01 Rio Won't idle

young22 · 07-10-2008, 10:24 PM

Hi everyone, I've got a 01 rio (50k miles) that is giving me trouble.
Symptoms: Stalls at every intersection, knocks on acceleration, Error code 340 (camshaft postion sensor malfunction) runs rough when not under load
Remedies attempted so far: new cam post. sensor, New timing belt installed by dealer ( stated jumped a tooth), dealer advised me to replace Crank postition sensor ( the car idles PERFECTLY when that sensor is unplugged- I'd run without it, but the car loses power mid-range and dogs before reaching an adequate shift point), Crank postition sensor replaced, better gas.

No change in problems yet! Any suggestions?

Raven1210 · 07-11-2008, 12:05 AM

I know you said Crank postition sensor replaced. But then you said the car idles PERFECTLY when that sensor is unplugged- I'd run without it, but the car loses power mid-range and dogs before reaching an adequate shift point. Have you replaced it??

Wrench4Life · 07-11-2008, 03:17 AM

The knocking could also be a knock sensor. I've seen the opposite on most cars where it will not start if the crank position sensor is unplugged but will run but stall / bog down when the Cam sensor is unplugged. The ECU uses BOTH to fine tune the engine under various conditions and RPM the ECU also leans the engine out for economy, this is where the knock sensor comes into play. If both sensors have been replaced it MAY be either the ECU or a fault in the wiring harness. A bad knock sensor would be evident under load (uphill hills / steep grade, etc) and the engine will be knocking away like mad.

young22 · 07-11-2008, 08:50 AM

Wouldn't there be a fault code with a bad knock sensor? It should be noted that the car started knocking before the check engine light came on ( by some time). Is there some method of bench-testing the cam and crank sensors to rule them out?

Thanks for your replies

Wrench4Life · 07-12-2008, 07:02 AM

Normally the ECU throws a code when a knock sensor goes bad. What sensors have you really replaced? Well you can test the sensors on the car, really the best way to do this would be with a shop level OBDII scanner and you can scan the sensors in real time. You can also check the operation with a Volt Ohm Meter, I do not have the specs on hand but kiaglobalservice should havethe specs on their website.

young22 · 07-12-2008, 10:48 AM

The cranks position sensr, camshaft position sensor, timing belt, idler and tensioner have all been replaced. Thanks for the tech info, too