Chrysler Repair: 1995 Chrysler Cirrus LXI Limp Mode, crankshaft sensor, 1995 chrysler cirrus

Question
We have experienced similar issues to many of whom have consulted you on this issue ( no tachometer / intermittent limp mode won't shift into second etc) To date we have flushed & serviced the transmission, replaced the celenoid pak, and input sensor) The problem is not recurring to the same frequency but it none the less is frustrating. My son is a Licenced Mechanic - and our next step (base on all the data I have researched) is to either replace the wiring harness or investigate if it is the ground wire to the distributor coil in the harness. Can you provide us with the wiring diagrams? If you have any other suggestions to trouble shoot / root cause we would appreciate it.
Regards, Brenda

Answer
Hi Brenda,
When you say: no tachometer/intermittent limp mode..replaced...input sensor I wonder whether you meant to say "output sensor" or not? The tachometer is signaled from the crankshaft sensor I suspect, though it might be the cam sensor in the distributor (I assume you have the 2.5L V-6).
The speedometer is signaled by the transmission output sensor and if that were to stop functioning it would of course cause trans limp in and loss of speedo reading.
I would suggest that you get a code readout for problems with the engine and the transmission. I am not certain but I believe the '95 may have the OBD-I set up with two separate plugs: one under the dash for the transmission and one in the engine compartment for the engine readout. But because this was a new model that year it may have a single 16-pin plug under the dash that reads codes for both the engine and the transmission (thus an OBD-II set up). So ask your son what codes you have observed and then write me back with that information. I have the wiring diagrams for the '96 model and will be pleased to xerox and postal mail them to you. But let's narrow down the possibilities based on the fault codes you get. I can copy the pages for 10 cents per side plus the postage and send you what would be helpful then. You can reimburse me after you receive the pages by returning unused postal stamps in payment.
The 6-pin plug at the distributor is the one to check for the cam shaft signal: measure between the black/light blue wire and the tan/yellow wire with the ignition in the run position while you turn the crankshaft by hand using the nut on the pulley and a ratchet. The voltage should pulse between 5V and 0.3 V for every revolution of the crank. Do this test when the system is acting up. A similar test can be done on the crank sensor, between the gray/black and black/light blue, with many more pulses per revolution).
Use the 'thank and rate' tab to get back to me with the code numbers and a postal mailing address.
Roland