2007 Chrysler Pt Cruise Camshaft Sensor

Camshaft Sensor Faulty

Intermittent P0344 Error Code

Q: How To Ohm Test Camshaft Sensor?

Why the Error code is intermittently coming up?

A: Testing Camshaft Sensor

There isn't an ohm specification for the cam sensor to be able to test it in that way. Proper testing of the sensor would involve check it's reference voltage, pullup voltage and sensor ground and looking at it's signal with a labscope while the problem is happening.

Intermittent Camshaft Sensor Error code 

If it is setting a P0344 the powertrain control module (PCM) is seeing an erratic signal from the sensor. Possible causes are the sensor, wiring, connections, the tone magnet, and cam timing issues.

Error Code P0344 Is For Camshaft Sensor

By far the most likely cause for this code is the cam sensor itself. If you're using an aftermarket sensor then that is almost surely the cause of your problem. Aftermarket sensors have shown horrible quality and will very often set a P0344 or even a P0016 right out of the box.

Mopar Parts

If you're using a Mopar sensor and are positive the cam timing and components are ok then look toward a wiring or connection issue. You can try replacing the connector or go over the wiring, you can also try hard wiring the cam sensor circuits at least temporarily if you need to.

This details will help.

Thanks.

Chrysler TC Maserati Faulty PCM

Multiple Electrical Problems On Chrysler

Chrysler PCM Problem

Q: 91 Chrysler tc Maserati while driving, a/c shuts down,speed control quits,may go to high idle, numerous engine codes appear. let it set for 20 or 30 minutes and everything normal again.

Additional Info For Error Codes Retrieved:
the fault codes that show up are 25(short in AIS control circuit) and 35 (radiator fan relay).


A: It sounds like  problem with the powertrain control module (PCM). Everything that you are having trouble with and the fact that it sets numerous codes in the PCM makes it likely to be a PCM problem.

Why The Problem Occurs For Sometime?
PCM's will often act up when they get hot and work normally again as they cool. You may be able to run cool water over the PCM or put a fan on it to see if this helps it come back and work quicker, if this allows a shorter time until it works normally again that is a pretty good sign the problem is internal in the PCM. Water may not be the greatest thing due to the age of the car though. There is a sealing/heatsink gel in the PCM that could be dried and cracking, water may make the problem worse.

Other Possibilities:
It's possible that one of the PCM input or output circuits are shorting to power and ground and causing the issue and the codes may shed some light on what circuits are being affected by whatever is happening.

Loose ground connection Issue:
The PCM could also be suffering from a poor power or ground feed. A poor power or ground could cause all of the issues you are having. Before condemning the PCM I would definitely load test the powers and grounds at the time it is acting up.

As Per Error Code Retrieved
It wouldn't hurt to make sure the idle air control motor circuits and cooling fan relay circuits aren't shorting to power or ground at the time this is happening though. If you can prove the wiring for these two components good at the time the codes are setting then you can be confident that you have a PCM problem based on that alone.


This details will help.
Thanks.

2004 Dodge Ram 1500 Idles High

Idles High

Dodge Engine jerks into gear

Q: 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 QC SLT 4.7L automatic engine with 165,000 miles. My idle continues to fluctuate. When I come to a quick stop the engine continues to idle high. While take off  truck moves slow for a few feet then jerks into gear. Also, in park or drive it sometimes jerks into gear.

A: It is most likely  throttle position sensor (TPS) issue. 

For 2004 Dodge Ram model truck The TPS is mounted on the left side of the throttle body and tells the engine and trans controllers how far the throttle is open.

Why Such Problem Occurs:

When the sensor gets worn it will start to create small voltage spikes in it's signal and the engine controller things you are opening the throttle, so the idle can be erratic. If the voltage just stays high then so will the idle.

The trans controller also receives the TPS signal and uses it for shifting control. If the idle fluctuation and the trans symptoms started at about the same time then the TPS is likely causing the shifting issues too.

Monitoring TPS Signal:

The TPS signal can be monitored with a scan tool or lab scope. You can also try unplugging it while the idle is fluctuating, if it straightens up then replace the sensor. You can also tap on the sensor or wiggle the connector, if this has any effect on the engine then replace the sensor.

This will help.

Thanks.

Dodge Ram 350 Van Speedometer Goes Wild

Speedometer Runs Erratic

Q: 1994 Dodge Ram 350 Van. Speedometer occasionally goes wild--0 to 60 mph back and forth. then quits to 0 for an hour.

Fuel guage does not work.


A: Most probably the problem is Speed sensor or its issue with instrument cluster.The vehicle speed sensor is the most likely cause for this problem. The vehicle speed sensor is in the left rear of the transmission, hopefully this is the sensor that you have to replace. The one on the top of the rear differential is only used for ABS on these older vans.Please make sure you replace the correct sensor.

If the correct sensor is replaced and the symptoms are the same then you almost surely have a wiring problem. The sensor receives an 8v reference, a sensor ground, and has a signal wire. While it's acting up you would need to start by testing at the sensor to check the reference voltage, sensor ground and the pullup voltage on the signal wire. You should find at least one of these is missing. I would recommend at least a good visual inspection of the wiring leaving the sensor and running up to the engine compartment.

The fuel gauge could either be the fuel sender or wiring, assuming the gauge in the replacement cluster is good. Outside of a visual wiring inspection you would need to drop the fuel tank and check the sender's pullup voltage and sensor ground, if they are ok then you know the problem is the sender.

This will help.
Thanks.

Dodge Caliber ETC light comes on, the car bucks and loses acceleration

2011 Dodge Caliber ETC light comes ON

Car bucks and loses Acceleration

Q: 2011 Dodge Caliber. The ETC light comes on, the car bucks and loses acceleration.

A: This seems to be a common problem in the Caliber.

Correctly repairing the problem will require diagnosing it. There are few possibilities that can cause such problem.When the ETC light comes on it is because the powertrain control module (PCM) has seen a problem somewhere that affects it's ability to control engine RPM and it sets a fault code.

Troubleshooting has to go step by step.The first step in diagnosing the problem is seeing what fault codes are stored from there, an accurate diagnosis will most likely require some testing to be done at the time it is acting up.

As per the problem described it seems that issue is bad MAP sensor, throttle body, a vacuum leak, wiring, the PCM itself, etc. It sounds like the engine is going into limp-in, which often happens when the PCM sees a problem on either the throttle body's TPS or drive motor circuits. I've seen a handful of throttle body failures on these cars, there's a good chance that is what your car needs.

Any professional garage shop should be able to diagnose and repair the problem. If it does need a throttle body then it will most likely need to come from a dealer,because  aftermarket will not carry a replacement for throttle body.

Chrysler town and country van Power door will not open

Chrysler Power door will not open

POWER DOOR MOTOR ISSUE

Q: Power door will not open but motor runs?

The problem, if you open the door few inches and hit the button or remote it will open the door all the way but if you try and close it the motor runs but it will not close.If the door is completely closed the motor runs but the door will not open at all.

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A: As per the problem described it sounds like a motor issue. If the motor is running and the door isn't moving then it's the cable, motor or drive gear.

When you attempt to open the door does it pop off and the drive motor runs yet the door doesn't move? If you're still hearing the motor run but the door doesn't move then it would have to be a problem with the motor, it's drive cable, or the door's drive gear. 

The cable runs from the motor to the drive gear which is at the front lower support.

A cable or gear problem is unlikely, most likely the motor itself is the issue. It contains an electromagnetic clutch and a clutch plate which are most likely slipping if you can still hear the motor running but the door doesn't move.