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DTC codes / P03xx · Ignition system and misfire / P0322

P0322Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal

P0322 means the powertrain control module (PCM) is not receiving a usable engine speed signal from the ignition or distributor circuit, so it cannot confirm that the engine is turning or how fast. The PCM sets this code when the crankshaft position or distributor reference signal is absent while the engine is cranking or running, which leaves the computer without the timing input it needs to schedule fuel and spark.

SystemPowertrain
Code typeGeneric (all makes)
SeverityHigh
Fix difficultyIntermediate
AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

  • The engine cranks but does not start, or starts and immediately stalls because the PCM has no engine speed reference.
  • The engine may start and run roughly, with the tachometer reading zero or jumping erratically while the engine is clearly turning.
  • Intermittent stalling or a no-start that comes and goes, often worse when the engine is hot or in wet conditions.
  • A hard start or long crank time before the engine catches, especially when the signal is weak rather than completely absent.
  • Often no symptoms besides the warning light if the fault is stored from a brief signal dropout that has since healed.
  • Other codes for camshaft position, crankshaft position, or ignition coil circuits may appear alongside P0322.

Common causes, most likely first

  1. A failed crankshaft position sensor or distributor pickup coil that no longer produces a clean speed signal.
  2. Damaged or corroded wiring between the sensor and the PCM, including chafed harness sections near hot exhaust parts or sharp brackets.
  3. A loose, dirty, or corroded sensor connector that interrupts the signal intermittently.
  4. A worn distributor shaft, reluctor wheel, or tone ring that distorts the air gap and drops the signal at certain speeds.
  5. Metal debris or a damaged reluctor tooth on the crank or distributor trigger wheel, which corrupts the pulse pattern.
  6. A faulty ignition control module or PCM driver circuit that fails to pass the reference signal through.
  7. A poor engine ground or low battery voltage during cranking that prevents the sensor circuit from producing a reliable signal.

How to diagnose and fix it

  1. Scan all modules and record freeze-frame data to confirm P0322 is current rather than history, and check for related cam or crank codes.
  2. Inspect the crankshaft position sensor or distributor pickup connector for corrosion, pushed pins, and loose fit, then clean and reseat it.
  3. Check the sensor air gap and reluctor wheel condition against the manufacturer's specification, looking for debris, damage, or excessive play.
  4. Measure the sensor's resistance and AC voltage output while cranking, comparing the reading to the service specification for that engine.
  5. Load-test the signal circuit from the sensor connector to the PCM with a meter or oscilloscope to find opens, shorts, or high resistance.
  6. Verify battery voltage and engine ground integrity during cranking, since a weak supply can mimic a failed speed sensor.
  7. Replace the confirmed faulty sensor, pickup coil, or distributor assembly, then clear the code and verify the engine speed reading on a scan tool.

Why this code often is not the sensor

  • A no-start with P0322 is frequently caused by a failed crankshaft position sensor, but a corroded connector or chafed harness section is just as common and costs far less to fix.
  • The code can be stored by a brief signal dropout during cranking that never returns, so a history code with a normal-running engine should be diagnosed with a wiggle test rather than parts replacement.
  • On engines with both a crank and a cam sensor, a failed cam sensor can cause the PCM to set a crank signal code if the computer uses one signal to validate the other.
  • A worn distributor shaft bushing or a loose reluctor wheel can produce a signal that looks fine at idle but drops out at higher rpm, which a simple resistance check will not reveal.
  • Low battery voltage during cranking is a classic misdiagnosis trap because the sensor cannot generate a clean pulse when supply voltage sags, so always load-test the battery first.

Can I keep driving with P0322?

Do not drive the vehicle if it cranks without starting or stalls repeatedly, because a missing engine speed signal can leave you stranded or cause a sudden shutdown in traffic. If the engine runs normally and only the warning light is on, keep the trip short and avoid high speeds until the circuit is inspected.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for all OBD-II vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.

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