QuestionRoland,
Thanks for taking time to help me. Two days ago I went to get my old
changed. When they were finished, my engine light was on. I alerted them -
and no, it wasn't on before the oil change - and they checked a few things.
They asked that I check my gas cap to see if was on tight, it was and then if
the light doesn't go off in 48 hours to come back.
The next morning, the engine light was off so I drove to work. When I started
my car at the end of my work day, it took three times to turn over and start
and then it stalled out on the way back to the oil change place. I told them
what happened. They checked things and found nothing and said that if it
happened again come back tomorrow and they would run a test.
Today, the light was off this morning and again when I tried to start my car at
the end of my work day it took two times to turn over and then it stalled out
for a longer time and almost died and yes, the engine light was on.
I took it in and they did a test and it read PO340 Camshaft sensor. They
recommended their buddies garage. I already have a mechanic.
I read one article on this and by what my car does it does sound like the
Camshaft Sensor (part around $55.00) and or the Crank Shaft Sensor is
causing the problem.
Do you think that they could of knocked this loose or disconnected it not
reconnected it properly when they changed the oil? It seems fishy to me. They
acted like they didn't even know where it was located. I found a diagram and
have a pretty good idea from just looking at the diagram where it's located
and I'm not a mechanic nor do I change oil.
If it is something they caused (they even have a satisfaction guarantee on
their work) then I don't think I should have to pay a mechanic, especially one
of their friends to fix something that wasn't broken until they worked on my
car.
What are your thoughts and what do you suggest?
I appreciate your help.
Jane
AnswerHi Jane,
You didn't mention which engine is in the vehicle so I can't comment on whether the shop could have damaged the sensor or something else that would cause your problem. But if the 0340 is correct then I would go with that diagnosis and replace the sensor. It is a very easy job to replace if you want to try it yourself. Let me know the engine and I can mention the details.
Changing the oil shouldn't damage the sensor unless the wires happened to intersect with the area of the oil filter (if that was replaced) or the oil drain plug (which is at the underside of the oil pan and therefor unlikely to be involved) or the oil filler opening which could be nearby.
I think if it is indeed the cam sensor then it probably was a coincidence not caused by the oil change.
Roland
HI Jane,
OK, for the 2.4L engine the sensor is on the rear of the cylinder head, specifically the end of one of the cam shafts, according to my '03 manual. If you can see and signs of damage to the sensor or its wires that could be related to changing the oil, then you would have a basis of complaint. I would not expect that to have happened.
Thanks for the evaluation and nomination.
Roland
