P0320

Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0320?

Not really. Because this signal tells the ECM how fast the engine is turning, a fault can cause sudden stalling or leave you stranded. Diagnose it before driving far.

Q: Can I just clear P0320?

You can, but it will return — and may cause a stall — until the sensor or its wiring is repaired.

Ignition / engine speed input Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P0320 means the engine computer has a problem with the engine-speed (RPM) input signal it gets from the distributor or crankshaft pickup. This signal is essential for spark and fuel timing, so a fault can make the engine hard to start, stall, or not start at all until the sensor or its wiring is repaired.

High

Can I keep driving? Risky — this is the engine's RPM reference signal, so a fault can cause stalling or a no-start. Avoid driving far until it's diagnosed.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Hard starting, or engine won't start
Stalling or intermittent cutting out
Rough running, hesitation, or reduced power

Common causes

Most likely first

Faulty engine-speed (distributor/crank) input sensorLikely
Damaged, chafed, or shorted wiring in the signal circuitCommon
Loose or corroded connector at the sensor or ECMCommon
Failed ECM (rare — check wiring and sensor first)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data and note whether the fault is present at idle or intermittent.
Inspect the sensor connector and wiring for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
Check the sensor's air gap and mounting, and test its signal with a scan tool or scope while cranking.
Test the reference and ground circuits back to the ECM for continuity.
Replace the sensor if its signal is out of spec, then clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0320?+

Not really. Because this signal tells the ECM how fast the engine is turning, a fault can cause sudden stalling or leave you stranded. Diagnose it before driving far.

Can I just clear P0320?+

You can, but it will return — and may cause a stall — until the sensor or its wiring is repaired.

Read & clear P0320 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX