QuestionQUESTION: Hi I have a neon 1996 2ltr sohc which has developed a problem. it would start fine idle ok and when you move you feel a rough ride like there is a mild misfire. then may be 10mins on a journey it bucks, stumbles or hiccups and when you listen you can almost think the car reads part movement and the other have of a revolution it does not pick up. the manual code that immediately comes is 12-11-43-55 and then i tried to clear the code and repeat the journey to see if it comes back when i re started the car it started and moved less than 30cm and died the engine light remained off then i did the manual key thing and it gave 12-54-55 . i tried again resetting and starting and it did the same thing same code.
i nOticed days before the car would accelerate on its own and reduce speed and up a slope it would stall and stuggle going up . COULD THIS BE A CAMSHAFT SENSOR GOING BAD as i read in some articles others having similar symptoms
ANSWER: Hi Tony,
The 11 code is saying the crankshaft position sensor signal is bad, while the 54 is saying the same for the camshaft position sensor. Both may need to be replaced. The crank sensor is located above the oil filter while the cam sensor is on the rear of the cylinder head. If you have a volt meter you could verify that there is 8v on the orange wire that supplies both sensors with their operating voltage and if that seems solid then buy and install new sensors. The 43 code says the engine is missing which is probably due to the sensors.
The 12 code says the battery voltage to the engine controller was removed recently, but unless you haven't disconnected the battery in 50-110s starts you can ignore that. Otherwise, check the clamps, wires on the clamps, and - post wire ground points for tightness.
The 55 code means 'end of code readout'.
Please 'rate/nominate' this answer/me (see the PS below).
Thanks,
Roland
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QUESTION: thank you. i changed the crankshaft sensor about 8 months ago and it was straight from the dealer. at the time i didnt think of replacing both the crankshaft sensor and the camshaft sensor as it had turned out the crankshaft sensor had gone bad. I tried cleaning the connector of the camshaft sensor and as i could see some drips of oil there. actually i was in the process of getting the seals. it does leak that much but it just makes it slightly damp. after cleaning it/drying it the car did move a lot smooother with mild jerks but they tend to build up until i got the problem above. i will check the voltages. CAN OIL CAUSE THIS SYMPTOM WHEN IT FALLS ON THE CONNECTOR AND THE SENSOR?
ANSWER: Hi Tony,
Water is a more likely cause of electrical interference than is oil. So long as it isn't immersed in oil I would not think that would cause the loss/intermittency of signal from either sensor. So try the cam sensor replacement. The target magnet screw should only be tightened to 2.5 foot-pounds of torque and the sensor screws to 7 foot-pounds so don't over torque these.
Please 'rate/nominate this answer/me (see the PS below).
Thanks,
Roland
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QUESTION: hi
i got the scamshhaft sensor and will get down to replacing it tomorrow over the weekend. i wanted to know you spoke of a target magnet. when i got the sensor it did not come with a magnet do i need one? do i need to check anything on the existing magnet when i open and do i need to adjust anything
AnswerHi Tony,
No, but be careful not to crack or otherwise damage it as it is fragile. You can remove and examine it for cracks but install it carefully and don't over-torque the retaining screw. There are no adjustments involved.
If you would be so kind as to rate/nominate me once more I would be most appreciative.
Roland
