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1996 Chevy Lumina P0336 Code: Crankshaft Position Sensor Issue - Which Sensor Is A or B?

Model: 96 Chevy Lumina Fault Code: P0336 Posted: 2012-12-30 20:06

I own a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina 4-door sedan with a 3.1L V6 engine and am currently experiencing the P0336 diagnostic trouble code (DTC). After noticing that wiggling the wires connected to the crankshaft sensor behind the pulley caused the engine to stall, I assumed the issue was with the crank position sensor. I replaced the sensor this weekend, but the P0336 code has returned. My Haynes manual mentions there are two crankshaft position sensors — one mounted on the damper (24x) and another located lower in the engine block (7x). I'm unsure if I installed the correct sensor. I also replaced the spark plugs last weekend, which improved starting performance and made the vehicle run smoother (currently at 141,000 miles). The car starts instantly now. However, I cannot detect any noticeable performance degradation. My question is: Which of these two sensors corresponds to sensor A or B as referenced in codes like P0385–P0389? Did I replace the wrong one? I have a basic $50 OBD2 scanner that can only perform code reading and clearing. I cleared the P0336 code, but it returns after a short period. Additionally, wiggling the wires no longer causes any issues — in fact, the engine will start even with the connector unplugged (the one behind the crankshaft pulley). This suggests that either the sensor is faulty or there's another underlying issue. Thanks for your help! Wyr God bless

Related fault codes
P0336
Comments (2)
Anonymous 2012-12-31 09:18

There are two crankshaft position sensors: one mounted on the damper (24x) and one located in the lower engine block (7x). Can you scan to retrieve freeze frame data and specific codes such as P1374? Did you clear the DTCs after replacement? Does wiggling the wires still cause a stall or misfire? Note: Sensor B is typically referenced in P0385–P0-389 codes, and it's located on the engine block. Testing with an ohmmeter can confirm functionality.

Anonymous 2012-12-31 19:40

Thanks for the clarification — I finally found the sensor on the engine block. After testing, it reads 1044 ohms, which appears to be within acceptable range. This confirms it is Sensor B as referenced in P0385–P0389. I have a $50 OBD2 scanner that only supports code reading and clearing. I did clear the P0336 code, but it returns after a short time. Yes, I cleared the codes — they come back shortly afterward. Wiggling the wires no longer causes any issues; in fact, the engine starts even with the connector unplugged (the one behind the crankshaft pulley). This suggests that the sensor connected to the damper (Sensor A) may be faulty or not properly installed. I couldn’t find P1374 listed in my scanner’s manual — it might be a code specific to certain models or years. Still, I appreciate your guidance! Thanks again, Wyr God bless