P0371 – Timing reference, high resolution signal A -too many pulses

By Reinier (Contact Me)
Last Updated 2016-04-01
Automobile Repair Shop Owner

Table of Contents

1. What Does Code P0371 Mean?
2. What are the common causes of code P0371 ?
3. What are the symptoms of code P0371 ?
4. How do you troubleshoot code P0371 ?
5. Codes Related to P0371
6. Get Help with P0371

What Does Code P0371 Mean?

OBD fault code P0371 is defined as “Timing Reference High Resolution Signal “A” – Too Many Pulses”, and can be set either when the Crank Position Sensor, also sometimes known as the Crank Angle Sensor fails, or when something interferes with, or changes the pattern and /or arrangement of the reluctor ring that works in conjunction with the sensor, thereby causing too many ignition/fuel injection pulses to be generated.

Crank Position Sensors come in two types; one type that has only two wires leading out of it, and a second type that has three wires. This is important to remember during testing, since the two-wire type produces am analog signal that can only be tested in AC Volts, while the three-wire type, known as Hall-effect sensors, produce a digital DC Volt signal that can only be tested in DC Volts, or in Hertz Frequency mode. One of the wires on three-wire type sensors supply the sensor with power(which two-wire types do not have), that can be either 9-, or 12 Volts. The section on troubleshooting provides more info on what each wire does.

Both types of Crank Position Sensor work by generating a magnetic field that is interrupted by the reluctor ring the sensor is mounted close to. The interruption of the magnetic field is what generates the signal that is used to generate an ignition spark, as well as a signal to the ECU to activate the fuel injection system. All reluctor rings on all engines have a gap that spans the width of two teeth that serves as a reference to indicate when cylinder #1 is at top dead centre. This reference serves as the basis for all other signals that regulate the smooth and efficient operation of the engine.

The image above shows a typical Crank Position Sensor, and its position relative to the reluctor ring that works in conjunction with it. Note that the reluctor ring is not always located outside the engine, as it is on this Ford engine. In many cases, especially on GM products, the wheel is located inside the crank case and can only be accessed by removing the oil pan, although the Crank Position Sensor itself may be accessible from outside the engine. Also note the small air gap between the sensor and the teeth on the wheel; this gap is crucial to the correct functioning of the sensor.

In this particular application, the sensor is capable of some adjustment by virtue of the slotted mounting holes. Moving the sensor upward in the direction of the engine’s rotation will retard the ignition timing, while moving it downward against the engine’s rotation will advance the timing.

What are the common causes of code P0371 ?

• Sensor failure

The most common cause of sensor failure is old age in the case of OEM sensors. Aftermarket sensors are rarely made to OEM specifications, meaning that such sensors can fail without warning, and for reasons that are not always obvious. Physical damage to sensors such as impacts, water ingress, and corrosion of electrical connectors is relatively rare, but not impossible, and it does happen.

• Wiring issues

Wiring that is not held down securely with clips can chafe or rub against engine components, causing possible short-, and open circuits that could prevent the ECU from receiving a signal. A short circuit in the power feed wire on three-wire sensors can also potentially destroy the ECU, so ensure that no wiring can chafe or rub against anything.

• Reluctor ring damage

Any damage to the reluctor ring and its teeth can potentially interfere with the correct functioning of the sensor. Inspect the wheel, and replace it if any damage, deformation, or visible defects are evident. Damaged teeth can “confuse” the ignition/fuel injection system, since the sensor is supplying an incorrect reading of the crankshaft’s speed.

• Magnet issues

Issues involving the magnetic field is more likely to affect vehicles where the reluctor ring in located inside the engine. Metal wear particles in the oil can collect on the sensor, and if there are enough particles sticking to the sensor, they can form a “bridge”, effectively “blinding” the sensor to the teeth on the wheel. Regular oil changes, and occasional removal and cleaning of the sensor can largely prevent this problem from occurring.

What are the symptoms of code P0371 ?

Generally speaking, the symptoms of code P0371 are much the same for all engines, although the severity of any particular symptom can vary from vehicle to vehicle. Bear in mind that some of the symptoms listed below can also be caused by foreign objects or material lodged between teeth on the reluctor ring, in which case simply cleaning out the gaps between the teeth should resolve the issue. Here are some common symptoms of code P0371-

• Hard starting or no starting

Since the Crank Position Sensor has the function of activating the fuel injection system, a failure of the sensor could cause a condition where no fuel is delivered to the cylinders. Be aware though that there are many other possible causes of this condition, and the cause of the hard starting should be sought elsewhere if the extracted fault code does not indicate a fault related to the Crank Position Sensor.

• Poor acceleration

As the engine speed increases, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) needs to make constant adjustments to the ignition mapping and fuel injection timing/duration, using the information from the Crank Position Sensor. Thus, if the ECU receives erratic, intermittent, or otherwise invalid signals, the required adjustments cannot be made, which could result in poor or uneven acceleration.

• Increased fuel consumption

Efficient, and accurate fuel injection is dependent on accurate signals from the Crank Position Sensor. When fuel is injected depends on where the pistons are during their upward movement, which is information supplied by the Crank Position Sensor. Thus, if the fuel injection system receives invalid or incorrect signals, the engine could compensate by increasing the pulse width of the injectors, which leads to poor gas mileage.

• Engine Misfires

All spark-ignited engines depend on the spark being delivered at just the right moment to run efficiently. Thus, if the Crank Position Sensor delivers the spark either too late or too early, the engine will misfire, which affects performance and fuel consumption. Incorrect spark timing can also cause rough idling, no idling, and even stalling under some conditions, such as when the engine is cold.

• Illuminated Check Engine Light

Be aware that a failed, or failing Crank Position Sensor will not necessarily trigger the Check Engine warning light, which means that a vehicle can experience one or more of the above symptoms for an extended period before the Check Engine light illuminates. An added complication is that a failed, or failing Crank Position Sensor will not always set a fault code, so if a vehicle experiences one or more of the above symptoms in the absence of an illuminated Check Engine light, the Crank Position Sensor would be a good place to start in tracing the problem.

How do you troubleshoot code P0371 ?

Bear in mind that there many possible problems in the ignition and fuel injection systems can mimic the symptoms of a failed, or failing, Crank Position Sensor so before you decide that the Crank Position Sensor is faulty, you need to confirm that the sensor is the cause of the trouble. Here is how to do it, but before you start, make sure you have a high quality digital multimeter, and a good repair manual for the vehicle ready at hand.

Step 1

Determine the type of sensor you have fitted on the vehicle. Different types require different testing methods. If you have a two-wire sensor, proceed as follows-

• Ensure that the battery is fully charged.

• Verify that all spark plugs have a spark present when the engine is cranked. An induction timing light offers an easy way to do this, since the timing light will flash every time an ignition pulse passes through each lead. On engines with pencil coils (i.e., engines without plug leads), check for the presence of a spark with a dedicated spark tester.

• If a spark is present on all cylinders, check to verify that fuel is being delivered to all injectors. However, this is not always possible due to the location of the injectors, but GENERALLY, if there is a spark there will be fuel as well. On some cars, the fuel injection system is deactivated after a few seconds if the engine does not start, so consult your manual to see if this happens on your particular car.

NOTE: An engine will not necessarily start even if there is a spark on all cylinders. In practice, even where a spark is present, it may be delivered at the wrong time, in which case the problem is more likely to involve the reluctor ring than the sensor itself.

• Next, set the multimeter to Volts AC and use the probes to pierce the wires leading from the sensor. The polarity of the wires is not important; one wire carries the generated signal to the ECU, while the other is a ground return, with the ground always supplied by either the fuel injection control module, or the ignition module. Since there is no power supply, it does not matter which wire is connected to which lead of the multimeter.

• Have an assistant crank the engine, and see if the multimeter displays a voltage reading. This reading can vary from car to car, but it should be around 1V AC. Compare the reading to the value specified in the manual.

• If there is no voltage, the sensor is defective, and it must be replaced.

• If the voltage varies, or is intermittent, check the reluctor ring for the presence of foreign material or objects. Remove all foreign material, and repeat the test. If the voltage is steady with the engine cranking, the sensor is OK, and the problem should be resolved.

• Also be sure to check the sensor mounting and securing screws/bolts. Sensors can sometimes work themselves out of their mountings, which can increase the air gap to the point where the teeth on the wheel cannot interrupt the magnetic field. Repair as required if the sensor is not held in place securely.

NOTE: As the engine cranks, a good two-wire sensor will produce about 1Volt AC; however, this reading can fluctuate from around 0.3 Volt AC, to around 1 Volt AC. This fluctuation is normal, and you should only be concerned when there is no reading at all, since this indicates a defective sensor.

WARNING: Make sure that the multimeter leads (and your hands), cannot come into contact with rotating engine parts such as fans and belts when the engine is cranked.

Step 2

• If you have three-wire type sensor, repeat the procedure outlined in Step 1 to verify that there is a spark present on all cylinders, and that fuel is being supplied to the injectors.

• Next, consult the manual to determine which wire does what. One wire will be the power supply, another will carry the generated signal to the ECU, and the remaining wire will be a ground.

NOTE: The color-coding of the wires will be different between manufacturers, so consult the manual to determine the function of each wire. The correct procedures to identify, and test the power supply and ground wires will be outlined in your manual.

Step 3

• With the engine cranking, check the power supply lead, and confirm that it carries the voltage specified in the manual. This could be 9-, or 12 Volts, depending on the car.

• If the supply voltage checks out OK, check the ground to confirm that a ground exists.

• Next, set the multimeter to Volts DC or Hertz Frequency mode, and check the signal wire while cranking the engine to confirm that a voltage is being produced. Be sure to connect the RED lead of the multimeter to the signal wire, and the BLACK lead to ground when performing this test.

• Compare the obtained reading with the value specified in the manual. If the value and the reading agree, the sensor is working properly. If there is no reading, the sensor has failed, and it must be replaced.

NOTE: As a rule of thumb, the voltage produced by a good three-wire sensor should be the same, or close to the value of its power supply. Thus, if the power supply is 9 Volts, the generated signal should be about the same. The same rule applies to sensors that have a 12 Volt power supply.

Codes Related to P0371

• P0370: Relates to Timing Reference High Resolution Signal “A”- Malfunction.    

• P0372: Relates to Timing Reference  High Resolution Signal “A” – Too Few Pulses.   

• P0373: Relates to Timing Reference High Resolution Signal “A” – Intermittent, or Erratic Pulses     

• P0374: Relates to Timing Reference High Resolution Signal “A” – No Pulses.

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