Chrysler Repair: Sebring codes, crank sensor, trace pattern

Question
Roland, a while back I had a problem with car cutting out while driving. Was getting code 12 & 43. I replaced the crank sensor, which cleared up problem for awhile, no more cutoff.  Engine light returned a few weeks later, with the exception of the 12 code, now it had just the 43. This weekend I replaced the distributor assy, which houses the cam sensor. After about 30 mins it throws engine light again, with original 12 & 43 codes. 96 Sebring LXI V6. Any ideas? Thanks...Scott

Answer
Hi Scott,
The 12 code gets set whenever power to the controller is dropped out, usually as the result of disconnecting the battery, and as you saw it will self-erase after 50 key cycles.
The 43 code notices that there is a fluctuation in the rpm instantaneous readings for the cylinders, what would be called in historic terms a "miss". It has lots of possibilities but the search for the cause usually begins with the spark plugs or their wires or their connections to the cap or the cap for a possible internal arc. If the plugs aren't reaching the end of their life, which if you use the recommended type are claimed to be good for 100,000 miles, then I would verify that you aren't getting breakdown on one of more of the wires by examining the engine at night in a dark area when humid looking for any arcing of the high voltage to the engine surfaces. The injectors could not be putting out the same amount of fuel is another possibility, so putting some cleaner fluid in the tank might help to correct that if it were the cause. The spark coil and rotor were presumably just replaced.
That leaves a problem with the PCM or with the basic mechanical function of the engine (compression test might be in order if the previous items don't yield anything). If you have a friend with an oscilloscope you could see if the high voltage trace pattern might reveal which cylinder is bad. Also, a readout of the codes via the data plug under the dash and a reader might tell you a specific cylinder to focus upon because if you have an OBD-II system ('96-on) that readout has code 0300 for multipe misfiring, and 0301 thru 0306 codes depending upon which of the 6 cylinders is out of spec. Then you can focus in on that one.
Let me know how your search works out, please.
Roland