Crankshaft Position Sensor Signal Lost or Missing
The KOHLER-COMMAND-P0335 (Kohler Command EFI) diesel fault code means: Crankshaft Position Sensor Signal Lost or Missing. This is a serious severity code.
- Keep driving?
- No -- stop driving
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- DIY sensor replacement: $45-$90 in parts. Professional diagnosis and repair: $120-$280 including labor, connector repair, or harness splice if needed. ECM replacement if required adds $300-$600.
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Common Symptoms
- Engine cranks normally but will not fire and start
- Engine starts and then stalls within seconds of ignition
- Engine runs erratically and cuts out under mowing load
- EFI dash or LED blink code flashes a fault sequence matching P0335
- No spark detected at plug wires even with good battery voltage
- RPM gauge reads zero while engine is cranking
- Mower deck engages but engine dies immediately on PTO load
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Failed or internally open crankshaft position sensor Very Likely
- Crankshaft position sensor wiring harness damaged, chafed, or connector corroded Very Likely
- Sensor air gap too wide due to vibration-loosened mounting bracket Likely
- Reluctor ring (trigger wheel) damaged, cracked, or missing teeth from debris impact Likely
- ECM power or ground supply fault interrupting sensor signal processing Possible
- Incorrect replacement sensor with wrong signal output type Possible
- ECM internal failure causing false P0335 with good sensor readings Less Likely
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
Check the crankshaft position sensor connector first. It is typically mounted low on the engine block near the flywheel. Unplug it and look for bent pins, green corrosion, or moisture inside. Clean with electrical contact cleaner and reconnect firmly.
Visually trace the sensor wiring harness from the sensor body back to the ECM. Look for spots where the wire has rubbed against the engine block, frame tubes, or belt covers. A chafed wire to ground is the most common field cause of P0335.
Set your multimeter to DC voltage. With the key ON and engine OFF, back-probe the sensor connector power wire. You should see 5 volts DC reference from the ECM. No voltage points to a wiring or ECM power supply problem, not a bad sensor.
Measure resistance across the two signal terminals of the crankshaft position sensor with your multimeter set to Ohms. Kohler EFI crank sensors are typically Hall-effect type, so resistance alone will not confirm function, but an open circuit (OL) reading means the sensor is definitely failed.
Check the sensor mounting. The sensor should be snug against its mounting boss with the correct air gap, typically 0.5 to 1.5 mm between sensor tip and reluctor ring. Finger-test the sensor for looseness. A vibrated-loose sensor gives intermittent signal loss under load.
Remove the sensor and visually inspect the reluctor ring on the flywheel or crankshaft with a flashlight. Look for cracked, bent, or missing teeth. A missing tooth in the wrong location will prevent ECM synchronization. This requires flywheel cover removal and is a moderately involved step.
If wiring, connector, gap, and reluctor ring all check out, use the Kohler PCM diagnostic tool to read live RPM signal data while cranking. If the tool shows zero RPM with the engine cranking, the sensor is not producing a signal. If RPM registers normally, suspect ECM processing and escalate to a dealer.
Replace the crankshaft position sensor with a genuine Kohler part or verified OEM-equivalent. Reinstall at correct torque, confirm proper gap, clear the fault, and test-start. If P0335 returns immediately after sensor replacement, recheck wiring continuity end-to-end before condemning the ECM.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Kohler Command code P0335 mean on my commercial mower?
P0335 means the ECM is not receiving a valid signal from the crankshaft position sensor. The ECM needs this signal to know exactly where the crankshaft is in its rotation so it can trigger fuel injection and ignition at the right moment. Without it, the engine either will not start at all or stalls as soon as the signal drops out.
Can I still mow with a P0335 code on a Kohler EFI engine?
No. P0335 is a hard fault that prevents the ECM from controlling ignition timing and fuel injection correctly. The engine will not run reliably, and in most cases will not start or will stall shortly after starting. Do not attempt to mow until this is resolved.
How much does it cost to fix a Kohler P0335 crankshaft sensor fault?
If the sensor itself is the problem, a DIY replacement runs about $45-$90 in parts and takes roughly an hour. If you take it to a dealer or outdoor power equipment shop, expect $120-$280 total with labor. If the wiring harness needs repair or the ECM has failed, costs can reach $300-$600 or more.
Is a bad crankshaft position sensor on a Kohler EFI engine a hard fix or an easy fix?
Replacing the sensor itself is moderate difficulty. You need to locate the sensor on the lower engine block, disconnect the wiring, remove the old sensor, install the new one at the correct gap, and clear the code. Tracing a wiring fault or inspecting the reluctor ring is harder and may need a dealer with the Kohler PCM diagnostic tool if basic checks do not find the problem.