Expert: Antonio Ibarra Jr. - 12/24/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a 97 chevy dually 3500 454 . Last week I was towing a trailer and ran low on gas it started dieting out so I pulled over and dumped 5 gallons of gas in the tank. It starred up just fine but noticed it lost power. So I changed the fuel filter got a good fuel systems cleaned topped it of with 91 gas and took it for a ride on the freeway to blow out anything that mite of caused it to run like crap. When I got home my fuel gauge was bouncing from fuel to empty and back n forth. The next day it ran worse it's missing and has a rough idle n lost power. I checked the code obd2 came out 1345. It also sounds like it's running on 6 cylinders any clues or ideas on what to check for would be greatly appreciated. I just tuned it up new plugs wires cap n rotor air cleaner about 3 months ago for my smog check it passed fine n was running pretty dam good. Please help me figure this out thanks

ANSWER: Hello Frank,

I will be more than happy to assist you, however i require some additional information from you to further research your issue.

I will need the following

Is your vehicle a C 3500, G 3500 or K 3500?

Also you stated you pulled the Diagnostic Code from the OBD?  You ststed it was 1345, there is a letter that prefaces that 4 digit number which tells me which type of code it is, for example a p code, or a b code etc.  It should be displayed as follows P1345  or  P 1345.

Please provide the above information so that i may more accurately assist you with your problem.

Thank you,  Good Luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: yes it is a c3500 chevrolet dually vortec 454 n the code was p1345 during the rain last week it doesnt want to start any more. it cranks overthe flywheel turns and then it stops suddenly i keep cranking it over and once in a while you here a back fire. i sprayed quick start but it still doesnt start please help?

Answer
Hello Frank,

Sorry it took so long to get back to you, it has been quite hectic here with the holidays and all.

Ok given the information you have sent me here is what you are dealing with.

DTC P1345:
Circuit Description:

This DTC determines if the distributor is installed incorrectly, or if there is a mechanical malfunction in the engine. The DTC P1345 is a TYPE A DTC.

Conditions that will cause this DTC to trip:

When the engine is running the cam sensor reference pulse is not detected at the correct relative position to the crankshaft position sensor pulse.

What Happens when this DTC Trips:

The VCM turn on the Check or Service Engine light.

The VCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails.  Freeze frame and Failure Records store this information.

How to clear this code:

The VCM will turn off the light after three (3) consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed.

A history DTC (Such as this one) will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for forty (40) warm up cycles (Coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the start up coolant temperature and the engine coolant temperature exceeds 70°C (160°F) during the same ignition cycle.

--~* OR *~--

Use the OBD II Scan tool and use the code clear function

What to check to correct this problem:

Check the following items;

Check for a loose or missing distributor hold down bolt.

Check for a loose CMP sensor causing a variance in the sensor signal.

Check for an incorrectly installed distributor - (1 Tooth off in either advance or retard positions).

Check for a loose distributor rotor on the distributor shaft.

Check for excessive free play in the timing chain and/or gear assembly.

Any one of those would cause this code to trip.  I suggest checking (or having someone else check them for you) the above mentioned possibilities, and see if you find the problem and if it corrects the issue.

Please let me know how you make out, and if i can be of further assistance.  

Good Luck.  Thank you.