P0321 Ignition / Distributor Motor Speed ​​Range / Performance Input Circuit

OBD-II Trouble Code - P0321 - Data Sheet

P0321 - Ignition Engine/Distributor Speed ​​Input Circuit Range/Performance

What does trouble code P0321 mean?

This Generic Transmission / Engine DTC usually applies to all spark ignition engines, including but not limited to certain Audi, Mazda, Mercedes, and VW vehicles.

The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor transmits information about the crankshaft position or crankshaft timing to the transmission control module or PCM. This information is usually used for engine rpm. A camshaft position (CMP) sensor tells the PCM the exact location of the camshaft, camshaft timing, or distributor timing.

Whenever an electrical problem occurs with either of these two circuits, depending on how the manufacturer wants to identify the problem, the PCM will set a code P0321. This code is considered a circuit malfunction only.

Troubleshooting steps may vary depending on the manufacturer, the type of ignition / distributor / engine speed sensor and the colors of the wires to the sensor.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0321 engine code may include:

• Fault indicator light is on
• Engine starts but won't start
• Misfire, Hesitation, Stumbling, Lack of Power
• The engine will stall or not start if the fault is present.
• The engine will misfire and may twitch or twitch while driving due to an intermittent connection.

Causes of the P0321 code

Possible reasons for setting this code:

• Open in the control circuit (ground circuit) between the ignition / distributor / engine speed sensor and the PCM
• Open in the power circuit between the ignition / distributor / engine speed sensor and the PCM
• Short circuit on weight in the power supply circuit of the ignition sensor / distributor / engine speed
• Malfunction of ignition / distributor / engine speed sensor
• PCM may have crashed (unlikely)
• The engine speed sensor is open or shorted internally, which may cause the engine to stop or not start.
• The wiring or connection to the speed sensor intermittently shorts or loses connection.

Diagnostic and repair procedures

A good starting point is always to check the Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) for your particular vehicle. Your problem may be a known issue with a known manufacturer-released fix and could save you time and money while troubleshooting.

Then find the ignition / distributor / engine speed sensor on your specific vehicle. This could be a crank sensor / cam sensor; it could be a take-up coil / sensor inside the valve; it could even be a wire from the coil to the PCM to test the ignition system. Once detected, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for scratches, scuffs, exposed wires, burn marks, or molten plastic. Disconnect the connectors and carefully inspect the terminals (metal parts) inside the connectors. See if they look burnt or have a green tint indicating corrosion. If you need to clean the terminals, use an electrical contact cleaner and a plastic bristle brush. Allow to dry and apply electrical grease where the terminals touch.

Depending on the vehicle, the most likely reason for installing a P0321 is a bad connection / updated ignition system parts. This is why the search for TSB on your vehicle may not be emphasized enough.

If you have a scan tool, clear the DTCs from memory and see if P0321 returns. If this is not the case, then there is most likely a connection problem.

If the P0321 code does return, we will need to test the sensor and associated circuits. The next steps will depend on the type of sensor: Hall effect or magnetic pickup. You can usually tell which one you have by the number of wires coming from the sensor. If there are 3 wires from the sensor, this is a Hall sensor. If it has 2 wires, it will be a magnetic pickup type sensor.

If it is a Hall sensor, disconnect the harness going to the camshaft and crankshaft position sensors. Use a digital volt ohmmeter (DVOM) to check the 5V power supply circuit going to each sensor to make sure it is on (red wire to 5V power supply circuit, black wire to good ground). If the sensor does not have 5 volts, repair the wiring from the PCM to the sensor or possibly a faulty PCM.

If this is normal, with the DVOM, make sure you have 5V on each signal circuit going to each sensor to make sure it has a signal circuit (red wire to sensor signal circuit, black wire to good ground). If the sensor does not have 5 volts, repair the wiring from the PCM to the sensor or possibly a faulty PCM.

If everything is in order, check that each sensor is properly grounded. Connect a test lamp to 12 V and touch the other end of the test lamp to the ground circuit leading to each sensor. If the test lamp does not light up, it indicates a faulty circuit. If it does light up, wiggle the wire harness going to each sensor to see if the test lamp blinks, indicating an intermittent connection.

If it's a magnetic pickup style pickup, we can test the pickup itself to make sure it's working as expected. We'll test it for: 1) resistance 2) AC output voltage 3) short to ground.

With the sensor disconnected, connect the two ohmmeter wires to the 2 terminals of the camshaft / crankshaft position sensor. Read the resistance in ohms and compare it to the specifications for your car: typically 750-2000 ohms. While still energized, disconnect lead 1 of the ohmmeter from the sensor and connect it to a good earth ground on the vehicle. If you get any resistance reading other than infinity or OL, the sensor has an internal short to ground. Do not touch the metal part of the leads with your fingers, as this may affect your readings.

Connect the two leads of the DVOM to the 2 terminals of the camshaft/crankshaft position sensor. Set the meter to read AC voltage. When checking the motor, check the AC output voltage at the DVOM. Compare with your vehicle manufacturer's specifications. A good rule of thumb is 5VAC.

If all tests have passed so far and you keep getting the P0321 code, it most likely indicates a faulty ignition / distributor / engine speed sensor, although the failed PCM cannot be ruled out until the sensor is replaced. In some cases, after replacing a sensor, it needs to be calibrated according to the PCM for correct operation.

If you are unsure, seek help from a qualified automotive diagnostician. To install correctly, the PCM must be programmed or calibrated for the vehicle.

How does a mechanic diagnose a P0321 code?

• Scans codes and documents freeze frame data to confirm problem.
• Clears engine and ETC codes and does road tests to see if the problem returns.
• Visually inspects wiring and connections to engine speed sensor for loose or damaged wiring connections.
• Disconnects and tests signal resistance and voltage from crankshaft speed sensor.
• Checks for corrosion in sensor connections.
• Checks the sensor wheel for breakage or damage.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing Code P0321

• Failure to check the engine speed sensor air gap for intermittent failures or loss of signal.
• Failure to repair an oil leak at the sensor before replacing the sensor.

How serious is the P0321 code?

• A faulty engine speed sensor will cause the engine to stall or not start at all.
• An intermittent engine speed signal from the sensor can cause the engine to run rough, stall, jerk, or misfire while driving.

What repairs can fix code P0321?

• Replacing a faulty engine speed sensor.
• Replacing a broken brake ring on a crankshaft or damper.
• Repair of rusted engine speed sensor connections.

Additional comments to consider regarding code P0321

Code P0321 is set when the engine speed sensor does not generate a signal to keep the engine running.

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NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.