The crankshaft (CKP), sensor measures the rotation speed and position of the engine’s crankshaft. The Powertrain Control Module can control ignition timing and fuel delivery with this information. The PCM will store the P0320 code in its memory if the sensor signal is interrupted or faulty. It needs to know about the rotational speed of the crankshaft and its position. The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor provides all this information.
The PCM is informed by a second sensor called the camshaft positioning sensor (CMP) about the timing for the opening and closure of the intake and exhaust valves.
The PCM will wait for both sensors to send signals after the engine has started. The control module will set the P0320 fault code if the CKP sensor fails to provide information following the CMP sensor. Circuit faults relating to the CMP can trigger the P0320 code in some models and makes. The PCM is unable to adjust ignition timing or fuel distribution. This will lead to vehicle malfunction.
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What are the possible causes of fault code P0320?
- Problems with the camshaft or crankshaft sensor circuits (such as worn out cables, loose connections)
- Faulty camshaft position sensor
- A damaged crankshaft or a camshaft reluctorwheel
- Low Battery Voltage
- Engine speed sensor faulty
- PCM/ECM Faulty
What are the symptoms of fault code P0320?
The PCM will not be able to determine engine speed if it does not receive accurate information from either the CKP or CMP sensor. The following warnings may be triggered by a drop in engine performance:
- Engine fault light illuminated
- Engine starts slowly or fails to start when ignition is turned on
- Engine misfiring or running in an irregular manner
- Engine stutters during acceleration
- Engine stalls and fails to restart
How to Fix Fault Code P0320?
- Checking for and fixing the voltage of the battery
- Replacing crankshaft position sensors
- Replace broken, short-circuited, or corroded crankshaft sensor cables or connectors
- Replace the camshaft sensor
- Replace worn or broken camshaft position sensors or cables
- Replace the engine speed sensor
- Replace broken, shorted or corroded connectors or engine speed sensors cables
- Replace or reprogram the PCM, if needed (low probability).
How serious is fault code P0320?
The fault code P0320 can be categorized as moderately serious. The driver can still operate the vehicle safely if the engine fault light is illuminated with this code, but there are no other symptoms. If the fault is ignored and the vehicle continues in this condition for a long period of time, serious damage can be done to the engine components.
