First, after driving in heavy rain, stopped for gas; then car wouldn't start. I got the check engine light. After several attempts it finally started. Went to work; car acted funny: at about 3000 RPM engine would back down to about 2700 and then back up to about 3000; kept doing it as long as i kept the foot on the gas. I found that if i would slow down until engine run at less than 3000, it would be fine. According to code listing, P1361 is CMP camshaft position sensor A- TDC sensor intermittent; code P0335 is CKP sensor no signal. The Haines manual does not have information on this problem. Does anyone have any ideas? I will appreciate any help.

 

You prolly got water into places it isn't supposed to be. I believe the cam sensor lives inside the distrubutor. Check the connector for bad weather seals. Pull the dist cap and see if there is any sign of moisture, dry with hair dryer if you find any. I am not positive, but I am pretty sure the crank sensor lives under the lower timing cover with the wiring running up the back side of the timing cover. It has been a long while since I have been in a '97.

Moisture inside a dist will cause a no-start condition. Is the CEL a new thing or has it been on before and for how long?

 

The TDC sensor (P1361) is down at the crankshaft pulley, #17. Check the connector on the back-side of the lower timing cover, right next to the "20" in this picture.

I thought the crank sensor CKP (P0335) was located in the distributor, but not sure. It may be incorporated in the same unit as the TDC sensor??