P0335 on Cadillac: How to Diagnose & Fix
Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction
2 Cadillac models · 2 documented issues · 2 critical · $150-$500 repair
P0335 on Cadillac by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
The Northstar uses two crankshaft position sensors (commonly referred to as the upper/A and lower/B 24x sensors) mounted low on the block behind the oil filter adapter area. The original Siemens-sourced sensors are widely reported by DeVille owners to fail with age and heat, setting a Service Engine Soon light with crank sensor circuit codes, causing hard starting, intermittent stalling, and eventually a no-start. Failures are often intermittent for weeks before becoming permanent, and heat-soak after a hot restart is a common trigger. Owners note the sensor connectors and their pigtails also corrode, producing the same codes with a good sensor installed. A crankshaft variation relearn is required after replacement or the SES light returns even with new parts.
Common Symptoms
- Service Engine Soon light
- Extended cranking or no-start
- Intermittent stalling while driving
- Hard restart when hot
- Rough running or misfire feel
How to Fix
Confirm the crank-sensor fault and replace both upper and lower sensors together, inspect connectors and O-rings, then perform the CKP variation relearn. Do not treat one linked sensor as the complete repair.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine GM 12575481 upper crankshaft-position sensor$61
2000-2005 Cadillac DeVille 4.6L V8 upper sensor only. The repair requires the matching lower sensor 12575482/ACDelco 213-1579 as well; the browser-opened OEM lower-sensor destination was unavailable and is intentionally not linked.
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Sources for this issue (3)
The dual crankshaft position sensors on the 2000-2002 Northstar (which feed the coil-on-plug PCM directly) develop cracked solder joints at an internal resistor, causing intermittent chuggle, stalling while driving, long cranking, or a hot no-start that often resolves once the engine cools. GM ran a voluntary emissions campaign on certain 2000 Eldorado and Seville 4.6L vehicles for this defect, and RepairPal documents it as a top Eldorado driveability problem. Because both sensors live behind the oil filter adapter and fail similarly, the accepted practice is replacing both at once.
Common Symptoms
- Intermittent stalling while driving, often restarting after the engine cools
- Long crank time or no-start when hot
- Engine chuggle or stumble at speed
- Check engine light with crank-sensor codes such as P0335 or P0385
- Tachometer drops to zero just before the stall
How to Fix
Replace both crankshaft position sensors (A and B) together, then perform the CKP system variation relearn with a Tech II-type scan tool. Typical independent-shop cost is roughly $200-$500 for both sensors including labor.
Sources for this issue (1)
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 Cadillac?
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 Cadillac it is documented across 2 models: DeVille, Eldorado.
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 Cadillac?
Published repair estimates on Cadillac range from $150 to $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.
Looking for P0335 on a different make?
View P0335 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.