Nissan Primera P11 (1999-2000) Faulty Codes P0335 and P1336: Sudden Engine Shutdown & Startup Noise
Hello everyone. I'm experiencing a serious issue with my 1999-2000 Nissan Primera P11 wagon. The car will suddenly shut off while driving, whether in forward or reverse gear. After restarting, it runs but emits a noticeable noise coming from under the hood. Currently, when I try to start it again, the engine makes a poor rolling sound and won't crank properly. This morning, my OBD2 scanner revealed two error codes: P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Malfunction) and P1336 (CKP Sensor POS Cog Fault). I'm concerned about what might be causing this. Given the age of the vehicle, could it be related to a stretched timing chain or faulty sensor components? I've heard that older Nissan Primera models had a global recall for defective crankshaft position sensors — is this true? If so, should I contact my local dealership to check if my car was affected?
It's highly likely that the cam timing is out of phase, typically due to a stretched timing chain. When the chain stretches over time, it causes misalignment between the crankshaft and camshaft, leading the engine control unit to detect incorrect sensor readings. This often results in error codes like P033-than being reported as faulty sensors. I recently repaired a friend's Almera 1800 that exhibited exactly the same symptoms — replacing the timing chain resolved the issue completely. However, even a basic timing chain kit can cost over £100, and full replacement may exceed £1000 due to labor and parts costs. Additionally, it's important to note that the Nissan Primera (P11) model had a worldwide recall for defective crankshaft position sensors. If your vehicle was manufactured during this period, you should contact your local dealership to verify whether your car is part of the recall program.