← Back to list

2005 Dodge Stratus SXT Limited to 2300rpm in All Gears - P0325, P0340, P0344 Knock and Cam Sensor Fault

Model: Stratus Fault Code: P0325 Posted: 2011-09-07 15:18

I own a 2005 Dodge Stratus SXT 4-door with a 2.4L inline-4 MPI engine. My vehicle intermittently enters a limp mode where it is limited to 2300 RPM in all gears, despite shifting smoothly through all gear ranges. The check engine light (CEL) remains on, and diagnostic scans show recurring fault codes: P0325 (Knock Sensor Circuit Fault), P0340 (Cam Position Sensor Circuit Fault), and P0344 (Cam Position Sensor Circuit Fault). This issue has persisted for months. While the car runs normally most of the time, occasionally it will suddenly enter limp mode—where I can only reach 62 mph at 2300 RPM in overdrive—and experience stalling or rough idling when attempting to exceed that speed (in any gear). I’ve cleared the codes multiple times, and sometimes the CEL turns off on its own after a few minutes. However, once limp mode returns, it typically lasts for about 60 miles before recurring. In some cases, the engine takes up to 10 seconds of cranking to start—though it always starts—and immediately enters limp mode during startup. I believe this is not a transmission issue because gear shifts are smooth and functional within the RPM limit. The problem appears to be engine-related rather than drivetrain-based. My question: Does a knock sensor fault (P0325) trigger limp mode, or does a cam position sensor failure (P0340/P0344) cause it? Could one fault lead to the other due to engine misfires and stumbling? Additionally, I’ve reviewed numerous forums discussing limp mode—most reference transmission-related gear limiting. However, I have not found any discussion about RPM-based limping as a feature in vehicles. Is this a known phenomenon? Has anyone experienced this on a 2005 Dodge Stratus or similar models? Thanks for your insights.

Related fault codes
P0325P0340P0344
Comments (4)
Anonymous 2011-09-07 19:44

The combination of P0325, P0340, and P0344 strongly suggests a timing-related issue. A failing cam position sensor can cause misfires and trigger limp mode due to incorrect engine timing. While a knock sensor fault may contribute, the presence of multiple cam sensor codes points more directly to a faulty cam position sensor. I recommend replacing the cam position sensor—especially one from a reputable brand like Well's or a Dodge dealership—to ensure proper signal integrity. Avoid cheap aftermarket sensors that may not provide reliable readings.

Anonymous 2011-09-07 21:29

This issue is intermittent, which makes it less likely to be caused by a worn timing belt. A true timing belt failure would typically present itself consistently and result in severe engine damage or complete loss of function. Intermittent symptoms suggest an electrical or sensor-related problem rather than mechanical timing issues.

Anonymous 2011-09-08 07:45

Not always—especially if the tensioner is weak, which can cause intermittent camshaft misalignment. I've personally observed this on several Dodge models where a loose tensioner leads to inconsistent sensor readings and intermittent stalling. While replacing sensors helps, checking the timing belt tensioner should be part of any diagnosis as well.

Anonymous 2011-09-19 19:36

I recommend starting with a replacement of the cam position sensor. The wiring circuits for both the crank and cam sensors can be checked, but in most cases, the cam sensor is the root cause of the misfire and limp mode behavior. Once replaced, monitor whether the RPM limit and stalling issues resolve.