Code 54

[roughashlar]

So...

I was driving down the road when the car just shut off. Sat on the side of the road for about 10 minutes and the car finally started back up. Turned around and drove part of the way home. Same thing happens. Same 10 minutes before the car starts back up.

Only error code I am getting is 54... what does this mean and how do I fix it? And more importantly... is this even the cause of the problem?

Thanks and peace,

Eric, M:.M:.
Crow, Oregon

[roughashlar]

OK...

Looking at the actual Factory Service Manual... it says that code 54 is a "No Sync Pick-up Signal" error... no fuel sync signal detected during engine rotation. So where do I go from here?

Thanks,

Eric

[NAJ]

What are we working on?

[roughashlar]

Its one of my 1991 Spirit R/Ts.

Do the 91s and 92s use the same camshaft sensor? I started the 91 again after letting it cool down. It idled in the driveway for about 10 minutes and then shut itself off. I swapped the sensor out with one from one of my 92s... crank but no start. Swapped the old one back and it fired back up but didn't have time to see how long it would run.

Any help would be really appreciaited.

Peace,

Eric, M:.M:.

[DaPepster!]

Yeah, code 54 on the R/Ts is the cam sensor and/or circuit.

91 and 92 had the same sensor, so if a known good is causing the same issue, I'd look at the wires going from the sensor connector to the computer and make sure there aren't any breaks or shorts. Possibly swapping computers might narrow down the problem too.

[bansheenut420]

I had a crank sensor that when you started the car, it was fine. But after about 10 min of driving, it would start to buck and stumble, and eventually die. Let it sit and it was fine. If you have a sensor you can swap, I would try that.
Keep us updated.

[NAJ]

There are 18 total pages of diagnostics in the Chrysler TIII Powertrain Manual for "No Reference Signal" (Checking Crank and Cam Sensors) and thier diagnostics require the use of a scan tool.
Also in 1990 Chrysler stopped assigning #'s to fault codes so all codes are listed by description in the manuals, even though most codes stayed the same you again need a scanner to get the proper code description.
Let me know if you need any of Chryslers diagnostics.
I do not know if different years will interchange.
If you do swap them be sure to set the proper clearance.

[92spiritrt]

sorry but this is somewhat of a hijack. when i run my car at the track(and if i do highway pulls sometimes), i get a check engine light. it is code 24(tps voltage too high). i tried replacing the tps with no change. any ideas?

[xtrempickup]

i had a air charge sensor throw a code when i first started running alki injection for it disappeared after a little while and hadnt come back

[roughashlar]

Cory,

How the hell do I get to the crankshaft sensor? Do I get Plasticman and Baby Plas to do it? Seriously, how do I get access to the mounting bolt?

Peace,

Eric

Also... so is code 54 specific to the cam sensor and wiring or could it also be the crank sensor? Thankfully its not my daily driver :-)

[xtrempickup]

pretty sure thats cam sensor only and crank has a different code, i think you can reach it fairly easily. prying it out a different story for crank sensor ive heard

[bansheenut420]

Eric,
Easiest way I have found is to take the throttle body off. It will let you get right to it and pull it out easy. And, its a good time to clean up the TB, check for carbon on the ais as well.
As far as the same code, I am not sure. But, I think Tom is right in saying its a separate code. Do you have a scanner? If you do, in the dataline section, there is a crank/cam signal input. Its just a yes no or on off type of deal. Crank the motor over, and you should be able to watch both of them change. But, if your problem is a weird crank sensor, like I had. It would be hard to tell. I would say maybe swap a spare in if you have it.
Keep us updated

[NAJ]

Both faults are listed in the "No Start" section of the Powertrain manual, first they want you to be sure that there is no signal present from either sensor with the key on/engine off (do not crank the engine prior to checking) and if there is replace that sensor.

[roughashlar]

OOOOooooook.

Went in this evening and pulled the crank sensor. Not nearly the nightmare I had imagined. Do any of the national parts chains offer testing for sensors? I'll take them in the morning if I can.

Where would I get the DRBII sensor that the powertrain manual talks about (I too have one although without a sensor the book seems kind of useless) and how much would one cost?

NAJ, what do you mean when talking about a signal? Are you talking about using a meter to test them (ignorant newby now blushing).

Thanks for your help guys!

--Eric, M:.M:.
Crow, Oregon

[DaPepster!]

If the code is 54, the crank sensor is NOT the issue. 54 = cam sensor, 11 = crank sensor on the R/Ts.