P1335 on 1991-1999 Nissan Sentra (Base, E, XE, GXE, SE, SE-R, GLE) — Manufacturer-specific — meaning varies by make (GM: Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit; Ford: EGR Position Sensor; Audi/VW: Engine Torque Monitoring/Control Adaption At Limit)
1 vehicles · 1 makes · $150-$500 repair
How to diagnose and fix P1335: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Nissan Sentra · 1991–1999
The defining electrical failure of the 1990s Sentra. On both the GA16DE (1.6L) and SR20DE (2.0L), the crank angle and camshaft position signals are generated by an OPTICAL sensor (a slotted disc read by an LED/photo-diode) housed inside the distributor. Two age-related failure modes dominate: (1) the internal distributor shaft seal fails and engine oil weeps up into the distributor, coating the optical disc and electronics; and (2) the optical encoder/electronics degrade or the encoder wheel works loose. As the sensor warms with the engine it drops out intermittently, so the classic pattern is an engine that runs, then stalls once hot and refuses to restart until it cools. At high mileage it becomes a hard-crank or no-start. Because the sensor is integral to the distributor, Nissan supplies it only as a complete distributor assembly.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls once warmed up and won't restart until it cools
- Long crank / hard start or no-start
- Intermittent stalling while driving
- Check engine light
- Oil film / coating inside the distributor cap
How to Fix
Diagnose the specific failure (pull codes, inspect the distributor cap interior for oil film indicating a failed shaft seal). The accepted fix is replacement of the complete distributor assembly with an OEM Nissan or Hitachi unit; cleaning oil out is only temporary once the seal has failed. Use OEM/Hitachi, as cheap aftermarket optical distributors are known to fail quickly. Replace the cap and rotor at the same time.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Nissan/Hitachi SR20DE distributor 22100-53J01
Confirm VIN, distributor ID and supersession; not blanket 1991-1994 SR20DE.
- Genuine Nissan/Hitachi GA16DE distributor 22100-0M200
Confirm VIN, production date and distributor ID.
- Genuine Nissan GA16DE distributor 22100-0M301
1998-1999 Sentra Base/GXE/XE 1.6L GA16DE catalog application; listing labels it non-USA, so confirm VIN/market, production date, distributor ID and connector before purchase.
- Genuine Nissan/Mitsubishi SR20DE distributor 22100-0M811
Confirm VIN/build date, distributor manufacturer/ID and supersession; not early B13.
- Genuine Nissan/Hitachi GA16DE distributor cap 22162-3S505
Confirm Hitachi distributor and VIN; not SR20DE.
- Genuine Nissan GA16DE distributor rotor 22157-4B000
Confirm distributor manufacturer/ID; not SR20DE.
- Genuine Nissan/Mitsubishi SR20DE distributor rotor 22157-0M513
Confirm Mitsubishi distributor and build date; not GA16DE.
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Sources for this issue (6)
- Crankshaft position sensor / crank angle sensor in distributor - Nissan Forumsforum
- Oil leaking from INSIDE distributor cap - SR20Forumforum
- Leaking Distributor internal seal Fix - Nissan Forumsforum
- A Guide to the 1995-2001 Nissan Sentra Distributor - Go-Partsarticle
- Nissan Sentra Crankshaft & Camshaft Sensors Leaking Oil Into Connector - RepairPalmanufacturer
- 1996 Nissan Sentra Cranks But Won't Start: Crank Sensor? - JustAnswerforum
Find P1335 by make
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P1335 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 P1335 mean?
P1335 stands for "Manufacturer-specific — meaning varies by make (GM: Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit; Ford: EGR Position Sensor; Audi/VW: Engine Torque Monitoring/Control Adaption At Limit)." Manufacturer-specific code with genuinely different meanings across brands — do not act on a generic definition without checking your make. On GM applications it refers to a crankshaft position (CKP) sensor circuit fault, which can cause hard starting, stalling, or a no-start. On Ford applications it refers to EGR valve position sensor performance. On Audi and Volkswagen it is an engine torque monitoring / torque control adaption fault, commonly caused by unmetered air entering the engine rather than by a single failed part. Other makes assign it to other systems. Confirm the definition against service information for your specific make and model year before replacing any part.
What are the most common causes of P1335?
The most common causes of P1335 are: GM: failed crankshaft position sensor, GM: damaged, chafed, or oil-contaminated CKP sensor wiring or connector, GM: damaged reluctor/tone ring or incorrect sensor air gap, Ford: EGR valve or EGR position sensor fault, or its circuit, Audi/VW: unmetered air (vacuum/intake leak) or another underlying torque-limiting fault, not a sensor failure, Engine control module fault (rare — verify wiring first). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P1335?
Repair costs for P1335 range from $150 to $500, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P1335?
Au7o has documented P1335 across 1 vehicle models from 1 manufacturers: Nissan.
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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.