Need some advice on TDC
 

Well I just went through the tedious task of changing the timing belt in my 2005 sebring sedan with the 2.4l engine. Well after spending most of the day on Sunday tearing it all apart and most of Monday putting it back together it is running with the new belt, water pump Idler arms and new alternator and power steering belts.

Well here inlies the problem, Now that it is running again I have a check engine light. When I do the key trick to get the codes I get code P0016 which references the crankshaft/camshaft position sensors. So needless to say the motor is running just as good as it did before the timing belt broke but it is now in limp mode so it will not go past 3k rpm's.

So my first thought is maybe I messed up the timing of the motor when I was putting on the timing belt. I checked it multiple times by rotating the motor and putting it back to tdc and checking the cam markings. So I am wondering if there is a way to put the motor to tdc without having to tear it all appart so that I can check the marks on the cam gears before I go any further. I know that I can get close by using a screwdriver in the #1 cylinder but was looking for something more accurate.

Or could it be that one of the sensors got damaged in the repair? I didnt get anywhere near the cam sensor but am not 100% sure of the position of the crank sensor at this time (maybe it is the one in the block by the timing belt?) and if that is the case would it be worth replacing them. I am just really frustrated with this car right now but really need to get it back.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated...

I would start from checking the sensor..

This may help:

P0016 Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A) - DTC Code

As for the location of the sensor, It used to be on the back side of the engine toward the drive belt end, but I think they moved it by 2005 to the front side of the engine. Look for a wire at about the level of the crankshaft.

But does anyone know of an easy way on these motors to get tdc? and I mean without taking the balancer off. like timing marks at another location?

Okay, What is tdc?

At wits end finding a place to ask...
 

I can see and reply to posts but how do I post a question? :confused: I don't want to ask in the wrong thread or forum. Just need advice. Thanks. :)

Top Dead Center when the #1 piston is fully up at the top of the bore.