Maintenance at 120K+ (not knowing previous owner/ cam position sensor vs timing belt)

[AstitchINtime]

Hi folks! I'm new to this forum... I got a used PT cruiser with 120K miles (I know... but it was at a price that I could afford). Things seem to fine but today, the engine light came on and the error code pointed to the "Camshaft Position Sensor." The cam pos. sensor seems simple enough to replace, but at 120K, not knowing the previous owner, I know I should also replace the timing belt, unless I may not need to.

My questions:
Is there a way to tell if the timing belt has been replaced recently once they open the compartment (or may not need to be replaced yet)?
Is there a way to test the car for other things that usually need to get replaced after 100K miles other than opening everything up?
Is it worth paying the dealer for a diagnostic check?

Transmission runs smooth, no leaks, doesn't seem to have problems w/ the multi-function switch (actually I noticed the old fog lights burst, but the fuse is in the panel and the fog light indicator comes on in the dash when I switch them on), changed the stock bulb to LEDs in the after-market tail light compartment the car,.... I've been researching what the other common issues w/ PT cruisers are - I may have gotten the car after the original owner dealt w/ all of that stuff...

I appreciate any feedback!... very grateful for this forum!!!... and I am enjoying driving the car - it just grows on you even more when you're an owner I guess!

[CREWZIN]

Welcome to the forum.

You didn't say what year your cruiser is so if it's before 2003, Chrysler changed the belt tensioner in that year so that should have been changed if the timing belt was along with the water pump. With that kind of mileage and not knowing what was done it probably is a good choice to have a mechanic take a good look around. The serpentine belt, alternator belt should also be looked at.

On the underside, have someone look at all the bushings, front hubs and check for bearing play. Check for steering play and and leaks on the steering gear.

The transaxle is a weak point so no matter what kind of service was done before, have it flushed out completely and refilled with ATF+4 or the newer synthetic ATF made by Chrysler.

Good luck with your cruiser.

[AstitchINtime]

Thanks for that helpful information! Mine is a 2003 Touring, so I guess I should go ahead and change the timing belt. Does the mechanic have to be familiar with PT Cruisers to be able to diagnose well?

[CREWZIN]

I have 95K on mine and did some looking around for someone who was familiar with the PT because there is certain things about changing the PTs timing belt that is different from many other cars.

If you just want it checked out, any decent mechanic should be able to do it. If you don't have a "trusted" mechanic, ask around at a car show or neighbor or anywhere cars hang out for references to a good mechanic.

[AstitchINtime]

Originally Posted by CREWZIN

I have 95K on mine and did some looking around for someone who was familiar with the PT because there is certain things about changing the PTs timing belt that is different from many other cars.

If you just want it checked out, any decent mechanic should be able to do it. If you don't have a "trusted" mechanic, ask around at a car show or neighbor or anywhere cars hang out for references to a good mechanic.

Hi... thanks for letting me know that -- so I have a trusted mechanic but not one that has worked on PT cruisers before - he figured out that he would need to raise the whole (part the timing belt is in) to work on it (i can't remember what its called) and he'll do the water pump while he's at it..... are the "certain things" that are different w/ changing the t-belt for the PT cruisers - can they be listed? or too complex to explain?

I was really hoping the original owner already changed it, but it seems the tension's loose. I thought that maybe the original owner would not have gotten away with not changin the T-belt beyond 100K, now that the car's 110K (not 120K - I was thiking of another car).... is it true, or can the car w/ 110K get away with not changing the timing belt for a while?.... Is it more of a choice to prevent you getting stuck at an unexpected time/place at 110K? I heard some cars go as far as 200K... ALSO -- they saw that one of the screws mounting that whole area in place is loose - so they thought someone had worked on teh Tbelt area in the past.... don't know if that means anything?

I appreciate anymore feedback/info you can give, this has all been truly helpful!

I changed the cam position sensor myself by the way - that was fun (because it was easy & quick). other posting about the wiring burning - that only happens when one of the 3 wires leadin to the part comes out? They were intact when I saw them. The check engine line has stayed off. Thanks for the info on the other threads about this.

[crusierdad76]

you know the words preventive maintenance usually are a good thing i havent had my pt verry long but form what i have read on this site and a few others it is time to take it in the shorts and get it changed the PT is a non interferance engine but sitting in rush hour with a dead car sucks

[CREWZIN]

Crusierdad76 is right about Preventative Maintenance. Better to get it done than to be stuck somewhere on the road. The 2.4 liter IS what they call a Non-interference engine which means if the belt breaks the valves won't hit the pistons but apparently the valves CAN hit each other which is not a serious but still a bunch of cash you don't need to be lying out.

With the loose bolts your talking about, it still could be true that the belt was already replaced. A detailed inspection ought to see if the belt looks new and the water pump has been changed along with the serpentine and alternator belts.

If I remember right, the PT has to be jacked up on one side and one of the motor mounts has to be taken out in order for some other bolts to be reached plus everything has to be lined up just right, but that goes without saying as all cars are like that. I guess any good mechanic can do it, I just wanted someone that's done it before.

[AstitchINtime]

Thanks for the info. I agree with preventive maintenance - at least you know when you're w/out the car and how much you're spending instead of being stuck, surprised and frustrated at being late somewhere!