P0336 on Honda: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance
1 Honda model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical · $80-$600 repair
P0336 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 …
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Sources for this issue (3)
P0336 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 P0336 mean on a Honda?
P0336 stands for "Crankshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance." P0336 means the engine control module detected a crankshaft position sensor signal that is present but outside the expected range or pattern — for example, intermittent dropouts, an erratic waveform, or extra/missing pulses. The crankshaft position sensor tells the computer the exact position and speed of the crankshaft, which is essential for timing fuel injection and ignition. When this signal is unreliable, the engine may stumble, stall, hesitate, or be hard to start. Because it underpins basic engine operation, this code should be addressed promptly. On Honda it is documented across 1 model: Civic.
What are the most common causes of P0336?
The most common causes of P0336 are: Failing crankshaft position sensor, Damaged or contaminated reluctor/tone ring (debris, missing teeth), Wiring damage, chafing, or corroded connectors, Incorrect air gap or loose sensor mounting, Electrical interference from nearby high-voltage components, Metal shavings on the sensor tip, ECM/PCM fault (less common). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0336 on a Honda?
Published repair estimates on Honda range from $80 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.