Timing and crank/cam sensorsGeneric OBD-II codeUrgency: Garage soon
Code P0321: engine speed signal (ignition): range
P0321 means: ignition or distributor engine speed input circuit: range or performance.[1][2] The ECU receives an engine speed signal from the ignition or distributor that is outside the expected range. That signal comes from the crankshaft sensor, the camshaft sensor or a pickup coil in the distributor. It is considered an electrical fault in the circuit.[1][2]
What code P0321 means
The ECU receives an engine speed signal from the ignition or distributor that is outside the expected range. That signal comes from the crankshaft sensor, the camshaft sensor or a pickup coil in the distributor. It is considered an electrical fault in the circuit.[1][2]
It applies to petrol engines; OBD-Codes.com cites Audi, Mazda, Mercedes and VW. It often appears alongside other codes that help locate the cause.[1][2]
P0322 is the same circuit with no signal or low voltage, and is covered on this page.[1][2]
Original definition (SAE J2012): Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/Performance[1][2]
Codes from the same family
They indicate the same problem in a specific cylinder, bank or sensor. Causes, symptoms and diagnosis are those on this page.
Causes of P0321 and its family
From most to least likely, according to the sources.
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on.[1][2]Engine warning light: faults that cause it
- Loss of power and pull.[1][2]Less power: faults that cause it
- The engine turns over but does not start.[1]Hard to start: faults that cause it
- Misfires, hesitation and jerking.[1]Jerking: faults that cause it
How to diagnose P0321
In order: from the most likely and cheapest to check to the most expensive.
- 1Look for the manufacturer's technical service bulletins for your model: it may be a known fault with an official fix.[1]
- 2Clear the code and do a road test; investigate further only if it comes back.[2]
- 3Visually inspect the sensor's wiring and connectors: chafing, burns, corrosion.[1]
- 4Measure the sensor's supply, signal and ground with a multimeter according to its type (Hall effect or magnetic pickup).[1]
- 5Replace the sensor only when the circuit is in good condition.[1][2]
Can I keep driving with P0321?
Garage soon
CarWiki says you can keep driving with restrictions, but the sensor may stop giving a signal and leave the car unable to start.[1][2]
Documented faults related to P0321
Known faults of specific engines and cars, with their repair cost, the affected years and their sources.
Engine sensors: the most serious faults by engine and car
- High severityFrequency: Occasional2.0 DTI and 2.2 DTIVP44 injection pump and air mass meter failureGerman Wikipedia documents recurring failures of the Bosch VP44 injection pump and the air mass meter in the early years of this engine. An owner testimony for this engine describes the pump being replaced at 192,500 km, at a cost the owner calls «prohibitive».
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 TDIClogged particulate filter or faulty pressure sensorThe 2.0 TDI's particulate filter clogs if the car mostly makes short journeys, because it never gets to regenerate; sometimes the fault is just the differential pressure sensor. Cleaning it costs around €200 and replacing it, €800 to €3,000.Repair (garage): €800–€3,000
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 8vCrankshaft position sensor failure (TDC sensor)The crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH, or TDC sensor) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for the Clio II, the Kangoo I and the Dacia Logan I with this engine, with hard cold starting or stalling as the main symptoms. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 and 1.6 16vCrankshaft position sensor failureThe crankshaft position sensor (capteur PMH) appears repeatedly in the reliability sources for almost every generation with this engine, with hard cold starting, stalling or the car cutting out unexpectedly. It is a cheap part, but the failure can leave you stranded.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with code P0321?
CarWiki says it is possible with restrictions. Even so, if the engine loses power or misfires, take the car to a garage.[2]
What is the difference between P0321 and P0322?
P0321 is an out-of-range signal; P0322 indicates no signal. CarWiki adds that with P0322 continuing to drive is not recommended.[1][2]
Is it always a broken sensor?
No. OBD-Codes.com points out that the connections are the most likely culprit, and that the sensor is tested after checking the circuit.[1]
Will I pass the MOT with code P0321?
If the code has switched on the engine warning light, no: with that light on, the inspection records a serious defect, and on Euro 5 and Euro 6 cars the ITV (Spain's roadworthiness inspection, similar to the MOT) also reads the OBD diagnostic system. Repair the fault before you go; clearing the code just before the inspection does not help either, because it counts as a serious defect.[3]
Not sure what is wrong with your car? Describe what you notice in the symptom diagnosis or see all fault codes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- P0321 Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Range/Performance (copia en Internet Archive)OBD-Codes.com · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026
- OBD Fehlercode P0321CarWiki · Technical documentation · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German
- Desmontando mitos: ¿puede pasar mi coche la ITV con el testigo de «avería motor» encendido?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 8 March 2021 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish