P0321Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/Performance
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Can trigger limp mode
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- P0321 belongs to the same signal as P0320 and P0322: the speed and reference input of the ignition, formerly the distributor's Hall pickup, today practically always the crankshaft position sensor. Range/Performance means a signal is present but implausible – wrong number of teeth between the reference gaps, erratic tooth times, or a speed that does not fit the camshaft signal. No manufacturer document available to us describes P0321 by code: Ford runs these tooth checks under P0320 or P0339 (wrong tooth count after the gap, tooth time outside 30 to 9,000 rpm, gap at the wrong position) and GM under P0336. The description therefore follows that logic and CARB's rationality requirement for crank angle sensors.
- What you may notice
- Check engine light on
- Jerking, misfire or brief stalling
- Hard starting, long cranking
- Tachometer flickers or drops out
- Likely causes
- LikelyCrankshaft position sensor faulty or aged (weak, noisy signal)
- PossibleSensor loose or air gap wrong
- PossibleTone wheel damaged or clogged with metal chips
- PossibleInterference, poor ground or damaged wiring
- RareEngine module or software
- 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: €60 – €350
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.