Hello all. My son and I recently picked up a '02 Sebring 2.7L convertible with DTC codes, knowing we would have to learn to diagnose it on the fly, I'll ask my specific question at the end, but as this may be an XY problem, I'll start with the context,

We picked up this car with the computer showing codes P0340 and P1391. Seller said he had changed the cam sensor and that didn't fix it, so we figured we would have to look for a wiring problem. Ordered service manuals, new cam sensor and new connector for the sensor, all of which we expect to receive by Monday.

We've driven it about 20 miles so far. In the first ten miles (hot day) we saw the MIL flash a few times, and had a few stall-outs driving at parking lot speed. The engine immediately restarted after each stall. Got home and reconfirmed codes P0340 and P1391. In the second 10 mile trip (cool evening) the MIL illuminated steadily, Drove to our destination, stopped the engine and ran inside to get the scan tool. When we restarted two minutes later with code reader in hand, it stuttered while cranking, but then started up ok, The MIL was extinguished and the reader pulled "no codes".

I'm imagining some kind if intermittent loss of the battery power cleared computer codes and reset the light. My question is in which module is the code and MIL light status stored? Am I looking for intermittent power to the PCM? If I'm off base in taking this approach, I'm also eager to hear suggestions on how to tackle this problem. Thanks to all!

 

Highly suggest an OEM/Mopar camshaft position sensor. Chryslers like OEM and I have had out-of-box issues with non-OEM sensors. Are there any stored codes other than the p0340 or p1391? A stored code is one that was previously active and is stored for 30-40 restarts. There may be other codes stored that may help in trouble-shooting.

What is the age/condition of the battery? Are the cables/posts clean and tight? A weak/failing battery will also cause low voltage issues with chrysler computer modules. Have the battery load tested and charging system checked out.

 

Thanks for the reply. There were just the two codes. The battery seems strong and the contacts look clean, but since I have a new battery in my other vehicle, I'll swap it in and clean all the battery cable contacts just the be sure. I'm toying with the idea of running a back-up wire from battery power to the ECU in case the existing one has an intermittent. It's just a shot in the dark, but without another clear direction to go, it's a step I can take.

Those two codes are the only ones I've seen so far. At this point I'm focusing on how the CEL cleared itself and the codes disappeared. If the CMP code comes back, I'll take your advice and install an OEM sensor.

 

Just to update: I drove one mile to the coffee shop this morning. On the return trip the tack pegged rapidly a few times and the MIL came on. As I already had the scanner in place, I pulled the P0340 and P1391 codes on the spot. A couple minutes later when I pulled into the driveway, the engine stalled. I restarted it right away and pulled two additional codes P0700 and P0725.

I'll begin inspecting the battery wiring now.