P0322: Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Low (No Signal)
Severity: high
What it means: The computer got a low or missing signal from the engine speed sensor (crank sensor). Without it, the engine may not start or may stall.
Safe to drive? Not reliably. The engine can stall or refuse to start. Get it checked before long trips.
Common symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Stalling or no-start
- Tachometer dropping out
- Rough running
Likely causes, ranked
- Faulty engine speed (crank) sensorShop
- Damaged wiring or connector to the sensorDIY
- Damaged reluctor (tone) ringShop
- Side effect of a stall from another causeShop
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Vehicle-specific notes
- 1993–2003 Volkswagen Eurovan: A 2003 Eurovan VR6 owner's van died while driving and would then start and die after about 4 seconds. VAG-COM showed 8 intermittent faults, including P1570, P1649, P1198, P0322, P0321 and P0441. The owner reported a new fuel pump fixed it, so several of these codes were side effects of the stall. Read the full answer · Source
DIY or shop?
Checking the connector and wiring is DIY. Sensor access varies; on many engines it's shop work.
Before you replace parts
- If several codes appeared at once right after a stall, fix the stall first. One Eurovan's list of codes went away with a new fuel pump.
- Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data, not just this one.
- Check your VIN for recalls, service bulletins and extended coverage.
- Inspect wiring and connectors for the related sensor or part before buying parts.
- Clear the code only after a repair, then confirm it stays off.
Safety / mechanic note
Verify with a mechanic. Stalling in traffic is a crash risk. A code points to a circuit or system, not always a specific part.
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