Chrysler Repair: Error Codes for 1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX, 1996 chrysler cirrus, chrysler cirrus

Question
I have a 1996 Chrysler Cirrus LX (V6 engine).  Recently I had trouble with stalling at idle and floody starts (no error codes).  A mechanic diagnosed the problem as a bad “air idle motor”, replaced it (cheap fix) and the car ran better than it ever had.  After replacing the A/C condenser (rock damage), the car started idling rough and stumbling and “farting” during acceleration.  It also started to die at highway speed unexpectedly but would always start right back up again.  When I got it home this evening, let it sit for a little while, then tried to go out for an errand, the car would start fine then almost immediately die.  It started up just fine a couple of times, then didn’t want to start anymore (managed to get it pushed back into my driveway).  The error codes I got were as follows: 12  11  33  55 (end of codes)  Any suggestions?  I’m getting conflicting answers about what these codes mean.  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Sarah,
The 12 code is common and just means the battery power to the engine controller was sepatated sometime in the past. You might check to makes sure the battery cables are tightly clamped but nothing important here. The 55 is the last code and means "end of readout".
The 33 code means the AC clutch is not responding when asked to do so or the refrigerant level is low and that is the cause of the non-response. If your AC is working it may indicate that you are getting low on refrigerant.
The 11 code is probably why you had the recent symtoms. It means that the crankshaft sensor mounted on the main engine body just at the seam between the engine and the transmission (at about 2 o'clock if you are standing on the drivers side and looking along the axis of the engine toward the passenger side) is not putting out a reliable signal for the ignition system. These sensor usually fail in just this way. Heat up and they start to fail, cool down and they run again for a few miles, then start the same pattern. It is fairly easy to replace this yourself requiring only a wrench. Let me know if you want to do that, otherwise a reliable mechanic should be able to replace it in about 15 minutes. He should also examine the wires to be sure none of the three show any sign of damage to the insulation.
Roland