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2004 Chrysler Concorde 3.5L V6 - Won't Rev Past 2300 RPM, Codes P0016 and P0300

Model: 04 Concorde 3.5L Fault Code: P0016 Posted: 2014-03-01 17:49

I own a 2004 Chrysler Concorde with a 3.5L V6 engine. The vehicle will not rev past approximately 2350 RPM under any condition—whether in drive or neutral, cold or hot. It consistently throws two diagnostic trouble codes: P0016 (Cam/Crank Position Correlation Sensor A - Bank 1) and P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected). Recent maintenance includes: - Replacement of the thermostat - Three tank treatment with fuel injector cleaner - Installation of two new oxygen sensors - New crankshaft and camshaft position sensors Fuel pressure is within specification at 60 PSI (53–63 PSI is standard). The engine exhibits a violent surge when approaching 2400–2500 RPM, causing a jerky sensation that feels like the throttle is being manually pumped. I do not have advanced tools such as an oscilloscope or data logger; my only diagnostic tool is an OBD-II scanner (Actron CP9185). Key observations: - At idle and up to ~2400 RPM, fuel system circuits 1 and 2 remain closed. - Once the surge begins, both circuits switch to open. - Oxygen sensor readings are erratic. - Crankshaft and camshaft position sensor signals show very close alignment—indicating reliable data. - MAP and coolant temperature readings appear stable. - Ignition timing advances smoothly up to 2300 RPM, reaching a peak of about 40 degrees before dropping off. At full throttle, advance drops to around 22 degrees; at idle, it's approximately 10 degrees. I have no access to a timing light or compression test equipment. The vehicle is stock with no additional modifications. I am seeking expert advice on how to resolve this issue—especially given the P0016 and P0300 codes and the engine surge behavior.

Related fault codes
P0016P0300
Comments (7)
Anonymous 2014-03-01 19:35

Correction: This is a 2004 model. Update from scan tool observations: - Fuel system circuits 1 and 2 remain closed during idle and up to approximately 2400–2500 RPM, where surging begins. - Once the surge starts, both fuel circuits switch to open. - The engine continues running but with severe instability. - O2 sensor readings are erratic. - Crank and cam position sensor signals are very close in value—likely reliable. - MAP reading is consistent. - Coolant temperature data appears accurate. - Ignition timing advances smoothly up to the trouble point, peaking at about 40 degrees. After that, it drops off; at full throttle, advance is around 22 degrees. At idle, it's approximately 10 degrees.

Anonymous 2014-03-02 10:42

The vehicle is stock and shows only these two codes. Did you replace the sensors to fix P0016, or did the code appear after part replacements? Were OEM Chrysler sensors used? Aftermarket sensors are not recommended as they may cause timing misalignment or wiring issues between the CMP sensor and PCM. Can your Actron CP9185 read freeze frame data and record live signals? Was there any physical damage to the old camshaft position (CMP) sensor? These questions are critical—especially regarding sensor accuracy and potential timing errors.

Anonymous 2014-03-02 11:08

The vehicle is stock, with only P0016 and P0300 present. The sensors were replaced as part of a repair effort by a local shop. I do not know if aftermarket sensors were used. My Actron CP9185 supports freeze frame data recording and live stream monitoring. During testing, I observed two separate RPM signals—likely from the crank and cam position sensors—which are very close in reading. I believe any minor differences are due to signal update timing. Regarding ignition timing: The owner reported that the shop performed a compression test and confirmed proper timing. I have not personally checked it as I do not own a timing light.

Anonymous 2014-03-02 11:32

This is not an issue with ignition timing—timing is fixed by design in this engine. I was referring to the camshaft belt, which should be replaced at around 100,000 miles. The belt may have slipped and caused a one-tooth misalignment between the cams. Were there any freeze frame parameters that could help diagnose the issue? Different scanner brands use different sensor naming conventions—your Actron device will correctly identify these as CMP (Cam Position) and CKP (Crank Position) sensors when compared to live data.

Anonymous 2014-03-02 19:14

From Johnny Wishbone: I'll inspect the timing belt, tensioner, and cam alignment. Thank you for all your helpful input so far.

Anonymous 2014-03-04 14:24

Just noticed a new code: P0268 (Injector 3 - Circuit High). How should I address this in relation to the existing issues? Is it related to the misfire or fuel delivery problems?

Anonymous 2014-03-15 13:39

*UPDATE* After replacing the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump (as part of a kit), both diagnostic codes have cleared. The engine now runs smoothly with full power and no surging. I discovered that the original timing belt had several missing teeth and was one tooth retarded in cam alignment relative to the crankshaft. This misalignment likely occurred due to a slip at the crank end, as the cams were still aligned together—just one notch behind. A final note: The tensioner included in the kit may be incorrect in length. Always verify its size before installation—after installing a belt that was too tight, I experienced a broken cam pulley.