Popping noise when accelerating and braking, code PO336

Tiny
SETTERGRENH
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 132,000 MILES
There is a popping noise I hear every time I brake or accelerate. It has been popping a couple months now. I just want to know what it is so I can get it fixed. Oh, and today my check engine light came on I OBD'd it code was PO336 crankshaft position sensor an hour later the check engine light went off and it's been off what would of caused this?
Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 5:57 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

If the code went off, that indicates that it is working properly again. If it returns, then we will need to check the crankshaft position sensor to see if there is an issue. In all honesty, it the crank sensor stopped working, it's likely the engine would not restart.

Here is a list of OBD 2 codes you may have an interest in having:

https://www.2carpros.com/trouble_codes/obd2

As far as the noise, is it one pop or does it do it several consecutive times? Is it loud enough to have you record it with your phone and upload it for me to hear? Is there anything other that causes the sound other than stopping and starting?

Let me know.
Joe
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
SETTERGRENH
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It should be loud enough. I will send it to you after I record it.
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 8:08 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Sounds like a plan. I'll watch for your reply. Also, let me know if the code is still gone and if there were any other codes along with the one you indicated.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 8:22 PM
Tiny
SETTERGRENH
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
I tried to record the popping noise but there's to much background noise. I drove a 500 miles round trip today and the check engine light stayed off. I don't have a actual OBD reader I have that Fixd that you plug in the OBD port. What do you think of it?
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Saturday, July 18th, 2020 AT 9:18 PM
Tiny
SETTERGRENH
  • MEMBER
  • 80 POSTS
Can the check engine light be off and still have a code?Because I scanned it again with the Fixd and the PO336 code still shows?
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Saturday, July 18th, 2020 AT 9:41 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

As far as the tool you are using, I'm not familiar with it. Have you tried clearing the saved code to see if it can be deleted?

The noise has me a bit concerned. Have you checked suspension and steering components? I'm worried it could be a ball joint or one of the control arm bushings.

Here are directions for testing a ball joint. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

________________________________________

2002 Pontiac Grand Prix V6-3.8L SC VIN 1
Ball Joint Inspection
Vehicle Steering and Suspension Suspension Testing and Inspection Component Tests and General Diagnostics Ball Joint Inspection
BALL JOINT INSPECTION
Ball Joint Inspection

Tools Required
- J 8001 Dial Indicator

pic 1

Important:
The vehicle must rest on a level surface.
The vehicle must be stable. Do not rock the vehicle on the jack stands.

1. Raise and support the vehicle with safety stands. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
2. Support the lower control arm with a jack stand, as far outboard as possible, near the lower ball joint.
3. Wipe the ball joint clean. Check the seals for cuts or tears.

Important: If a seal is cut or torn, replace the lower control arm.

4. Check the wheel bearings for looseness. If looseness in the wheel bearings is present, refer to Wheel Bearings Diagnosis.
5. Check the ball joint for horizontal looseness.
5.1. Position the J8001 against the lowest outboard point on the wheel rim.
5.2. Rock the wheel in and out while reading the dial indicator. This shows horizontal looseness in the lower ball joint.

Pic 2

5.3. The dial indicator reading should be no more than 3.18 mm (0.125 inch). If the reading is too high, check the lower ball joint for vertical looseness.
6. Check the lower ball joint for wear and for vertical looseness using the following procedure:
6.1. Inspect by sight the lower ball joint for wear. The position of the housing into which the grease fitting is threaded indicates wear. This round housing projects 1.27 mm (0.050 inch) beyond the surface of the lower ball joint cover on a new ball joint. Under normal wear, the surface of the lower ball joint housing retreats inward very slowly.
6.2. First observe, then scrape a scale, a screwdriver, or a fingernail across the cover. If the round housing is flush with or inside of the cover surface, replace the lower control arm.
6.3. Pry between the lower control arm and the steering knuckle while reading the dial indicator. This shows vertical looseness in the ball joint. The lower ball joint is not preloaded and may show some looseness.
6.4. If the dial indicator reading is more than 3.18 mm (0.125 inch), replace the lower control arm.

______________________________

Make sure to check in all the steering components. I'm most worried if it is a ball joint, so check that. If you don't have the tools listed, simply place a jack under the lower control arm and safely lift that wheel. Put your hands at 12 and 6 o'clock and make sure there is no play.
______________________________

Joe
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Sunday, July 19th, 2020 AT 3:21 PM

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