# P0320: Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

Engine sensors - Generic OBD-II code, applies to all gasoline cars and light trucks sold in the US since 1996.

- **Typical cost:** $100-$1,800
- **Urgency:** This week
- **Most likely:** Failing crank sensor, pickup or its wiring
- **DIY?:** Steps 1-3

## Quick answer

P0320 means the engine computer has lost, or is getting an unreliable, engine speed signal from the ignition system. That signal comes from a crankshaft sensor, a pickup inside the distributor or an ignition module, depending on the vehicle. Because the computer needs it to time spark and fuel, P0320 can cause stalling, stumbling or a no-start.

## What does P0320 mean?

The engine computer needs a steady stream of pulses that show how fast the crankshaft is turning and where it is in its rotation. On older engines with a distributor, a pickup or Hall-effect sensor inside the distributor makes that signal, sometimes passed through an ignition module. On distributorless engines it usually comes from a crankshaft sensor reading a toothed wheel. Ford and some other makers use P0320 for this input, which Ford calls the profile ignition pickup, or PIP, signal. Many other makers report similar faults as P0335 instead.

The computer sets P0320 when pulses stop, drop out or arrive at a rate that makes no sense compared with other inputs, such as the camshaft sensor. Because losing engine speed is serious, the code often sets on the first occurrence. Intermittent faults are common: the signal may cut out only when hot, over bumps or in wet weather, so the freeze-frame data showing when it happened is especially valuable.

## What are the symptoms of P0320?

- Engine stalls without warning, then may restart after cooling
- Cranks but will not start
- Tachometer needle jumps around or drops to zero while driving
- Stumbling, misfire or sudden loss of power
- Check engine light on, sometimes only after the engine has stalled

## What causes P0320?

Ranked from most to least likely. Check them in this order: the cheap, common causes first.

1. **Failing crankshaft sensor or distributor pickup** (most common). The sensor that produces the speed signal lives in a hot, vibrating spot, and its internal electronics often fail with heat first. A classic pattern is stalling once the engine is fully warm, then restarting after it cools for 15 to 30 minutes. A shop watches the signal on a scope while tapping or heating the sensor.
2. **Damaged wiring or loose connector** (common). The speed sensor harness runs near exhaust parts and moving components, so it can melt, chafe or break inside the insulation. Oil leaks soaking the connector, corroded pins and a poor ground also distort the signal. Wiggling the harness with the engine idling, while watching rpm on a scan tool, often reproduces an intermittent stall on the spot.
3. **Failing ignition module** (common). On many older distributor systems, including Ford's thick-film ignition designs, the ignition module passes the speed signal to the computer. These modules can fail when heat-soaked, cutting the signal and stalling the engine. Mounting position matters; modules on the distributor body run hotter. Testing the module when hot, or swapping in a known-good one, confirms it.
4. **Damaged or dirty reluctor ring or trigger wheel** (less common). The sensor reads teeth or windows on a wheel attached to the crankshaft or distributor shaft. Bent, cracked or missing teeth, metal debris stuck to a magnetic sensor, or a loose harmonic balancer can scramble the pulses. This often follows a timing belt job, clutch work or an engine with worn distributor bushings that let the shaft wobble.
5. **Engine computer or electrical interference** (rare). Occasionally the computer input fails, or electrical noise from damaged spark plug wires, a failing alternator or a poorly installed aftermarket accessory corrupts the signal. Suspect this only when the sensor, module, wiring and grounds all test good. Checking for technical bulletins and wiring diagrams for your vehicle first can save an expensive, unnecessary computer replacement.

## How do you diagnose P0320?

1. Read all codes and freeze-frame data; note engine temperature and speed when the code set.
2. Watch rpm on a scan tool while cranking; zero rpm while cranking points to a missing speed signal.
3. Inspect the sensor or distributor connector and harness for oil, heat damage, corrosion and loose pins.
4. Wiggle the harness and tap the sensor at idle while watching rpm for dropouts.
5. Test the sensor output and the ignition module hot and cold, ideally with an oscilloscope, before replacing the computer.

## How do you fix P0320, and what does it cost?

| Fix | Typical cost | What it involves |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Replace crankshaft position sensor | $150-$450 | Easy-to-reach sensors are at the low end; some sit behind the starter or transmission. |
| Replace distributor pickup or ignition module | $150-$500 | Common fixes on older distributor-ignition vehicles. |
| Replace distributor assembly | $250-$700 | When the pickup is not sold separately or the shaft bushings are worn. |
| Repair wiring or connector | $100-$350 | Includes cleaning grounds and fixing oil-soaked plugs. |

Full price breakdowns: [crankshaft position sensor replacement cost](/cost/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement), [ignition coil replacement cost](/cost/ignition-coil-replacement).

## Is it safe to drive with P0320?

> **Drive to a shop this week.** Treat it as urgent. A lost engine speed signal can stall the engine at any time, including in traffic or on the highway, and power steering assist may drop when it does. Drive only short, low-risk trips to a shop, or tow it if it has already stalled.

## Will P0320 fail an emissions test?

P0320 turns on the check engine light, so the car fails an OBD-based emissions test in most states. A dropping speed signal can also confuse the misfire monitor and set false misfire codes. After the repair, clear the codes and drive for several days so the readiness monitors complete before returning for a test.

## After the repair: clearing P0320

Clear the code and confirm the scan tool shows a steady rpm reading while cranking and idling. Drive long enough to heat-soak the engine completely, since many speed signal faults only appear when hot, then shut it off for 15 minutes and restart. If there is no stalling, no tachometer dropout and no returning code over a week, it is fixed.

## How to prevent P0320

- Fix oil leaks that drip onto the crankshaft sensor or distributor connector.
- Have harnesses re-clipped after timing belt, clutch or starter work near the sensor.
- Replace worn spark plug wires, which can create electrical noise on older engines.
- Keep the distributor cap and rotor in good condition on older distributor engines.
- Install aftermarket remote starters and alarms only through qualified shops using proper wiring.

## Codes often seen with P0320

- [P0335](/codes/p0335): Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit
- [P0340](/codes/p0340): Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)
- [P0016](/codes/p0016): Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
- [P0300](/codes/p0300): Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- [P0351](/codes/p0351): Ignition Coil "A" Primary/Secondary Circuit

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I drive with a P0320 code?

It is risky. If the engine speed signal drops out, the engine can stall without warning, even in traffic, and steering may feel heavy when it does. Avoid highway driving and get it to a shop soon. If it has already stalled once, towing is the safer choice.

### What does P0320 mean?

P0320 means the engine computer is not getting a good engine speed signal from the ignition system. Depending on the vehicle, that signal comes from a crankshaft sensor, a pickup inside the distributor or an ignition module. Without it the computer cannot time spark and fuel properly.

### How much does it cost to fix P0320?

Most P0320 repairs cost $100 to $700 at an independent shop. A crankshaft sensor runs $150 to $450, a distributor pickup or ignition module $150 to $500 and a distributor assembly $250 to $700. Wiring repairs cost $100 to $350, and a computer replacement can reach $1,800.

### What is the difference between P0320 and P0335?

Both concern the engine speed signal, but makers use them differently. P0335 specifically names the crankshaft position sensor circuit. P0320 is a broader ignition or distributor speed input code that Ford and some others use. On many vehicles, the same sensor and wiring checks apply to both.

### Why does my car stall when hot and restart when cool?

That pattern is typical of a failing speed sensor or ignition module. Heat expands tiny cracks in the electronics, cutting the signal, and the part works again once it cools. Note the timing and tell the shop, because it helps them test the right part while it is hot.

### Can I fix P0320 myself?

Sometimes, if the sensor or module is easy to reach. Checking connectors, cleaning oil off plugs and replacing an accessible crankshaft sensor are reasonable home jobs. Testing an intermittent signal properly takes a scope, and some sensors sit behind the starter or transmission, which is easier at a shop.

### Will P0320 cause a no-start?

Yes, it can. If the computer sees no engine speed signal while cranking, it may not fire the spark plugs or injectors at all. A scan tool showing zero rpm during cranking is a strong clue that the speed signal is missing rather than a fuel or battery problem.

### Can a bad ignition module cause P0320?

Yes, especially on older distributor-ignition vehicles where the module passes the speed signal to the computer. Heat-soaked modules can cut out and stall the engine. Testing the module when hot, or swapping in a known-good unit, is the usual way to confirm it before replacing other parts.

### Will P0320 pass an emissions test?

No, a car with P0320 and the check engine light on fails an OBD-based emissions test in most states. The fault can also set false misfire codes. After the repair, clear the codes and drive for several days so all readiness monitors finish before you retest.

### Can a bad tachometer reading be related to P0320?

Yes, on many vehicles the tachometer uses the same engine speed signal. If the needle jumps or drops to zero just before a stall, the signal is cutting out. A steady tachometer while the engine stumbles points more toward fuel or spark problems than the speed sensor.

## Sources

- [SAE J2012: Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions](https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j2012_201812/)
- [EPA: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD)](https://www.epa.gov/state-and-local-transportation/vehicle-emissions-board-diagnostics-obd)

## Other engine sensors codes

- [P0307 Cylinder 7 Misfire Detected](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0307)
- [P0308 Cylinder 8 Misfire Detected](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0308)
- [P0316 Engine Misfire Detected on Startup (First 1000 Revolutions)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0316)
- [P0325 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0325)
- [P0326 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0326)
- [P0327 Knock Sensor 1 Circuit Low (Bank 1 or Single Sensor)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0327)
- [P0332 Knock Sensor 2 Circuit Low (Bank 2)](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0332)
- [P0335 Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0335)
- [P0336 Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0336)
- [P0339 Crankshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Intermittent](https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0339)

## Symptoms

- [Why does my car stall while driving?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-stalls-while-driving)
- [Why does my car crank but not start?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-cranks-but-wont-start)
- [Why does my car hesitate when I accelerate?](https://diagxcar.com/symptoms/car-hesitates-when-accelerating)

## Repair costs

- [Crankshaft position sensor replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/crankshaft-position-sensor-replacement): $150-$500
- [Ignition coil replacement cost](https://diagxcar.com/cost/ignition-coil-replacement): $150-$400

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/codes/p0320
Updated: 2026-11-03
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.