Camshaft positioning sensor

2005 DODGE STRATUS
163,000 MILES • 1.4L • 4 CYL
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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While driving she literally shuts down completely, no warning, no dummy light until she came to a complete stop. Then she wouldn't, and hasn't, started again. Starter turned, almost ruined her new battery trying. I thought maybe that I was out of gas and the gauge wasn't working properly. Had her towed home and tested via OBD? Scan tool by qualified mechanics. The scanner code was P0340, Camshaft positioning sensor. I should have asked one of them where it was located yet got sidetracked when they he's told me that I was looking at between $200.00 and $500.00 to have one of them replace it oh, kind of like a deer in headlights syndrome I guess you'd say. Figure I'm doing the rest of work on my car can't be too hard to do this. So I went and bought a new one to put in. But I don't know where it goes, Can anyone show me or tell me where it is in the car, and what tools I will need to replace it? Thank you.
Oct 3, 2021 at 2:56 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The camshaft position sensor is on the rear of the cylinder. You will need basic tools such as sockets and a ratchet.

If you look at the pics below, I attached the directions for the removal and replacement of the component. Note, under the sensor is a target magnet. If you replace the sensor and it makes no difference, remove the target magnet, and make sure the dowel pins are aligned and not broken. Information related to them is included in the directions below.

The last attachment below is a clearer picture of the sensor's location.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions or if there is something I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
Oct 3, 2021 at 9:17 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Is there a better diagram available? I'm having issues with these being blurred when I enlarge.
Oct 4, 2021 at 12:17 AM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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She is a 2.4L. SXT.
Oct 4, 2021 at 12:19 AM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Okay my next question is, is there supposed to be an O ring in this area that I find out with the screwdriver? The target magnet is also cracked the whole length of the bottom of the dowel pins to both edges of the diameter. Do I need to replace the target magnet as well?
Oct 4, 2021 at 4:00 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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There is continuity in the pigtail for the sensor, there is no continuity or resistance in the old sensor.
Oct 4, 2021 at 4:02 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Okay, so I've replaced both, to torque, still no start. what now?
Oct 4, 2021 at 6:09 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

When you say both were replaced, do you also mean the target magnet? If it is cracked, it is bad. Also, the green O-ring in the pic is the only one.

Now, if you replaced the magnet and the sensor, we need to check a couple of things. First, we need to confirm there is spark at the spark plugs. Here is a link that shows how it is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

If they have spark, I need you to try something. See if the engine starts using starting fluid. If it does start and then stall, we know it's a fuel-related issue.

Do this and let me know what you find. Also, if you have a scan tool that can read live data, let me know.

Take care,

Joe
Oct 4, 2021 at 8:10 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Thank you. Yes, I replaced both. I will check on spark and let you know. I've not done that on non- carbureted vehicles......
Oct 5, 2021 at 10:40 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Michelle,

First, you are very welcome. We need to get this up and running again. Let me know what you find with the ignition spark. Also, if it has spark, try the starting fluid, and let me know if it starts for a couple of seconds and then stalls.

Take care,

Joe
Oct 5, 2021 at 6:21 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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I'm waiting on neighbor today to do spark test.
Oct 6, 2021 at 12:01 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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I'm sorry I don't know if it got in the video or not, was wondering if the hole next to the PVC valve and the part that's missing from underneath right where the camshaft sensor was and the PVC valve, are they essential to its running?
Oct 6, 2021 at 12:08 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The pic with the PCV valve looks as though a bolt is missing. See pic 1 below and let me know if that looks like the correct position.

If there is no air coming out or a vacuum, that shouldn't prevent it from starting.

If you look at pic 2, I highlighted what I believe you are showing me in the pic you sent. Was anything removed from there? I ask because that is indicated as "if equipped" so you may not even have one.

Let me know.
Joe
Oct 6, 2021 at 6:57 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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No spark, the EGR and transducer were there when I bought the car, and they were there open until 3 days ago that I know of that's why you can see the outline of it because it was actually there. Is that important? I noticed from the book of the picture that you sent my car has a different and I sent the picture fuse and relay box main power distribution whatever it is tell my end I know that my quill wires have been changed because they were a different style that were on there as of two days ago. I'm finally able to lock the vehicle. So, I'm hoping that no more of my parts go missing and my cameras are now up and running catch whoever's been taking them.
Oct 6, 2021 at 8:18 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The EGR won't cause a no spark condition, but a crankshaft position sensor can. By any chance, do you have access to a live data scan tool? If you do, check to see if there is an RPM signal when cranking the engine.

If you don't, when the vehicle won't start, pay attention to the tachometer to see if it is moving when you crank the engine.

Now, the EGR needs to be replaced. It is an emission component, and if things are missing, it will cause a large vacuum leak. However, it won't shut down spark. Was it the cam or crank sensor that was replaced?

Let me know.

Joe
Oct 6, 2021 at 8:48 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Okay, so I'll replace the EGR and transducer. It was the cam sensor. I don't have an owner's book for her and as the fuse box is different than what was in the diagram and picture,
could you send a picture of mine with what all of the fuses and relays go to? I was told there is one relay I should never mess with unless I have to replace it, something about the brain and it would never run again? I will see if I can get ahold of a live data scan tool in the morning.
Oct 6, 2021 at 9:34 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Thank you, such a blessing to be walked through all of this. Dad's a master mechanic, used to be for sixty+ years. Alzheimer's now makes it difficult for him to help me.
Oct 6, 2021 at 9:39 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Michelle,

I'm sorry to hear that about your father. I lost a parent to that disease. As far as the fuse box, my manual doesn't give specific functions of each fuse or relay for this vehicle. Take a look at what I attached. When there is an issue and I need to look through a schematic, it identifies the fuse I need to check.

Let me know if this helps in any way. If it does, I'll be happy to send the fuse information for the under-hood power distribution box.

Take care,

Joe
Oct 7, 2021 at 3:32 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Yes! Very happy to see this!
Oct 8, 2021 at 3:41 AM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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I was able to get an Innova 3130 Lat borrowed, having to look up manual online as the book is missing. It has live data. I'm trying to learn the system now. How do I share that live stream with you?
Oct 8, 2021 at 3:05 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

The only way to share it with me is to take pictures while it is functioning. Also, if you are paying for the manuals, don't. I will get you what you need for free.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
Oct 8, 2021 at 5:32 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Thank you will do. Video better than freeze frame for you? Okay, can't load manual, need to charge car battery.....
Oct 8, 2021 at 5:37 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

A video would be great. As far as charging the battery, here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-charge-your-car-battery

Let me know what you find or if I can help in any way.

Joe
Oct 8, 2021 at 8:31 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Tachometer moves when trying to crank over.
Oct 10, 2021 at 7:40 AM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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I'm about to lose it. new battery fully charged discharged completely when I tried to do spark test. not even a click. I don't want to give up, concede that she's just a pile of junk I should have let the crushed have. What do we do now?
Oct 10, 2021 at 12:05 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi, Michelle.

Hang in there. We're not ready for the crusher yet. LOL We'll get it figured out. When you say the battery discharged completely, did you even have the opportunity to check for spark or did it shut off as soon as it was installed, and you tried using it? Are you sure the battery is good?

Let me know.

Joe
Oct 10, 2021 at 7:52 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Thanks Joe,

I got to the end of one one thousand, that was that. Of course, the person helping me noticed big chest jogging at same time so don't know if it sparked. Then nothing. No click, dash went black. Battery less than a month old with 5-year warranty. Wouldn't take jump and all day on trickle. still registering 0%. Even changed to new charger and nothing. There is so much riding on getting her going.
Oct 10, 2021 at 9:32 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Michelle,

When this happens, take a voltmeter or a multimeter to see if the battery is at 0v. If it is, replace it.

What you described sounds like a bad connection. Please take a look through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

The reason I'm questioning a connection is this. If the battery is good and it drains that fast, you would see something smoking. There aren't any wires on the vehicle that could drain it that fast without overheating.

In addition to the link, check the connections at the starter. I really want to help you get this going. Let me know as much as you can.

Joe
Oct 11, 2021 at 7:05 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Connections good still no spark. Replaced driver's door to keep mind off spark issue.
Oct 18, 2021 at 10:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Is it still draining the battery as quickly as before? If possible, could you record what it does so I can see and hear things?

Joe
Oct 18, 2021 at 5:32 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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No, it's not. Will try... please just ignore the mess.
Oct 18, 2021 at 5:48 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Michelle,

Please don't feel anything is a mess. I'm sure it's nothing.

Take care,

Joe
Oct 18, 2021 at 6:04 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Hope it helps, it's 53° and I think I got the dash and sound....
Oct 18, 2021 at 7:59 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I think you have a broken timing belt, but it's very hard to hear. Please have someone crank the engine while you record close to the engine so I can better hear it. I can tell if that is the issue based on sound.

Let me know.

Joe
Oct 18, 2021 at 9:06 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Okay, if it is the timing belt, what is book time for an amateur with basic tool set?
Oct 18, 2021 at 10:33 PM
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MASTER ASE TECH
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Professional time from all data is 4.0 hours. Figure double that for a driveway repair.
Luckily that engine is not an interference engine, so there should not be any valve or internal engine damage.
Below is the procedure.
Oct 19, 2021 at 12:54 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Hi again, weather hasn't cooperated. Going to work on it some more today. Thanks for the timing belt info. Was going to check for spark again with help. Need to replace plugs, if I can get them out. Last change was four years ago according to last owner's receipts. Maybe today will go better.
Nov 6, 2021 at 7:14 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If possible, record it cranking so I can hear it. I should be able to tell if it is a timing issue. Also, let me know about spark or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
Nov 6, 2021 at 9:07 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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We now have spark, and I can lock it up. Tomorrow I will send a video .
Nov 27, 2021 at 10:35 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Excellent!!! I look forward to the video. Let me know what was causing the problem.

Take care,

Joe
Nov 27, 2021 at 10:48 PM
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MICHELLE WIERSMA RUSH
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Sending videos, trying to anyway.
Dec 3, 2021 at 11:43 AM