2000 Q45 P0340 + intermittent starter issue

[Dodgeyaussie]

Hi All,

Just seeking confirmation on this. Car has a P0340 Cam sensor code. It is also exhibiting symptoms of a failing starter, in that it will click when you hit the key but not start. Eventually it does kick over and start. Battery is new. Initially i thought these would be two separate issues, but upon reading the FSM, a failing starter will also cause a P0340.

Anyone else had this happen? I don't want throw a new ( and freaking expensive!! ) Cam sensor at it, if the problem is actually the starter.

Here is the page from the FSM...

[WDRacing]

If the starter is otw out then I'd probably change the starter first and see if the cam sensor code goes away.

[zenjoe]

My 2002 Q45 is doing the same thing. When turning the key, I hear a click (sounds like the starter solenoid activating, engaging the starter with the flexplate) but no juice to the starter motor itself, it doesn't even try. Fiddle around with the key for a few minutes and trying to start like 10-20 times and finally the starter motor will turn the engine over and get the thing started. In my case, the starter spins the engine over very fast so this is not a battery issue, probably not a starter issue either. To me, it sounds like a computer that is hesitant to give the starter motor power because you have been cursing at it for the last few minutes. Anyone having the same issue, any diagnosis?

My car doesn't like to be cursed at...

[Skibane]

As I've mentioned in several previous threads, I have strong suspicions that some of these "failing starter" problems might actually be due to the sizeable amount of current being carried by the neutral safety switch (and its inability to carry this current as the switch gets older).



Note the fuse size - You don't spec a 30 amp fuse for a circuit that's only carrying a few amps.

[3Q Jay]

As I've mentioned in several previous threads, I have strong suspicions that some of these "failing starter" problems might actually be due to the sizeable amount of current being carried by the neutral safety switch (and its inability to carry this current as the switch gets older).



Note the fuse size - You don't spec a 30 amp fuse for a circuit that's only carrying a few amps.

This is very plausible. easy enough to verify as well. if nothing happens first try in park, wiggle the shifter and try again. if still no joy, then place the shifter in neutral and give it another shot.

[Skibane]

The problem with wiggling the shifter is that you never know if what you did actually fixed the problem, or whether you just happened to hit the magic number of attempts that makes the starter spin.

Since mine occasionally has this symptom, I'm considering bypassing the neutral safety switch for a while, just to see if it gives me reliable starts 100 percent of the time.

[3Q Jay]

not a 'fix' by any means, merely a troubleshooting tool. if you wiggle and it's good (better) then the switch is def suspect.....
sometimes just shoving it 'further' into park will get on a fresh part of the switch contact and you're good (60's column shift Fords with AT were famous for this).