The car died on me yesterday morning. I got it towed out to my shop and put the Scan tool on it. I got the following codes:
P1390-Timing belt skipped one or more teeth
P0340-Cam sensor malfunction

Am I correct in assuming the first code would trigger the second code? Malfunction might not be the right word but I don't have the book in front of me. Secondly, is the 2.0 DOHC motor an interference motor? Am I screwed? Any tips or moral support is appreciated.

Yes the 2 codes are related, and Yes the neon Dohc motor is an interference motor, so you probably have some bent valves. Usually the motor is fixable. The only way to tell how bad it is is by pulling the head.

Fred

Either the timing belt jumped time or the cam broke. I have seen both. And it is an interference engine, so the head will probably have to come off to replace some intake valves. Replace the water pump while you're at it. $150-$200 in parts and 10-12 hours for most people. It can be done in less time with air tools and experience. Dual cam engines take an hour or so longer than singles and are a little bigger pain to time. If you tackle it your self, post here for some tips. Good luck!

Suggest jamming in a TDC tool in #1 plug hole, remove the timing window, crank over by hand (use socket on crank nut accesible thru plastic plug in RF wheel / splash shield), and see if both cam sprocket timing marks still line up. If not, yup, bent valves for sure. You can bend the valves cranking it by hand and not even feel it.

When reassembling (new head, valves, etc.) I suggest leaving the rocker arms out until you have cranked it a few revs and are sure the sprockets are aligned.

If you need a fresh head, I have a really mint low mileage genuine Mopar reman one sitting here, make offer.

Rick

tech@richardehrenberg.com

Yep, my kid had a '97 4 valve. Water pump seized, took the belt and all 8 intake valves. The job isn't bad, just takes some time. Dave

Wow, finally had a chance to check back in here! Thanks for the tips! Now it's decision time. The car has just over 200K's on it. I guess I'm the only one who can decide whether it's worth the effort to fix it. I hope to get into it this weekend with some help from my more experienced friend.

www.neons.org. is a good site to take a look at. Maybe you could buy a complete reman motor for cheap and drop it in. Buying Ricks head he has for sale might be a good idea.

moparrlz gave me a good lead on a local Neon guy that I need to check out. I have definitely been considering contacting Rick about that head. I really have to get things rolling soon; daily driving my 77 W200 has really reminded me why I bought the Neon in the first place, that old truck is a lil on the thirsty side.