on the way home last night my 06 3.5l pacifica just died while going 55 mph. when trying to start all you here is the starter, and it doesn't sound real strong. don't know where to start. it was like you just shut the car off while driving.

 

ran codes got 344, and p0340. 340 being the last. I have a feeling my timing belt snapped. it is a gates belt and I have never had one go bad. I know it says camshaft sensor. has anyone ever replaced the camshaft sensor and that fixed it. most posts I see it didn't fix it. going to check for compression tomorrow.

 

yep belt snapped

 

yep it snapped. what are my odds of saving the engine.
Chryslertech, have you seen any snap and still be ok.

 

yeah its a 50 50 u bent a valve

 

yeh,
I know a chrysler engineer, and that is exactly what he said. Dang, I hate it I could lose a car over a $40 part. Car was running excellent.

 

thanks for replying.

 

put one on first see how it goes

 

How many miles did you have on it?

Is there ANY indicator that one's belt might be going bad??

....new (used) owner of Pacifica

 

Look at your car's maintenance book. What's the recommended mileage to change it/or water pump at?? Because other than removing the plate covering the belt to look at it, i'm not aware of any signs that is might be going, unless a certified mechanic can point out some cues. My water pump went at 160 000KM(99 419MI). I was lucky. To get to the timing belt, it gonna be quite a fight(If you plan to do it on you're own). If you're going to disassemble everything to look at the belt, might as well change it. The water pump/timing belt kits on rockauto are decent on you're wallet while being good quality.

Keep in mind that it might take awhile too for the belt to go( Was badly cracked on my '98 Cirrus. Finally changed the thing at 272 000KM(169 012MI)