P0322 Engine Ignition/Distributor Input Circuit Low Voltage

P0322 – OBD-II Trouble Code Technical Description

Engine Speed/Distributor Input Circuit Low Voltage

What does the fault code mean P0322?

This common transmission/engine DTC applies to all spark ignition engines including Audi, Mazda, Mercedes and VW. The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor provides crankshaft position information to the powertrain control module, or PCM, typically used to determine engine speed.

The camshaft position (CMP) sensor tells the PCM the location of the camshaft or the timing of the distributor. When the voltage drops below a set level in one of these circuits, the PCM sets code P0322. This code only indicates an electrical fault and the corrective action may vary depending on the manufacturer, the type of ignition/distributor/engine speed sensor, and the color of the wires connected to the sensor.

Possible reasons

Possible reasons for setting this code include:

1. Open in the control circuit (ground circuit) between the ignition/distributor/engine speed sensor and the PCM.
2. An open circuit in the power supply between the ignition/distributor/engine speed sensor and the PCM.
3. Short circuit to ground in the power supply circuit to the ignition/distributor/engine speed sensor.
4. The ignition/distributor/engine frequency sensor is faulty.
5. The ignition speed sensor/engine distributor is faulty.
6. Damaged or shorted engine speed sensor/ignition wiring harness.
7. Poor electrical circuit of the engine speed sensor/ignition distributor.
8. Low battery level.
9. A rare occurrence: a faulty engine control module (ECM).

Please note that in most cases the crankshaft and distributor are not misaligned and other problems can cause this code. The most common ones are:

1. Corrosion or damage to the crankshaft position sensor wiring or connections.
2. Malfunction of the crankshaft position sensor.
3. Malfunction of the camshaft position sensor.
4. Malfunction of the distributor position sensor.
5. Damaged or faulty dispenser.
6. Low battery level.
7. A rare occurrence: a faulty PCM (engine control module).

What are the symptoms of a fault code? P0322?

Symptoms of a P0322 engine code may include:

• Engine fault light is on.
• Trouble starting or idling the engine.
• Difficult or impossible to start the car.
• Engine stalling during acceleration and lack of power.
• A stalled engine that cannot be restarted.

In some cases, the only symptom may be an illuminated check engine light, but if the underlying problem is not addressed, the situation may worsen over time.

How to diagnose a fault code P0322?

To diagnose code P0322, you can follow these steps:

1. Check for technical service bulletins (TSBs) for your specific vehicle to identify known problems and solutions that can save time and money.
2. Locate the ignition/distributor/engine speed sensor on your vehicle. It could be the crankshaft/camshaft sensor, the pickup coil/sensor inside the distributor, or a wire connected to the ignition system.
3. Inspect connectors and wiring for damage, corrosion, or breaks. Clean connector terminals if necessary and use electrical grease.
4. If you have a scan tool, clear the diagnostic codes from memory and see if the P0322 code returns. If not, there may be a problem with the connections.
5. If the P0322 code returns, test the circuits to each sensor (crankshaft/camshaft sensor) with a digital volt-ohm meter (DVOM) to ensure there is 5V power and signal circuit.
6. Check that each sensor is well grounded using a test lamp.
7. If you have a magnetic type sensor, check its resistance, AC output voltage, and short to ground.
8. If all tests pass but the P0322 code continues to appear, the ignition/distributor/engine speed sensor may be faulty and should be replaced.
9. Some vehicles may require the new sensor to be calibrated by the PCM to operate properly.
10. If you do not have experience in diagnostics, it is better to contact a qualified automotive diagnostician for proper installation and configuration.

To accurately diagnose and resolve the problem, an OBD-II scanner is also used to identify the code and conduct a visual inspection of the affected systems and components.

Diagnostic errors

If your engine is not functioning properly when the P0322 code appears, the first step is to diagnose the cause of the misfire. Otherwise, the mechanic may accidentally replace sensors or perform other repairs that will not solve the underlying misfire problem.

How serious is the fault code? P0322?

Trouble code P0322 should be taken seriously as it relates to the sensors responsible for correctly detecting ignition timing and engine position. Malfunctioning of these sensors can lead to misfire, which in turn can cause serious problems such as loss of power, check engine light, and even engine stalling in some cases.

However, the severity of the P0322 code also depends on the specific circumstances and reasons for its occurrence. In some cases, problems can be fixed relatively easily by replacing the sensors or making repairs to the electrical connections. In other situations, especially if a misfire is left unaddressed, it can cause more serious engine damage. Therefore, it is recommended that you immediately contact a qualified mechanic to diagnose and repair this problem.

What repair will help eliminate the code? P0322?

Depending on the circumstances in which the P0322 code occurred, solving the problem may include the following repair measures:

1. Repair or replace damaged wires or connectors associated with the crankshaft position sensors, camshaft position sensor and/or distributor position sensor, especially if corrosion or mechanical damage is found.
2. Repair or replace the sensors themselves, such as the camshaft position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, and/or distributor position sensor, if they are identified as the source of the problem.
3. Check and fully charge the battery, and if it is old, replace it, since a low battery charge may be associated with error P0322.
4. In rare cases, if all of the above does not resolve the problem, the engine control module (PCM) may need to be replaced.

It is important to consult a qualified mechanic for an accurate diagnosis and determine the best way to resolve the P0322 code in your specific case.

What is P0322 Engine Code [Quick Guide]

P0322 – Brand-specific information

Description of P0322 code for vehicles Volkswagen:

Trouble code P0322 is related to the ignition failure sensor, which performs several important functions in the vehicle. It is responsible for monitoring the correct operation of the spark ignition and also controls the speedometer readings. The sensor works by monitoring the voltage difference between the resistor built into the battery circuit and the ignition coil.

When the ignition coil is healthy, the electrical current flowing through the resistor is recorded as a voltage drop. The sensor monitors this event for each ignition using the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor. If the engine management system detects a sensor malfunction, it may prevent the engine from starting. This error code can occur if there is no ignition signal for one or two ignition coils during a certain cycle.