P0320: Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Risky - ignition timing reference faults can stall the engine without warning.
Symptoms
- Intermittent stalling
- No-start episodes
- Tach needle erratic
Likely causes, most common first
- Crank position sensor or its reluctor
- Wiring between sensor and computer
- Ignition module on older designs
Read P0320 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0320 flags the ignition/distributor engine speed circuit - the timing reference every spark depends on. It overlaps P0335 territory; which code a given car sets depends on the manufacturer's wiring of the same job.
Heat-dependent failure is the classic pattern: fine cold, stalls in traffic, restarts after lunch. Treat it as a fix-now item.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0320
“Tl* the contact owns a 2004 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled but was able to restart. The check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where informed that the crank senor malfunctioned and no crank shaft sensor and provided code p0320. The contact called the local dealer precision chrysler jeep dodge ram (1341 route 23 south, butler, nj 07405,(973) 838-6808) where the contact was informed that the repairs would be at the owners expense. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted however no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 121,984”2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee · Oct 2018 · 121,984 mi
“Vehicle stalls leaving family stranded in traffic (numerous events). Dealer tested and replaced fuel rail pressure sensor and vehicle was driven home, approx 8 miles. Vehicle failed to start following morning. Based on articles and testing procedures found online, owner replaced crankshaft position sensor, vehicle started and ran for about 5 min. Engine died and produced error code p0320. Evidence of water has been detected in the pcm connector and fault has not yet been corrected. Other items replaced on vehicle; transmission, egr, fuel filter, plug wires and plugs.”2004 Mercury Monterey · Mar 2012 · 162,000 mi
“November 2009 at 50,000 miles had radiator and water pump replaced under warranty by dealer. March 2010 a recall on the transmission pcm card was installed. Had to notify dealer three times that the transmission was not functioning well, dealer rebuilt transmission. July 2010, 67000 miles the thermostat housing separated and allowed coolant to leak out with no temperature warning resulting in a blown engine. Replaced engine and we are now getting intermittent throttle fault lights along with engine speed input circuit malfunction code p0320. *tr”2006 Ford Explorer · Jul 2010 · 67,000 mi
Cars that report P0320 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0320?
Risky - ignition timing reference faults can stall the engine without warning.
How much does it cost to fix P0320?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (crank sensor) to $500 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.