Mitsubishi Repair: Jerky Acceleration / Engine Light On, obd ii reader, odb ii

Question
Hi,

I recently got a 60000 mile service done on my car. Among things done were (new mechanic/hadn't used him before)
1. Flushing/replace power steering fluid
2. Flush/replace cooling system fluid
3. Tune Engine - replace spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter & scope engine
4. Replace battery

I also got the rear rotors and brakes replaced (they were squeaking badly).

The car was functioning smoothly before the servicing (other than squealing brakes).

3 days after servicing I experienced jerky accelerations. These are more pronounced in second gear and also pronounced when the clutch isn't depressed. A day later (4th day) - Service Engine Soon light came on.  

I managed to read the codes using the OBD-II reader, P0335 & P0340.

Please advise me on what might have gone wrong. Should I go to the same mechanic or to a dealer? Can he have screwed something up ?

thanks,

abhi


Answer
Abhi,
Those codes the ODB-ii reader picked up dealt with a faulty reading from the crankshaft position senor.  This sensor tells your car's computer that the engine timing is proper.  If the timing is off or the sensor truly is malfunctioning, you can get these codes and the driving problems you're experiencing.  Mitusbishi recommends a timing belt change every 60,000 miles.  For timing belt changes, I recommend having the dealership do this.  Because a timing belt change is labor intensive, it can be a bit expensive.  But if a belt change is not performed and your belt were to break, your engine could be completely ruined; costing you 3 times more money and lots of wasted time.  So you may want to have the dealership inspect the codes and replace the timing belt.
Good luck!