P0361 Plymouth Belvedere Diagnostic Trouble Code

P0361 Plymouth Belvedere code definition:
P0361 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Plymouth Belvedere.

P0361 Plymouth Belvedere is defined as Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low. This means the CMP (camshaft position) sensor circuit on engine bank 1 sends an irregular reading. The spark should have a light tan color. If the sensor probe comes with white and chalky parts, this means it has been lagging between switching phases, and should be replaced.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P0361 Plymouth Belvedere diagnostic trouble code may include:

Rich or lean exhaust
Fuel pressure too low
Engine surge
Poor acceleration

Possible Causes :

Rarely - faulty Powertrain Control Module (PCM-programming required after replacement)
Rough running engine due to misfiring plugs. Many engines have misfire codes to indicate the cylinder effected, such as P0307 for number 7.
Faulty IMRC actuator relay (if equipped)

Common Misdiagnoses

Control Module Throttle Actuator Position Performance Problem
Air Conditioning (A/C) Clutch Feedback Circuit High Voltage Problem
Cruise Vehicle Speed/Set Speed Difference Too High Problem
Kick-Down Switch Failed Short Problem
Park/Neutral Postion (PNP) Switch Circuit Engine Torque Signal Circuit Problem

Repair Processes :

With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. It should be pretty close to battery voltage (12 volts). If not, then this is the circuit that has the problem.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P0361 Plymouth Belvedere is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before P0361 Plymouth Belvedere.

Fortunately, P0361 Plymouth Belvedere is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.