P0322

What it means

P0322 is the generic code for no signal from the ignition or distributor engine speed input circuit. The engine control unit has seen no valid engine speed pulses from the crankshaft position sensor (or distributor pickup, where fitted) while it expected them, for example during cranking. The exact sensor and circuit used for this input depend on the engine and ignition system.

Symptoms

• Engine cranks but will not start
• Engine stalls suddenly while running or when coming to a stop
• Rev counter does not move or drops to zero while cranking or driving
• Engine cuts out intermittently, often when hot
• Check engine light on
• Hard starting or long cranking before it fires

Possible causes

• Faulty crankshaft position sensor or distributor pickup (internal failure, often heat related)likely
• Damaged, chafed or corroded wiring, or loose connector in the engine speed sensor circuitlikely
• Damaged or contaminated reluctor ring or trigger wheel, or excessive sensor air gappossible
• Loose, damaged or poorly earthed sensor mounting or poor power or earth supply to the sensorpossible
• Timing belt or chain jumped or broken, or distributor drive fault, where fittedpossible
• Faulty ignition module or ignition coil driver circuit on systems where the engine speed signal comes from itrare
• Faulty engine control unitrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored codes and freeze frame data, noting whether the code set while cranking or running, and check for related cam or crank correlation codes
2. Check live engine speed data while cranking to see whether the control unit registers any RPM
3. Visually inspect the sensor, its connector and the wiring back to the control unit for chafing, heat damage, oil contamination and corrosion
4. Wiggle test the harness and connector with the engine cranking or running to look for dropouts
5. Check the sensor supply voltage, earth and signal wire against the manufacturer's wiring diagram, as the sensor type varies by engine
6. Inspect the sensor tip and reluctor ring or trigger wheel for debris, damage and missing teeth, and check the sensor is seated correctly with the correct air gap
7. Scope the sensor signal during cranking and compare it to a known good pattern for that engine
8. Verify mechanical timing if the signal is present but implausible, or if there is any sign of belt or chain failure

How to fix

• Replace the faulty crankshaft position sensor or distributor pickup with a correct specification part
• Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or replace corroded connectors and terminals
• Replace or repair a damaged reluctor ring or trigger wheel and correct the sensor mounting and air gap
• Restore power and earth supplies to the sensor circuit
• Correct the engine timing and repair any related mechanical damage if a belt, chain or drive fault is found
• Replace a faulty ignition module or control unit only after the sensor, wiring and supplies are proven good

Can I keep driving?

Nearby codes

• P0321GenericIgnition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/Performance
• P0323GenericIgnition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Intermittent