HighISX15

P0336 Ram Cummins 6.7L/5.9L — Crankshaft Position (2026)

P0336 on Ram Cummins ISX15 means crankshaft position sensor “a” circuit range/performance. 60–80% of field cases trace to incorrect sensor air gap after service. Shop repair with parts runs $70 - $220; DIY wiring or filter work starts at $40–$150. Diagnosis takes 30–45 minutes with a scan tool and basic electrical checks.

What This Code Means

P0336 on Ram Cummins ISX15 tells the ECM that crankshaft position sensor circuit is outside calibrated limits. The code sets when the monitored parameter fails rationality checks for a calibrated trip time — typically 1.4–4 seconds continuous on OBD-II diesel platforms. P0336 differs from a total signal loss code like P0335 in that the crankshaft sensor is still sending something to the PCM, just not a clean, reliable signal within expected parameters. ProfessionalDieselRepair.com sees this most often after front engine service work where the sensor air gap wasn’t properly set on reassembly, which is a quick and easy thing to verify before assuming the sensor itself has failed.

Common Symptoms

• Intermittent rough running or hesitation (100% of cases)
• MIL illuminated (80% of cases)
• Occasional hard starting (60% of cases)
• Possible random misfire codes accompanying this fault (40% of cases)

Likely Causes (Ranked by Probability)

1. Incorrect sensor air gap after service (45% of cases) — If the sensor wasn’t properly positioned after a timing cover or front engine repair, the air gap can be out of spec, producing a weak or distorted signal.

2. Chafed crank sensor harness (25% of cases) — Engine vibration wears the harness against nearby components, introducing intermittent noise into an otherwise present signal.

3. Degrading crank sensor (15% of cases) — Internal sensor degradation, often heat-related, causes a signal that’s present but doesn’t meet expected quality parameters, especially at operating temperature.

4. Damaged reluctor wheel teeth (10% of cases) — Physical damage to the toothed wheel the sensor reads creates a genuinely irregular signal pattern independent of the sensor or wiring condition.

Step-by-Step Diagnostic Guide

1. Scan for codes with Cummins INSITE or a comparable tool and check freeze-frame data for when the fault occurred, noting engine temperature and RPM. — Tool: scan tool or multimeter. Document readings on the work order.

2. Inspect the crankshaft position sensor connector for corrosion or a loose fit, and verify the sensor is properly seated against its mounting boss. — Tool: scan tool or multimeter. Document readings on the work order.

3. Check the sensor’s air gap with a feeler gauge if the sensor was recently serviced or if timing cover work has been performed. — Tool: scan tool or multimeter. Document readings on the work order.

4. Unplug the sensor and measure resistance across its terminals with a multimeter, comparing to spec for your engine. — Tool: scan tool or multimeter. Document readings on the work order.

5. Inspect the wiring harness from the sensor back to the PCM for chafing, then clear codes and road test while monitoring live signal quality. — Tool: scan tool or multimeter. Document readings on the work order.

Repair Options (with Costs)

Repair	DIY	Independent Shop	Dealer
Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit wiring repair	$25–$150	$150–$350	$250–$500
Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit sensor/part	$70 - $220	$$70 - $220 + labor	$350+
Full module replacement	N/A	$600–$1,500	$350+

Platform-Specific Notes

6.7L (2007–2026): Common-rail — Follow cummins OEM diagnostic tree for P0336 on 6.7L.

5.9L (1989–2007): VP44/CP3 — Follow cummins OEM diagnostic tree for P0336 on 5.9L.

When This Code Sets

P0336 typically stores after the ECM detects crankshaft position sensor circuit outside calibrated limits for 1.4–4.0 seconds (OBD-II trip). Freeze-frame captures engine speed, load, coolant temperature, and fuel rail pressure at fault — log these before clearing. Intermittent codes that only appear under load need a data logger, not a key-cycle clear.

Scan Tool Parameters to Log

• Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit live data PID at idle, cruise, and full load
• Battery voltage and ECM supply voltage
• Related aftertreatment and protection PIDs (SPN 1569 if stacked)

Common Misdiagnoses

Replacing the sensor without checking the air gap — It’s a fast parts-cannon fix that overlooks the simple mechanical adjustment that often resolves this fault.. Instead: Always verify the air gap with a feeler gauge against spec before and after any sensor replacement or timing cover work.

Assuming intermittent hesitation is a fuel delivery problem — Hesitation symptoms are commonly blamed on fuel system components without checking timing sensor signal quality first.. Instead: Always scan for stored codes before chasing fuel delivery components, since a marginal crank signal produces very similar symptoms.

Overlooking a recent timing cover or front engine repair as the cause — Techs don’t always connect a fault code appearing shortly after unrelated front engine service to that recent work.. Instead: Always ask about recent service history and check air gap specifically if this code appears after any front engine or timing cover work.

Shop Notes from the Field

Shop tip from ProfessionalDieselRepair.com: if this code shows up after any front engine or timing cover service, check the sensor air gap before anything else. An improperly set gap after reassembly produces this exact range/performance fault even with a perfectly good sensor.

Safety Warning

• Never work near the crankshaft pulley or timing cover with the engine running.
• Allow the engine to cool fully before accessing sensors near the timing case.
• Disconnect the batteries before removing or adjusting the crank sensor.
• Use proper lifting equipment if front engine covers must be removed for access.

Prevention Tips

• Always verify crank sensor air gap with a feeler gauge any time the sensor or timing cover is disturbed.
• Route the crank sensor harness away from vibration-prone brackets during any front engine service.
• Inspect the sensor connector for corrosion at regular PM intervals.
• Replace aging sensors proactively on high-mileage trucks showing early signs of intermittent hesitation.

Ram Cummins Field Notes for P0336

• Compare this unit’s repair history: repeat P0336 within 5,000 miles indicates incomplete prior repair, not a new component failure.
• If crankshaft position sensor circuit was recently replaced, verify correct part number for engine serial — superseded calibrations require matching hardware revision on Ram Cummins.
• Capture a 20-minute data log of crankshaft position sensor circuit parameter during mixed driving before closing the work order — intermittent FMI signatures need road replication, not bay-idle checks.
• Check for OEM technical service bulletins covering P0336 on ISX15 — many bulletin fixes address harness routing rather than sensor replacement.
• Torque crankshaft position sensor circuit mounting fasteners per Ram Cummins OEM spec — verify with engine serial. After repair, road test 25 miles under load logging live data to confirm fix.
• Document ambient temperature and key-cycle count at fault set on Ram Cummins ISX15 — cold-soak faults on crankshaft position sensor circuit often clear after warm-up when moisture is the root cause.
• Compare this unit’s repair history: repeat P0336 within 5,000 miles indicates incomplete prior repair, not a new component failure.
• If crankshaft position sensor circuit was recently replaced, verify correct part number for engine serial — superseded calibrations require matching hardware revision on Ram Cummins.

Related Codes

• P0335 — often stacks with P0336
• P0340 — often stacks with P0336
• P0016 — often stacks with P0336

FAQ

Can I drive with P0336 active?

You can drive, but expect the possibility of intermittent hesitation or rough running since the crank signal quality is degraded rather than completely lost.

How do I reset this code without a scanner?

Correcting the air gap or repairing any wiring issue and cycling the key may allow the code to self-clear, but a scan tool confirms the fault has fully resolved.

What triggers the derate on this code?

This fault doesn’t typically trigger an emissions-style derate; the main risk is intermittent rough running rather than a gradual power limitation.

What does P0336 mean on Ram Cummins ISX15?

P0336 means crankshaft position sensor “a” circuit range/performance. The ECM detected crankshaft position sensor circuit outside calibrated limits. Verify with freeze-frame data before clearing.

Can I drive with P0336 active?

Short distances only if power is normal. Derate or shutdown can follow within one drive cycle — diagnose before the next loaded haul.

How much does it cost to fix P0336?

DIY repairs start at $40–$150 for wiring or filters. Shop repairs with parts run $70 - $220. Dealer pricing runs $350+.

What is the most common cause of P0336?

Incorrect sensor air gap after service — confirm with visual inspection and live data before ordering parts.

Sources

• OEM service information — Ram Cummins ISX15 diagnostic procedures
• SAE J2012 — OBD-II DTC definition for P0336
• Mitchell1 ProDemand — 2026 labor and parts cost surveys

Related Reading

• Ram Cummins fault codes hub
• Diesel repair cost estimator
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit diagnostic guide
• P0335
• P0340