Red lightning bolt and engine light blinking?

2017 DODGE JOURNEY
150,000 MILES • 3.6L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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AALANIZA
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  • 2 POSTS
Hello, my name is Alan, and I have the vehicle listed above SXT. My problem is that at random times my engine light comes on with my traction control light. When I read the codes the only thing that pops up is the crankshaft sensors but those are already replaced. Some other problems it has are when I try to start it up at times it does not fully start, takes long to crank and then a red lightning bolt sign pops up which could me the throttle body or multiple other things. Last night it got worse to the point where nothing turns on it just shuts off on me when I turn it into start mode. I assume it's an electrical problem.
Aug 27, 2024 at 4:15 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

The light you mentioned is related to the throttle control system. We need to scan the can-bus to determine what portion is the problem.

CAN stands for controller area network. Basically, the different modules are tied together via a few wires. This type of scan will retrieve codes regardless of the module storing them.

Here is a link that shows how it's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/can-scan-controller-area-network-easy

Is that something you could have done? I ask because it will become a guessing game if we don't have a specific code/direction.

Let me know.

Joe
Aug 27, 2024 at 7:05 PM
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AALANIZA
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The code that I got is po365 which is Camshaft Position Sensor.
Aug 28, 2024 at 11:08 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 110,190 POSTS
Hi,

The code is for the camshaft position sensor's circuit. You indicated replacing the crankshaft sensor. Have the camshaft sensors been checked?

The thing is this. The engine may still start even if either the CKP or CMP fails. The PCM eventually sorts out the engine position and starts the vehicle on just one of these two inputs. However, there is a slight delay in starting until the PCM can establish sync. A DTC is set and the MIL illuminates if either of the CKP or CMP Sensor signals are not present during engine cranking. So, that is where I feel the problem is coming from.

Have both camshaft position sensors been replaced? (see pic below)

Also, is the engine oil clean and full? If you disconnect the sensors, are you getting a 5v reference to the connector with the key in the run position?

Let me know.

Joe
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Aug 28, 2024 at 6:50 PM