SureTrack Community Fix: Pulsing Cruiser

Real Fixes from the SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair records and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.


Most mechanics want to resist the urge to just swap parts when presented with a diagnostic code and instead do the diagnostic work to find the actual cause. SureTrack community member locustpoint had a PT Cruiser in their shop that was pulsing when driving and had a code P0339 for the crankshaft sensor. Testing showed the sensor to be good. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Ericsautomotive and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser GT 2.4L

Title
Engine pulses, replaced crankshaft position sensor.

Complaint
Customer complains that check engine light is on and engine pulses.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
Verified customer’s complaint and found that above 2500, engine starts to rev up and down, or pulses, like you’re hitting the throttle on and off. Found code P0339: Crankshaft Position Sensor Intermittent. Checked crankshaft position sensor (CKP) signal, ground, and 5Vref and found all good. Scoped signal wire while running and everything looks fine. Checked CKP sensor signal while engine was pulsing and it was within spec. What could cause this?

Best Answer from Community Member Ericsautomotive
I’ve had more than one Chrysler product set a CKP code when the Cam sensor was at fault.

Cause
After checking Cam and CKP signals with scope and they both looked good. Car still kept setting code P0339 so we replaced the crank sensor. Runs fine now. Go figure. Thanks for the help.

Correction
Replaced Crankshaft Position Sensor, cleared code and test drove vehicle. Pulsing is gone and check engine light did not come back on.


SureTrack® adds to the power of ProDemand® with an exclusive combination of real-world knowledge and powerful diagnostic tools, all wrapped in an interactive community of professional technicians. Designed to help automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair, the industry’s most comprehensive repair information resource is just a few clicks away.

Want more? Here’s how you can see more Real Fixes in SureTrack:

About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.