What causes fault code P0323?

• Most likely: Faulty Crankshaft Position (CKP) or Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor • Likely: Loose connection or corrosion in the sensor connector • Possible: Damaged or dirty tone ring (reluctor wheel) • Possible: Frayed or damaged wiring causing intermittent short to ground • Rare: Low battery voltage or starter motor interference (EMI) • Rare: Internal Engine Control Module (PCM) failure

Powertrain (Engine & Gearbox)Standard EOBD

P0323 - Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Intermittent

Q: What are the symptoms of fault code P0323?

• Check Engine Light illuminated • Engine stalls intermittently while driving • Hard start or long cranking times • Engine hesitation or jerking during acceleration • Tachometer bounces or drops to zero erratically

Q: How do you fix fault code P0323?

STEP 1: Inspect connectors at the CKP/CMP sensor for oil contamination, moisture, or corrosion. Clean as necessary. STEP 2: Perform a resistance test on the sensor (typically 500-1500 Ohms depending on specs). Verify 5V/12V reference voltage and ground integrity. STEP 3: Use an oscilloscope to monitor the signal waveform while the engine is running or cranking. Look for missing pulses or erratic voltage spikes. STEP 4: Inspect the tone ring through the sensor port for damaged teeth, debris, or excessive magnetic particles. STEP 5: Replace sensor if faulty, preferably with an OEM component to ensure signal frequency matching.

Last updated:1 February 2026

Related:Crankshaft Position Sensor, Camshaft Position Sensor, Reluktanshjul, Wiring Harness, Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

System

Powertrain (Engine & Gearbox)

Related Fault Codes

P0300

Random or Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

P0301

Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected

P0302

Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

P0303

Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

Technical Description

P0323 is stored when the Engine Control Module (ECM) detects an erratic, unstable, or intermittent signal from the Crankshaft Position (CKP) or Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor. Unlike P0322 which indicates a total loss of signal, P0323 points to a signal that is momentarily lost or plagued by electrical interference (noise). The ECM relies on this signal to determine engine RPM and precise piston position for fuel injection and ignition spark. If the signal is inconsistent for a predetermined duration, the ECU loses sync and sets this DTC.

Possible Causes

Faulty Crankshaft Position (CKP) or Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor

Loose connection or corrosion in the sensor connector

Damaged or dirty tone ring (reluctor wheel)

Frayed or damaged wiring causing intermittent short to ground

Low battery voltage or starter motor interference (EMI)

Internal Engine Control Module (PCM) failure

Symptoms

Check Engine Light illuminated

Engine stalls intermittently while driving

Hard start or long cranking times

Engine hesitation or jerking during acceleration

Tachometer bounces or drops to zero erratically

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P0323 - Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Intermittent

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P0323 - Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Intermittent

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