Stall on freeway - code P00344?

[tezz]

My PT just totally shut down on the freeway at lunch time. It restarted fine but the check engine light stayed on. The error code is P00344 - anybody know what it is? I have the info at home but I'm at work and don't want to drive the car if it's going to damage it. The service DICK at the local Star Chrysler dealership wouldn't tell me what the code meant - just said bring it in. Can anyone help?
thanks, tezz

[TripleJackInGA]

I would call the roadside assistance thingy, tell em what it did, and see if they will tow it to the closest dealership.

[GTSteve]

Hey Tezz:

I searched every site I could find that lists the fault codes. I could not find that code listed anywhere. You may have to get a tow. You also might try to call another dealer and see if they can identify the exact fault you are having. Then, you may be able to safely drive the car in to get it fixed. I wouldn't drive it until they told me I could.

Please keep us all informed on what they find.

Thanks

[tezz]

I did get through to the dealer where I bought the car (Alhambra) - the tech there said it was a code for lean fuel delivery. At least he was able to give me SOME info - I'm going to baby it in after work.

[MX-5]

Your lean fuel delivery tech was way off base.
He should research an answer.

Look at page 377 of the 2003 PT powertrain diagnostic manual.
P0344:
Camshaft position sensor intermittent

Monitored: engine running or cranking
Set condition: when the failure counter reaches 20. One trip fault.

Possible causes:
(there are 11 possible causes and 4 pages of diagnostic tests)

[Dalite]

I second what MX-5 said.

Past problems with Chrysler products was excessive underhood temps which caused the Camshaft Position Sendor harness contacts to make intermittent contact and cause a shutdown until the underhood temps dropped. Lucky for you this is under warranty.. I had to pay for remilling the head, CPS sensor, radiator flush, radiator cap, radiator gas analysis and 4 or 5 dry-run trips to the dealership before a local independent shop found the real problem and cured it.

It was a difference between over $1300.00 in dealer provoked guesses, and less than $100.00 for an independent garage with an idea of which way is up.

[tezz]

Thanks -
You're right about the lean mix sensor.
It died on me again on the way to the dealer - right at the junction of the 134 and 5 freeways - at rush hour.....F%*#@K!!
At least it re-started once I got it over to the side.
The dealer still has it - trying to deal with the PCM/sensor issue with DC - MAYBE I'll get it back today.......[xx(]

[TripleJackInGA]

I wouldn't count on it, Bro.a one day job is something they know how to fix and have the parts in stock for.

[tezz]

They've had it for 2 days now - called late this afternoon - I can pick it up tomorrow a.m. Supposedly it was a 'bad cam sensor which shut down the fuel injectors" - they drove it for 10 miles without further problems and will check it again tomorrow before I pick it up.
I've put almost 5k miles on it now - it's been back to the dealer 4 times - each time a different sensor has been declared at fault. I love this little car, but what is it with these SENSORS?!!

[MX-5]

Glad to hear it's fixed.

(good to know I was right)