Automotive Forums

I bought an 02 Stratus a few months ago and it ran fine, then it started getting loud knocking coming from the engine. Dealership said it needed a new engine because of sludge build up, we rebuilt the lower half by cleaning all the sludge, replacing the rod bearings, main bearing and turning the crank shaft. Once the engine was back in the car, it cranks, but will not start and sometimes backfires through the throttle body. A worker at a shop next to ours hooked up his snapon scanner and found that the cam and crank sensors were cycling yes/no or on/off as we tried to get her to start, and the were not in cync. The PCM was unplugged for about a week and I thought of it maybe needing to be reprogramed, but the scanner got all the vehicle info upon connection, so I would think that rules that out.  The timing chain was locked in place before we pulled the engine, so I would think that part would be ok. Does anyone have a suggestion or where I can look next?  

you need to check your timing...if it is backfiring though the intake and cam and crank sync is off....pull cover and check....

Nick
ASE Master Auto Technician, L1  
ASE Master Auto Technician, L1, ASE Certified Service Consultant, ASE Certified Parts Specialist, Chrysler Certified Service Manager/Technician