Ok i made a post about a stratus that wouldnt start..... so i tested the computer and got a error code.. the code it gave me was cam shaft psotion sensor had failed.... now before i go buy one for who know how much money... i was wondering if anyone here knew if that could be what is keeping the car from running....

also i should add that the car sounds like its trying to start and is backfiring out of the throttle body.... it also has a new distrubuter but ran since that was put in

 

the camshaft position sensor WOULD cause it not to run...if you have a scanner, i would trust it...

 

with the 95 through mid97 you can get the error codes without a scanner



i quote "When an fault with your car is detected it stores the fault in it's internal EEPROM. Normally, you have to take your car to a dealer to have the problem diagnosed.
Thanks to Chryslers, the codes can be displayed with a few simple turns of the ignition key. Although the codes listed will help you diagnose a problem with your car, they do not allow for complete diagnosis and/or also may not even be the actual problem.

For complete diagnosis you will require a scan tool and a service manual. I can't stress enough the help that the service manual provides for problem diagnosis. Everyone should own a service manual if they are planning to do any work on their car.

To check the PCM codes, insert the key into the ignition and switch the key ON-OFF-ON-OFF-ON within a 5 sec. time period. Then count the Engine light flashes. The number of flashes represents the trouble code. There is a slight pause between the flashes representing the first and second digits of the code. Longer pauses separate indivdual trouble codes. All codes will end with 55 which signifies End of Codes / No detected failure.

Please note, this procedure only works with vehicles from 1995 to mid year 1997. If you own a 1998+ you will need to get a scan tool, or have a shop do a scan. Some parts companies will do scans for free." from another wesite


and these are the 3 codes i got

12 direct power input to the PCM has been disconnected within the last 50 key-on cycles Check for loose battery cables. Normal after PCM reset

with makes sense cause the battery was flat dead when i got there cause of the alarm being on

and i got this code

54 PO340 01 No cam signal at PCM camshaft position sensor connector and sensor


witch lead my to ask you about he cam shat postion sensor

and i got

55 End of error messages (if this code is the only one indicated, no errors were encountered)

and thats it

so hopefully if i change that she will run again

thanx alot for you help

 

right, i am aware of the self scanning codes thing...

if it ran at all i would suggest taking it somewhere that offers a free scan, but thats out, so i guess that your best bet would be to replace the CPS....i worked at a dodge dealership for a while, and i know that we did go through quite a few of them.

 

If it backfires, that means it is getting spark, which would pretty much rule out a cam sensor I think. Remember, they usually won't take back electronic parts, so make sure that is your problem before purchasing one. Maybe try plugs and wires first and work from there.

 

if it is backfiring is does mean that there is spark, but not at the correct points in the piston movement, which could be a cam position sensor, or (i think there is a ) crank position sensor.

 

yah its sputtering out the throttle body... with means timming and since the computer is giving a code directly related to timing it sounds like this is it... its just i can belive that , that one sensor would make it stop working..... but i guess i can see it.. i drive a 5.0L mustang and i have ahad sensor trouble with that thing that lead to 0 horsepower.... alteast before my engine was saved by the wonders of ederbrock feul injection


thanx for your help here folks.... i really apprciate it... when i replace the sensor today ill be back and let you know how it went