P0322: Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal
What Does P0322 Mean?
P0322 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit No Signal. This code relates to the ignition system system. It has been reported in NHTSA complaints across 2 different vehicle models.
Engine misfires are detected by monitoring crankshaft rotational speed variations. Each cylinder's power stroke produces a characteristic acceleration pattern. When a cylinder fails to fire, the crankshaft decelerates during that cylinder's stroke. The ECM identifies which cylinder misfired and how often. P0313-P0399 codes cover extended misfire monitoring including lean misfire detection, knock-related ignition faults, and secondary ignition monitoring. A flashing check engine light during active misfires is an emergency — raw unburned fuel enters the catalytic converter, potentially destroying it.
Symptoms of P0322
- ⚠️ Check engine light on (may flash during active misfire)
- ⚠️ Engine misfiring — rough idle, stumbling, shaking
- ⚠️ Loss of power during acceleration
- ⚠️ Increased emissions and fuel consumption
- ⚠️ Catalytic converter damage if ignored
- ⚠️ Possible engine vibration at idle
Common Causes
- 🔍 Worn or fouled spark plugs
- 🔍 Faulty ignition coil
- 🔍 Vacuum leak causing lean misfire
- 🔍 Fuel injector issue (clogged, leaking, or electrical)
- 🔍 Low compression (worn rings, burned valve, head gasket)
- 🔍 Incorrect ignition timing
P0322 Reports by Year
Real Owner Reports
From NHTSA complaint database — actual owner descriptions.
"SAFETY HAZARD AND SERIOUS LIFE THREATENING SITUATION EXISTS WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY AND ESPECIALLY IN FRONT OF A SEMI TRACTOR TRAILER TRUCK DOING THE SPEED LIMIT. NUMEROUS TIMES, (12 TIMES BETWEEN 14,000 AND 15,363 MILES) THE 2016 FORD ESCAPE HAS HAD COMPLETE POWER LOSS DURING ACCELE"
— Ford Escape owner, 08/16/2017
"OWNED MY 2010 VW JETTA SPORT WAGON TDI 6SP MAN SINCE NEW. IT HAS ALWAYS HAD AN INTERMENT COUGH & SPUTTER THAT WOULD HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED OR CONDITION, BUT WAS VERY INFREQUENT AN NON-REPEATABLE. NOW HOWEVER, STARTING AT AROUND 85,000 MILES, THE COUGH AND STALL HAS BECOME MORE FREQUENT, CAUSES THE GLO"
— Volkswagen Jetta owner, 09/25/2013
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Most Reported Vehicles for P0322
Based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
| # | Vehicle | Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FORD ESCAPE | |
| 2 | VOLKSWAGEN JETTA |
Diagnostic Tips
- Check misfire counters in Mode 6 data — identifies which cylinder(s) are misfiring most
- Swap ignition coil to another cylinder — if misfire follows, coil is bad
- Check spark plugs — worn electrode, fouled with oil or carbon, cracked insulator all cause misfires
- Perform compression test on affected cylinder(s) — low compression means mechanical issue
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Replacing coils without checking spark plugs — a worn plug will kill a new coil
- ❌ Ignoring a flashing check engine light — this means severe misfire that's damaging the catalytic converter NOW
- ❌ Replacing ignition parts when the misfire is caused by a vacuum leak or low compression
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a flashing check engine light mean?
Can misfires damage my engine?
Why does my car misfire only when cold?
What To Do Next
Possible Fixes
- 🔧 Replace spark plugs
- 🔧 Replace ignition coil(s)
- 🔧 Repair vacuum leak
- 🔧 Clean or replace fuel injector
- 🔧 Engine mechanical repair (valves, rings, gasket)
-
1
Find your vehicle above
Click your make and model for real owner reports and common causes specific to your vehicle.
-
2
Check for recalls
Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. Free repairs if covered.
-
3
Get a professional diagnosis
A code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. A diagnostic ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause.