Chrysler Repair: 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Wont start, chrysler pt cruiser, pulley bolt

Question
Hello

  I hope you can help, I am working on my mothers 2002 pt cruiser, While she was driving it just died, no stalling, cutting out or anything just died then it would not start again. When it got towed home i connected my OBDII with the key on but the engine not running i am getting code PO340 Which says Cam-sensor circuit malfunction. I replaced the cam sensor with a new one, have checked the wires over and they look fine, have unhooked battery for over 20 minutes still wont erase code, still wont start. I also replaced the auto shut down relay just incase but that didn't help either. I tested a plug and i am getting fire, I also thought it may be bad fuel pump so i squirted a little fuel into the intake from the air breather hose. The car still will not start, it just cranks and cranks and cranks, does not act like it even wants to start. I am thinking about replacing the crankshaft sensor. Do you think this might help or do you think there may be other problems. Thank you.

Answer
Hi James,
You have to 'go' with the codes until proven otherwise. I would check that you have 8V on the orange wire (pin 1) at the cam sensor which has its origin at pin  44 of the pcm. Then I would verify that you have continuity from the tan/yellow signal wire (pin 3) of the sensor plug to pin 33 at the pcm. Finally check that you have continuity from the sensor ground (pin 2) black/light blue to pin 43 of the pcm. If all that checks then measure between pin 2 and 3 of the sensor with it connected to the plug while you turn the engine over by hand using the crank pulley bolt and a ratchet/socket to see that you are getting a pulsing signal between 5 and 0.3V.
If you don't have that then I wonder if the timing belt may have broken as that would stop the cam shaft from turning and of course the cam signal. Look behind the upper timing belt cover to see if the camshaft moves when you turn the engine by hand.
All the above are for the 2.0/2.4L engines. Let me know if you have a 1.6 as the wiring is different. I wouldn't replace the crank sensor without an 0320 code showing up.
Roland
PS Please 'rate' my answer, and where you see the question about "volunteer of the month" consider a 'yes' answer. Thank you very much.