When you scan a vehicle and see the code P0320 pop up, it means there is a malfunction in the ignition/distributor engine speed input circuit. It’s a serious diagnostic trouble code that should not be ignored under any circumstances.
Causes
There are many things that can cause P0320, so it’s important to take time and diagnose the problem right before you start throwing parts at the vehicle.
- Low battery charge
- Faulty crankshaft position sensor
- Damaged crankshaft position sensor wiring or connection
- Engine is running rough
- Engine is misfiring
- Faulty camshaft position sensor
- Damaged camshaft position sensor wiring or connection
- Bad ECM
- Bad ignition/distributor speed sensor or damaged wiring
Symptoms
- Vehicle has a hard time starting or won’t start at all
- Loss of power
- Vehicle will die during idle or driving conditions
- Check Engine Light will turn on
- Sometimes no symptoms will be noticeable
How to get rid of P0320
Getting rid of P0320 can be a challenge for the inexperienced mechanic, as so many things can cause this code to set. A bad fuel pump can cause misfiring issues and that can make the ECM throw this trouble code.
Make sure to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and check for the real source of the problem. It can very well be the crankshaft position sensor, but it can also be the camshaft position sensor or the ignition/distributor speed sensor. It can simply be damaged wires as well.
Visually inspect all the wiring and connections to each of these sensors before testing the actual sensors. Damaged connections are a common reason for this code to show up on a scan.
Is the engine running rough? Misfiring? Are any other codes showing up? Look at the whole picture, and don’t just assume it’s a single sensor. Nothing is worse than replacing a part that’s not even broken.
After you replace the broken sensor or fix the wiring, clear the code and drive the vehicle to see if it comes back. Is the engine running better? It’s usually obvious to the driver when the engine is running right, or running rough.
If the check engine light comes back on, make sure to go over the wiring and connections again just to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
Sometimes, a wire is hanging somewhere it shouldn’t be and when the vehicle hits a bump, the CEL comes back. Make sure all wiring is secured and will remain secure during the operation of the vehicle.
