Chrysler Repair: Dodge Stratus 1997: dies, the restarts later, camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor

Question
Hi, i have a 1997 dodge stratus and it stalls now anytime after a few minutes that the engine is warm. I heard it could be the sylenoid the needs to be replaced but we haven't checked it out yet...any idea if these cars, same model same year Stratus ES 1997, have a common prob;em such as this one...if so, could it be the sylenoid or maybe something else...What do you suggest?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Neil,
Most likely one of the two rotational sensors (cam shaft/crank shaft) is failing as it warms up, then recovers as it cools. The way to find out is to use the ignition key:"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that within an elapsed time of 5 seconds or less. Then watch the "check engine light, which remains "on", to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat the process to be sure of an accurate count. Then group the pulse counts in pairs in the order of appearance to form 2-digit numbers that are the fault codes which tell you what might be wrong. If the code 11 comes out, that means the crankshaft sensor has failed, if the code 54 comes out that means the camshaft sensor has failed.  You will always get a code 55 last, because that means "end of readout".
Now,'97 was a transition year between the ignition key method of getting some codes, and the more complex code system that requires a code reader that plugs into a socket under the dash next to the steering column. So if the check engine light doesn't to any flashing you should either go to an Autozone parts store where they will do that readout for free or to an independent shop that should charge around $40. Get the 4-digit code numbers, ask what they mean, what they suggest doing, and for how much?  The same sensor fault codes are 0340 and 0320, respectively. Then write back and we can compare that to the troubleshooting manual for the car and go from there. If the independent shop does the readout ask if the cost of the readout would be credited toward the repair cost.
Let me know and we can go from there. Also tell me which engine is in the car.
Roland
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