P0320 originally covered the engine speed signal from the distributor or ignition module to the engine module (early OBD II); today Ford's engine module evaluates the crankshaft sensor directly and uses this code for it. Ford checks continuously from 200–500 rpm and sets it within 5 s when the number of teeth after the gap is wrong, the tooth time is implausible (below 30 or above 9,000 rpm) or the gap appears in the wrong place; fuel and spark are then cut briefly to resynchronise, and on electronic throttle P2106 limits power. Some Ford engines use P0339 instead. Typical causes are a faulty crankshaft sensor, interference in the wiring or a damaged tone wheel.
Medium severity. Can I keep driving?Drive as little as possible. If you feel jerking or the light flashes, stop: a misfire can damage the catalytic converter.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Engine dies or stumbles briefly
- Starting problems, tachometer twitching
- Reduced power on electronic throttle (Ford P2106)
Most likely causes
- Crankshaft or distributor speed sensor faulty or wrong air gap
- Wiring, connector or shielding disturbed (loose contact, interference from ignition or radios)
- Tone wheel damaged or dirty (missing tooth, metal chips)
- Ignition module faulty on older vehicles
- Engine module faulty
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- Repair difficulty: medium
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0320 means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- 3: Ignition and misfires
- 20: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0320?
Drive as little as possible. If you feel jerking or the light flashes, stop: a misfire can damage the catalytic converter.
What causes code P0320?
The most common causes are: crankshaft or distributor speed sensor faulty or wrong air gap; wiring, connector or shielding disturbed (loose contact, interference from ignition or radios); tone wheel damaged or dirty (missing tooth, metal chips).
Related codes
- P0322Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal
- P0335Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit
- P0336Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
- P0339Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
- P0340Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Bank 1 or Single Sensor
- P2106Throttle Actuator Control System - Forced Limited Power
Sources
- newtonnet.co.uk: fordobd2012
- fordservicecontent.com: OBD Operations Summary Gasoline 2020 2023
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.