P0338Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit High
- 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
- By its J2012 name P0338 means the crankshaft position signal stays at a high level – signal wire shorted to supply, or an open signal output that the module's pull-up holds high on a Hall sensor. GM 2014–2019 and Ford do not use the code. GM's Global A engines in the Saab 9-5 (2010/11) and 9-4X define it as a high duty cycle, i.e. too many pulses or teeth between the reference gaps: on the 2.8 turbo V6 (LAU) a deviation of more than 8 teeth, checked once per revolution and set in the first trip; on the 1.6 (LLU) more than 200 reference pulses in 10 revolutions, and on the 2.0 turbo (LDK) a large tooth deviation over 4 revolutions, both after two trips. Behind this are usually interference pulses or a gap that is not recognised. Result: misfire, stalling, limp mode.
- What you may notice
- Misfire, jerking
- Engine stalls or starts poorly
- Limp mode
- Check engine light on
- Likely causes
- LikelySignal wire shorted to supply or open (pull-up holds the level high)
- PossibleInterference pulses from poor ground or shielding
- PossibleCrankshaft position sensor faulty
- RareTone wheel damaged or dirty (gap not recognised)
- 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 – €400
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.