Ignition

P0322 — Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal

Severity: high Do not drive

What P0322 means

The engine computer constantly reads pulses from the crankshaft position sensor (and sometimes the camshaft sensor or distributor pickup) to calculate engine speed and time spark and fuel. P0322 sets when that signal is completely missing while the engine is cranking or running. Without it the computer cannot properly control ignition or injection.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Engine cranks but will not start
  • Sudden stalling, including while driving
  • Rough running or misfires
  • Loss of power and weak acceleration
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Tachometer does not move while cranking

Possible causes

  1. Failed crankshaft position sensor
  2. Damaged, chafed or corroded wiring and connectors in the sensor circuit
  3. Open circuit or short to ground in the harness
  4. Faulty camshaft position sensor or distributor pickup, if equipped
  5. Wrong sensor gap, contamination, or a damaged reluctor wheel
  6. Internal PCM fault (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for all codes and freeze frame data, and look for related crankshaft or camshaft sensor codes.
  2. Watch RPM on a scan tool while cranking to see whether the PCM registers any engine speed.
  3. Inspect the crankshaft sensor, connector and harness for damage, oil, corrosion and chafing.
  4. Check power and ground at the sensor connector with a multimeter, following the wiring diagram for your vehicle.
  5. Measure resistance of an inductive sensor, or scope the signal of a Hall-effect sensor.
  6. Check sensor air gap, reluctor wheel condition, and metal debris on the sensor tip.
  7. Test the wire from the sensor to the PCM for opens and shorts.
  8. If everything checks out, verify PCM power and grounds before suspecting the PCM itself.

Common fixes

  • Replace the crankshaft position sensor
  • Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors
  • Replace the camshaft position sensor or distributor pickup
  • Replace or reprogram the PCM after confirmed diagnosis

Questions and answers

What does P0322 mean?

The PCM is not receiving an engine speed signal from the crankshaft sensor or its equivalent. The sensor itself or its wiring is the most common culprit.

Can I drive with code P0322?

No. The engine may stall at any moment, and it frequently will not start at all. Have it towed or repaired where it sits.

Why won't my car start with P0322?

With no engine speed signal, the PCM does not know crankshaft position and will not command spark or fuel. The starter turns the engine but it never fires.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.