0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor Issue Solved in 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan with Shim Adjustment

I frequently search online forums when troubleshooting car issues, but I often forget which sources I consulted. To help others facing similar problems, I'm sharing my experience with a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan. The vehicle exhibited erratic idle behavior, stalling unexpectedly, refusing to exceed 2200 RPM while driving, and failing to enter reverse without immediately stalling—especially under high temperature or humidity conditions. A diagnostic scan revealed the OBD-II fault code 0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit). I initially replaced the crankshaft position sensor, but symptoms persisted. I then tried replacing the camshaft position sensor, cleaned the throttle body and idle air control (IAC) valve, checked the throttle position sensor, and verified wiring and signal integrity using a multimeter—all of which showed normal readings. Replacing the EGR valve also did not resolve the issue. After a short test drive to McDonald's, where the vehicle ran for about 15 minutes before stalling again during idling in the drive-thru, I realized the problem was likely related to sensor contact or fitment. The engine would crank but fail to start after a few seconds of operation, and it consistently died when attempting to shift into reverse. I tried resetting the powertrain control module (PCM) by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for over an hour with no improvement. A PCM replacement was suggested, but I suspected the root cause remained tied to sensor performance. The key breakthrough came when I experimented with adding a shim to the crankshaft position sensor. The original sensor came with a paper spacer, and I was told it didn't require additional shims. However, after testing a 0.032-inch (0.75 mm) shim—made from an old fastener clip found in my tool box (approximately 20–21 gauge thickness)—the vehicle's symptoms improved dramatically. After installing the shim, the car idled smoothly, maintained stable RPMs during driving, and successfully engaged reverse without stalling. The 0335 code no longer appeared. While I cannot confirm if this solution applies to every similar case, it is a simple, low-cost fix that may help others experiencing intermittent engine stalling and OBD-II code 0335 on their 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan.