QuestionMy question is simple. My car turned off on me on my driveway a week ago while I was preparing to leave. After a few days of studying the problem and reading the PCM codes I decided to replace the Distributor with one from the yard. I spent about 2 hours leaving the car on idle and then decided to go test it out. 7 Blocks away the car died again. Same problem. With P0340 coming back. Some times I get P0123 "Throttle Position Sensor circuit high input" My question is, is it some how possible that something is causing the distributor to go bad, or could it be something else? I'm wondering if I have some sort of electrical problem. Thank you for your answer. -Pete
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Hi Pete,
I would believe that the used distributor from the 'yard' also has a failing camshaft position sensor. You can test it out during the time it won't start (it will probably recover when it cools down) by measuring the voltage between the signal wire and the ground wire (tan/yellow and black/light blue, respectively) while turning it over by hand using a wrench on the crank pulley bolt and with the ignition "on". You should see the voltage pulse between 5 and 0.3V several times per revolution. Those wires go to pins 33 and 43 of the pcm, respectively. If it does then, and it still won't start, then check the signal wire to make sure it isn't open or shorted to ground, and verify the ground is not open or shorted to a voltage source.
I don't know of anything other than heat that will disable the sensor when it is getting weak. Other than that or an intermittent short or open of the wires I listed I know of no other reason for a loss of the distributor signal (unless the timing belt breaks but that would not be intermittent!)
On the tps, check to be sure that the orange/dark blue wire doesn't show 5v or 12v which would be a short of the position signal wire (It goes to pin 35 of the pcm) and verify that the violet/white supply wire shows 5V. Also check that the black/light blue wire is connected to pin 43 of the pcm.
Roland
PS: Pete, may I ask a favor of you? I am competing to be the 'volunteer of the month' at Allexperts which I will achieve by getting the most nominations from questioners. If you will click on the "Thank/rate the expert" button below you will arrive at a page which asks whether to nominate me for that recognition. If you would then click on the "yes" I would be most appreciative.
PPS:Sorry for the delay as I just found your question in the 'pool' to which it had been referred.
