Expert: Roland Finston - 8/26/2011

Question
QUESTION: Mr. Finston,
I contacted you the other day about problems with my PCV valve which you helped me with.Car was starting and running but I had the cover off that covers the timing belt because I heard a squeal like a belt.When I replaced everything it won't start.It turns over real good,gas gauge reads over 1/4 of a tank.So I did what you told me some time ago about getting the codes off the mileage gauge.This is what came up.P2008, P0660 and P0335. I checked my manual and couldn't find those codes, can you help please. Thanks Ron

ANSWER: Hi Ron,
The 2008 and the 0660 have to do with the circuits for the short runner valve and the manifold tuning valve which are used on the high output 3.5L engine. If you don't have that engine then these are probably phantom codes, but in any case those issues would not cause a no start.
The 0335 code is for an observation that the signal from the crank position sensor is faulty (a
rationality error), and that would result in a loss of spark output. So my suggestion would be to check the plug/wires to the sensor and if those seem OK then to change out the sensor. It is located on the right side of the engine just where the trans and engine meet, just above the surface of the differential housing. The sensor is inserted from the rear and is held in place by a screw. The wires are a signal ground (to pin 43, black/light blue) an 8 volt supply wire (to pin 44 orange), and a signal wire (gray/black to pin 32) if you want to verify continuity between the sensor and the pcm.
Simply remove the retaining screw and push a new one in place until the surface touches the trans housing, hold it there, and secure the retaining screw.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer and where you see the question about a nomination for 'volunteer of the month' consider a 'yes' response if I merit that. Thank you.

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

QUESTION: Ok I replaced the crank position sensor and it still won't start it sounds as though it will but doesn't.So I was going to check the sensor with a voltmeter but I only have a digital one and my manual says that it can only be checked with an analog meter so far I haven't found a source for one. But another problem is that I have a signal ground (to pin 43, black/light blue)and a signal wire (gray/black to pin 32)but the volt supply wire is violet/white which is 5 volts. What do I do now? Thanks Ron

Answer
Hi Ron,
The 5 volt reading is OK for the sensor supply. I thought the '99 manual would apply but I see that the '04 manual shows the lower voltage supply for that year, so it must have changed somewhere between those years. You can check out the functioning of the crank sensor with a digital meter. Just measure between the signal and the signal ground wires, and use a socket and handle on the crank pulley bolt to turn the engine slowly by hand with the ignition in the 'run' position. You should note that it varies between 5 and 0.3V as you turn it. If it does then that should no longer set an 0335 code. Disconnect the battery briefly to erase stale codes, then try and start it, and see what codes you now get. There will be a 1684 from the battery being disconncted. Let me know what others you get.
Roland