Intermittent No Crank P0335

[David Ruiz]

Hello everyone, I have a weird issue that I thought was going to be fixed by replacing the starter. However, the only reason I'm posting here is because I cannot figure out why after the car does not start, I have the check engine/4LO and code P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor).

This is what's happening:
- I push the button and after about five seconds nothing happens
- I try again and 99% of the time it will start right up but I have the check engine light on with code P0335
- It drives fine and after a day or two it will go away while starting fine every single time

- Some times there's a delay in starting but it starts
- I also started to have the symptoms of Limp Mode but no code
- I stop the car, turn it off, open the door and then try again. After this, no more Limp Mode

- In the past I have heard the clicking sound you get when the starter is going bad but I have not heard that in a while

I have a 2008 LC200 Diesel V8.

I hope someone has some idea because I'm between replacing the starter and/or the Crankshaft Position Sensor and one of those is a very difficult task.

Thanks in advance.

 

[grinchy]

I’d throw a CPS at it. But I have the petrol engine so that might not be the best advice. On the petrol engine the starter is a right pain to replace.
Might also check the connector at the crankshaft position sensor, and give the wiring to it a look as well.
Intermittent stuff can certainly be a wire.

 

[bloc]

From memory a crank position sensor code isn’t uncommon with a starter failure, as you hit start and the ecu expects to see engine movement from that sensor, but doesn’t get any.

Then when the starter finally works it might end up in limp mode.

It is atypical but not unheard of for a failing Toyota starter to keep working intermittently for so long.. they usually click once or twice then just stop. So I’d say you are on borrowed time.

I’d still verify good battery health, battery terminal and cable condition, etc.. so that the starter’s job isn’t any harder than it needs to be. But it sure seems like a starter is in your future.

 

[David Ruiz]

Thank you so very much for the replies. I was already thinking the starter was the problem but wanted to have someone else's opinion. The issue has been going on for about five months now so I think I should really get on that starter.

Thanks again,

David

 

[grinchy]

This is reminding me of a no crank I had a while ago. I did get a CPS error. That turned out to be a low battery situation. Maybe check your battery terminals for a loose post or clamp.

 

[bloc]

This is reminding me of a no crank I had a while ago. I did get a CPS error. That turned out to be a low battery situation. Maybe check your battery terminals for a loose post or clamp.

I agree, especially if it’s been going for months. That would be atypical for our starters.

 

[David Ruiz]

I wanted to give an update on this issue. It turned out that it was not the starter and the P0335 code was only a symptom of the real issue. That real issue was the batteries. I had them tested somewhere and they "looked" fine and they both showed green. I took it somewhere else to get the starter changed and they told me that they suspected the batteries and they were right.

So far, after a month with the new batteries I have not had any issues starting or with the P0335 code.

Thanks everyone for your help.

David