09 PT Cruiser Only Starts if Camshaft is unplugged

[mirzabaig]

2009 Chrysler PT Cruiser (non-turbo)

The head gasket blew on this vehicle so I replaced the head gasket, the cylinder head (just to be safe), timing belt, and water pump.

I put everything back together and the car was getting no spark. After some research I realized the camshaft position sensor and the ignition coil plugs were swapped. It seems like that happens to people a lot.

The car then would still not start. It was cranking and kind of trying but couldn't actually run. I replaced the camshaft sensor (twice with a mopar part the second time), and the magnet but still nothing. I rechecked the timing but it was fine (aftermarket belt).

The crazy thing is this: I can unplug the sensor and start it while pressing the accelerator a few times and it'll start a little rough. Then it will run smooth as butter. I can even plug the sensor back in and it's still good. I'll turn it off and try again (cam sensor plugged) and back to square one. I can (with cam sensor plugged in) start it very rough while pressing the accelerator but to keep it running, I have to keep pressing the accelerator.

Any one have any ideas?

[ptcruisersteve]

I would suggest checking to see if one of your camshafts has been installed out of phase. Some have found camshafts off from each other after replacing the timing chain.

[CREWZIN]

In a search, I only found one other PT Cruiser that wouldn't run with the sensor plugged in. This was the final answer that got the car running again.....

I found out what the problem was, the timing was off 1 tooth. also the pin on the front cam had been sheered. after i set it back i tooth it started up. thanks for all your help

[ptcruisersteve]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

In a search, I only found one other PT Cruiser that wouldn't run with the sensor plugged in. This was the final answer that got the car running again.....

I found out what the problem was, the timing was off 1 tooth. also the pin on the front cam had been sheered. after i set it back i tooth it started up. thanks for all your help

Seems the front cam might have been off.

[JoeX]

Originally Posted by ptcruisersteve

Seems the front cam might have been off.

Easy to make this misstake when installing the timing belt because the front cam tends to want to roll counter clockwise due to valve spring pressure on the lobes

[mirzabaig]

So I rechecked the timing and it was fine. I, with a scan tool, check the CAM CRANK Difference and it said -175 Degrees while it was plugged in but not started. I'm trying to do a relearn on it but I can't because it requires that I start the car. I've tried to unplug it, start it, then plug it back in quickly but I don't think that's the right way.

I'm about to put the old camshafts in and hopefully that's the problem.

[f22parts]

Hello
I am a very experienced mechanic and machinist with many years experience that has never let anything beat me, meaning I always figure it out and fix it. Im new here but so glad there are willing and knowledgeable people here willing to help me. Thank you up front.

Mine a "2007 PT nonTurbo 2.4l auto" does the same thing.

I rebuilt the cylinder head, replaced the camshafts with used oem units, and reinstalled all of it with all new parts, gaskets ect. only to find it having the same symptoms as described here. Will run with cam sensor unplugged but I still get the P0300 random misfired code. I have replaced Coil, crank sensor, cam sensor, cam sensor magnet, plugs w/ oem, plug wires, cleaned and tested injectors, took fuel sample and passed, has fuel pressure not tested yet for psi, checked for vacuum leaks and passed, cranking compression test passed, and timing is in time perfect.

I did a visual inspection of the wiring to and from the sensors and pcm, all looks ok. Please inform me what to check next or with info I mite have left out? Sorry not the best at spelling or getting all my thoughts it text.

dave

[Tuggajb]

Are cam pullies on the right way
2.0 uses same pullies but turned around
Marked on the pullies as to witch way they get installed

[f22parts]

Yes mine on this 2.4l are on correct, and will only go on one way.

[Handy_Cruiser]

I bet your camshaft timing is off. Pull the top cover and check the sprockets at top dead center. Assure both sprockets have the arrows pointed up as shown below. And use a straight edge to go across both the inner timing marks and the ones on the outer side of each sprocket. They should all align.




If no joy, pull the valve cover that see if the timing dowel holes are both pointed straight up. If not, but the sprockets are aligned, you may have sheared a camshaft pin.

While there are no sprockets on the cams in this photo, this is what it may look like if you are one tooth off. The intake cam may be slightly off.