P0320Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- How the car detects it
- P0320 originally covered the engine speed signal from the distributor or ignition module to the engine module (early OBD II); today Ford's engine module evaluates the crankshaft sensor directly and uses this code for it. Ford checks continuously from 200–500 rpm and sets it within 5 s when the number of teeth after the gap is wrong, the tooth time is implausible (below 30 or above 9,000 rpm) or the gap appears in the wrong place; fuel and spark are then cut briefly to resynchronise, and on electronic throttle P2106 limits power. Some Ford engines use P0339 instead. Typical causes are a faulty crankshaft sensor, interference in the wiring or a damaged tone wheel.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- Engine dies or stumbles briefly
- Starting problems, tachometer twitching
- Reduced power on electronic throttle (Ford P2106)
- Likely causes
- LikelyCrankshaft or distributor speed sensor faulty or wrong air gap
- LikelyWiring, connector or shielding disturbed (loose contact, interference from ignition or radios)
- PossibleTone wheel damaged or dirty (missing tooth, metal chips)
- PossibleIgnition module faulty on older vehicles
- RareEngine module faulty
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Often possible to do yourself.Typical cost: €50 – €350
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.