What was the code? Did it refer to "cam sync" or loss of signal? Do you have a scanner that displays live data? If so, check under sensors to see if the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor are both listed as "present", and whether the automatic shutdown (ASD) relay is listed as "high" or "on" during cranking.
If the fault code refers to "cam and crank sync", check the timing belt to see if it jumped. At one tooth off, that code will be set and the Check Engine light will turn on. At two teeth off, the computer will turn off the ASD relay to shut the engine down to protect it. At three teeth off, or if the timing belt breaks, the open valves will be hit and bent by the pistons as they coast to a stop.
If the timing belt is lined up correctly but you have that cam and crank sync code, remove the sprocket from the camshaft and check if the key is sheared off. That will let the sprocket turn slightly on the cam and cause late valve timing, just like a jumped timing belt would do.
Jan 10, 2012 at 2:07 AM
