P0335 on a 2017 Ford Escape
Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit Fault
P0335 on a 2017 Ford Escape indicates crankshaft position sensor circuit fault. Stop driving and diagnose it before continuing — it can signal an unsafe condition. The most common cause is failed crankshaft position sensor (heat-related failure) (typically $100–$400). Confirm the root cause before replacing parts.
What does P0335 mean on a 2017 Ford Escape?
P0335 is set when the engine control module does not receive a valid signal from the crankshaft position sensor. The crank sensor is the primary timing reference for the entire engine — fuel injection, ignition timing, and cam position correlation all depend on a clean crank signal. Without it, the engine will not start, or it will stall as soon as the signal drops out.
This guide covers P0335 across the 2015-2019 Ford Escape generation — the symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps below apply to every model year from 2015 through 2019.
Is it safe to drive a 2017 Ford Escape with P0335?
No. P0335 is a critical-severity code on the 2017 Ford Escape — avoid driving until it is diagnosed and repaired, as it can indicate an unsafe condition or risk further damage.
What are the symptoms of P0335 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
- Check Engine Light is illuminated
- Engine cranks but will not start
- Intermittent stalling that worsens with engine heat
- Hard starting after a long drive (heat-soak failure)
- Sudden stalling at highway speed with restart difficulty
- Tachometer reads zero or fluctuates while running
- Hard cold start with extended crank time
What causes P0335 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Failed crankshaft position sensor (heat-related failure) Heat-soak failure pattern is the textbook P0335 — fails when hot, recovers when cold. | Most common | $100–$400 |
| Damaged or melted sensor wiring near the exhaust | Common | $80–$350 |
| Corroded crank sensor connector | Common | $30–$200 |
| Damaged crank reluctor / tone ring (rare, requires teardown) | Rare | $1,500–$4,000 |
| Loose or improperly torqued sensor (cannot read gap correctly) | Occasional | $20–$100 |
| Failed PCM input (rare) | Rare | $400–$1,500 |
How to diagnose this on a 2017 Ford Escape
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Confirm the engine cranks but doesn't fire
P0335 typically presents as a crank-no-start. Confirm by cranking — the engine should rotate normally but never fire. If the engine fires intermittently, the sensor may be marginal; if it never fires, the sensor or wiring is fully out.
Tools: Common observation
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Locate the sensor on the engine
Crank sensors are typically mounted on the timing cover (front of engine), the bell housing (rear of engine), or on the side of the block. Consult the service manual. Most are accessible from underneath with a basic socket set.
Tools: Vehicle-specific service information
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Inspect wiring and connector
The sensor wiring routes close to the exhaust on many engines. Look for heat-damaged insulation, broken wires, or melted connectors. Sensor connectors near the firewall accumulate water and corrode — clean thoroughly.
Tools: Flashlight, Electrical contact cleaner
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Test sensor resistance and reference voltage
Most crank sensors are inductive (variable reluctance) with approximately 200–2,000 Ω resistance, or Hall-effect with a 5 V reference. Compare to the service manual. With the connector unplugged and key on, verify the 5 V reference reaches the connector (Hall-effect sensors).
Tools: Multimeter, Wiring diagram
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Heat-soak test for intermittent failures
P0335 that comes and goes with temperature is the textbook heat-soak failure pattern. Drive until the engine is hot, then attempt a restart immediately. If the engine cranks-no- starts hot and starts fine after cooling, the sensor is the cause even if cold-bench tests pass.
Tools: Patience
Known Technical Service Bulletins for the 2015-2019 Ford Escape
Manufacturers publish Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) when a known issue affects a specific vehicle. These bulletins come from the NHTSA database for your Ford Escape.
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 23, 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
NHTSA #11029052 - STRUCTURE Feb 23, 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
NHTSA #11029052 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 23, 2026
Ford and Lincoln vehicles equipped with wired keyless entry keypad systems and accessory wireless keyless entry keypad systems may or may not come with a wallet card containing the master code. Unlike the integrated wired keypad, the accessory wireless keypad master code cannot be retrieved from the vehicle using a diagnostic scan tool or from the label printed on the body control module (BCM). The Factory Keyless Entry Code application within the diagnostic scan tool will not provide an applicable master code for the accessory wireless keypad. If the wallet card for an accessory keypad is not available, the "Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide" can be referenced and provides direction on how to retrieve the master code. This guide is located under the Workshop Manual tab > Accessories > Installation > Wireless RF Keypad Diagnosis Guide > PPT C > Step C2.<br /><br /> Note: The only available keypad for some vehicles from the assembly plant is the accessory wireless keyless entry keypad. The integrated wired keypad cannot be installed on vehicles not equipped from the factory with a wired keyless entry k
NHTSA #11029052 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 26, 2025
This article supersedes TSB 24-2165 to update the TSB Service Procedure. Some vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit various SYNC performance related concerns including but not limited to: Display operation concerns Navigation inoperative Voice recognition concerns Phone connection issues Dropped phone connections Applink related performance Travel Link not present or showing incorrect traffic Slow system response NOTE: Ford has found some of the APIMs replaced and returned for inspection contained an outdated software level and the APIM did not require replacement. The customer concern may have been resolved by updating the APIM with latest level of software. The SYNC 3 universal thumb drive will be able to update the APIM software without the use of a scan tool and does not require the process to be monitored. Ford will be monitoring APIM replacements to confirm TSB directed software updates have been performed.
NHTSA #11025837 - POWER TRAIN Nov 11, 2025
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
NHTSA #11025611 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 11, 2025
Some 2015-2021 Ford and Lincoln vehicles may exhibit an illuminated MIL with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0011, P0012, P0014, P0015, P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0021, P0022, P0024 and/or P0025. Pinpoint test HK in the Powertrain Control and Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) or in Section 303-14 of the Workshop Manual (WSM) has been updated to address this concern.
NHTSA #11025611
+14 more TSBs available in MECH AI's TSB explorer for this vehicle.
NHTSA complaints & recalls for the 2017 Ford Escape
Owner-reported safety complaints and official recalls filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2017 Ford Escape. Use these to gauge how common a problem is on your specific vehicle before you start chasing Ford Escape diagnostics.
- ENGINE 1476
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 498
- POWER TRAIN 374
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 149
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER 146
3 active recalls
- VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Aug 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2017 Ford Escape Titanium and SE vehicles manufactured October 5, 2015, to May 12, 2016. The settings for the closing-force of the power-operated windows may allow the windows to close on an object such as a body part and…
NHTSA campaign 16V617000 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL) Jun 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.…
NHTSA campaign 22V413000 - EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ENGINE BLOCK HEATER Jan 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Focus, 2013-2019 Escape, and 2015-2016 MKC vehicles equipped with a 2.0L engine. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.…
NHTSA campaign 26V011000
How do I fix P0335 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
- Replace the crankshaft position sensor with an OEM part
- Repair damaged sensor wiring or connector
- Re-torque sensor to specification
- Replace damaged reluctor wheel (rare, major job)
About the 2015-2019 Ford Escape
The 2015-2019 Ford Escape was commonly sold with the following powertrains: 1.5L EcoBoost I3, 2.0L EcoBoost I4, 2.5L Hybrid I4. Common trims include S, SE, SEL, Titanium.
The “crank-no-start” pattern that distinguishes P0335 from no fuel / no spark
Three different no-start patterns:
- No spark, no fuel pulse — crank sensor (P0335). The engine cranks normally but the ECM never commands injectors or coils because it has no timing reference.
- Fuel but no spark — ignition system. Coils or coil drivers.
- Spark but no fuel — fuel system. Pump, relay, or wiring.
A scan tool can confirm P0335 by reading the crank RPM PID during cranking — it should report the cranking RPM (typically 150–300 RPM). If it reports zero or doesn’t update, the crank signal is the problem.
Heat-soak failure: the most frustrating intermittent
A failing crank sensor often works perfectly cold and fails after the engine reaches operating temperature. The pattern owners describe: drive for 30+ minutes, stop somewhere (gas station, errand), and the car will not restart for 15-30 minutes — then starts fine. This is the crank sensor failing under heat. A new sensor is the only fix.
Replace the sensor preemptively if you see this pattern; the failure mode worsens until the vehicle will not start at all.
Why P0335 is more serious than P0340 (cam sensor)
The cam sensor is supplementary on most engines — the ECM can run on the crank signal alone in a “limp” mode. The crank sensor is not supplementary; without it the ECM has no idea where any piston is, when to fire, or even whether the engine is running. P0335 = engine off until fixed. P0340 = engine runs poorly but runs.
P0335 on a 2017 Ford Escape: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0335 mean on a 2017 Ford Escape?
P0335 is set when the engine control module does not receive a valid signal from the crankshaft position sensor. The crank sensor is the primary timing reference for the entire engine — fuel injection, ignition timing, and cam position correlation all depend on a clean crank signal. Without it, the engine will not start, or it will stall as soon as the signal drops out.
What are the symptoms of P0335 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
Check Engine Light is illuminated. Engine cranks but will not start. Intermittent stalling that worsens with engine heat. Hard starting after a long drive (heat-soak failure). Sudden stalling at highway speed with restart difficulty. Tachometer reads zero or fluctuates while running. Hard cold start with extended crank time
What causes P0335 on a 2017 Ford Escape?
Failed crankshaft position sensor (heat-related failure) (most-common). Damaged or melted sensor wiring near the exhaust (common). Corroded crank sensor connector (common). Damaged crank reluctor / tone ring (rare, requires teardown) (rare). Loose or improperly torqued sensor (cannot read gap correctly) (occasional). Failed PCM input (rare) (rare)
Is it safe to drive a 2017 Ford Escape with P0335?
No. P0335 is a critical-severity code on the 2017 Ford Escape — avoid driving until it is diagnosed and repaired, as it can indicate an unsafe condition or risk further damage.