutch. Plugging the 7-bolt piston oil squirters is a common preventive modification during a rebuild.
Sources for this issue (4)
The crankshaft position sensor on the 2.4L (4G64) Galant fails with age and heat, sometimes intermittently. Because the ECU uses this signal to fire spark and injection, a failing sensor typically produces a hard-start, an engine that cranks but will not start (often after the engine warms up), or sudden stalling while driving; the PCM rarely sets a crank sensor code, so a missing check-engine light does not rule it out. The sensor is a three-wire unit mounted behind the timing belt at the front of the engine, with its connector visible on top of the engine.
Common Symptoms
- Engine cranks but will not start (often when warm)
- Intermittent stalling while driving
- Hard starting
- Check-engine light may or may not come on
How to Fix
Test the sensor per the diagnostic procedure (resistance/signal check) and replace if out of spec. The part is inexpensive, but the sensor sits behind the timing belt, so the timing belt covers have to come off to replace it - a good time to do the timing belt if it is near its interval. A no-start with codes P0335/P0340 should prompt inspection of both the crank and cam sensors and confirmation that the timing belt has not jumped a tooth.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- API crankshaft position/reference sensor 7122-07811514OEMAPI 7122-07811514
Diagnosed 1994-1998 Galant CKP branch after 4G64/VIN and connector confirmation Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page lists 1994-1998 Galant, explicitly identifies 1994 4G64 VIN G fitment and shows the harness/connector specifi…
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Sources for this issue (2)
The 6G72's crank/cam timing signal on early 1990s trucks is generated inside the distributor, and later trucks use a discrete crankshaft position sensor at the front of the engine behind the crank pulley/timing covers. As these sensors and their pickups age they fail intermittently, producing a classic 'cranks but won't start' condition or sudden stalling while driving that often clears after the engine cools. Owners repeatedly report that aftermarket sensors do not resolve the problem and that only a genuine Mitsubishi (OEM) sensor restores reliable operation; the crank sprocket tone/reluctor ring can also strip or be damaged.
Common Symptoms
- Engine cranks but will not start
- Sudden stall while driving, restarts after cooling
- Intermittent no-spark condition
- Hard starting when hot
- Check engine light for crank sensor circuit (OBD-II trucks)
How to Fix
Test the crank sensor/ignition pickup output per the factory procedure before replacing parts. Replace the failed crankshaft position sensor (or the distributor pickup on early trucks) with a genuine OEM Mitsubishi unit, as aftermarket units are widely reported to be unreliable here. Inspect the crank sprocket/tone ring for stripping or damage. Address related ignition coil/power transistor faults that can mimic the same stall.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Mitsubishi crankshaft-position sensor MD303649OEMMitsubishi MD303649
Confirm VIN, build date, engine and connector before ordering; it
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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 Mitsubishi?
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 Mitsubishi it is documented across 3 models: Eclipse, Galant, Montero.
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 Mitsubishi?
Published repair estimates on Mitsubishi range from $150 to $7,500 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.