2001, stumble and die/no start: fixed (CPS failure)

[— Agent☣Orange —]

Symptoms:
The day after a spritied Gearhead Dawn Patrol drive to Sebring, this 2001 started fine cold and made it out of the driveway a few feet and died. Pushed it back. Started fine again and then shut itself off. Next day, wouldn't start at all. No spark or fuel.

Threw P0340 code (camshaft position sensor).

Insepected cam position sensor wiring and then removed to check sensor pickup for metal filings or anything stuck to it that might interfere with signal. It checked out fine plus it is only 6 months old.

Knowing the cam sensor works in conjunction with the crank sensor, I turned my attention to the crank sensor now. Checked its gap to the teeth on the crankshaft timing wheel and it was in spec (.020-.060).

Got in closer with the flashlight and traced its wiring and found this. The fraying was actually hidden behind the pulley and not normally visible but I moved it into position for this photo. The sensor's wiring was rubbing against the water pump pulley and was grounding out. Temporarily pushed wiring off pulley and car started perfectly.


Removed the sensor for repair or replacement. Simple to do from above with a 10mm socket and short extension. Removal of belly pan not necessary.


One wire was frayed with a few strands cut along with oxidation so this was obviously a process that took some time:


Replaced sensor with another known good spare. This damaged one is easily repaired by splicing in a new length of wire and shrink tubing to seal away moisture and then taped or covered with loom.

Replaced sensor and rotated crank until timing tooth parked in front of the sensor and then bolted down to credit-card spec:


More importantly, ran the the sensor wiring into the water hose hook to keep it away from the pulley as it should be from the factory.


Closeup:


So...if you have stumbling, dying or no-start problems check the crank sensor and wiring even if you get a code for the cam sensor. If you replace the crank sensor, don't forget to tuck the wiring away from the water pump pulley.