P0303, P0016, and P0344 codes on 05 LJ

muletownlj

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Hey gang

I’ve read the forum extensively on each of these codes individually and know the 0034 and 0016 happen together quite a bit. But what about the recent development of the 0303??

Could they all be part of the same issue? No the OPDA hasn’t been done. I have a crown OPDA and crank sensor and a NAPA cam sensor ready to go and a mechanic that can time it correctly. I thought that would take care of the 0034 then thI CEL came on today, rough shifting and a 0303 and 0016. This happened after driving a lot today in stop and to traffic. Usually it’s an around the small town car, today traveled a lot more.

Slightly rough idling and sluggish at hwy speeds unless overdrive disabled. Went into limp mode. Cleared them all, drove home and parked. Mechanic next Tuesday.

Thoughts about a unifying diagnosis?? I’m a ICU doctor and we usually look for a unifying explanation for multiple issues in human Jeeps.

Thanks!!!
 
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Yep, you should hope the cam gear is still good. If the OPDA gear chewed it up, the price goes up considerably.

There’s no ticking or abnormal noises but definitely will have that checked. I’m expecting quite a bill from the mechanic because I’m also having 100k service done.
 
There are quite a few lengthy threads on the OPDA, but the short version is the shaft becomes very had to rotate which puts stress on the cam and OPDA gears. When there is too much slop in the gears due to excessive wear, the cam and crank sensors are no longer in sync and you get the cam and crank mismatch code. The cam sensor in the OPDA is used by the PCM to time the sequential fuel injector pulses.

If the wear is only on the OPDA gear, a new OPDA will fix it.

If the cam gear is badly worn, it becomes a cam and lifters replacement job as well, which requires removing the head.
 
There are quite a few lengthy threads on the OPDA, but the short version is the shaft becomes very had to rotate which puts stress on the cam and OPDA gears. When there is too much slop in the gears due to excessive wear, the cam and crank sensors are no longer in sync and you get the cam and crank mismatch code. The cam sensor in the OPDA is used by the PCM to time the sequential fuel injector pulses.

If the wear is only on the OPDA gear, a new OPDA will fix it.

If the cam gear is badly worn, it becomes a cam and lifters replacement job as well, which requires removing the head.

I hope it’s just the OPDA gear. It only has 110k miles on it and has a good service history from Jeep dealers but who knows. It’s an LJ rubicon and my baby so I’ll do what it takes to get her fixed.

65E808FF-FF69-40AC-8F46-1FA4B7210BB3.jpeg
 
Yep, that's a keeper and you've already replaced the troublesome PCM.

Could the OPDA cause it to feel sluggish at hwy speeds? That could just be a TJ thing but wiht od off it’s 3k rpm’s at 60-70. With it on it just feels neutered.
 
I have the 6M and short wheelbase, so I can't comment on the LJ with an AT from experience, but it is my understanding from the forums that the high OD gear is the cause of that in the ATs as it drops the RPMs too much.

With mine, I can accelerate in 6th going up Monteagle Mtn, but it's spinning at about 2700 RPM in 6th at 70, which isn't much of an overdrive.
 
I have the 6M and short wheelbase, so I can't comment on the LJ with an AT from experience, but it is my understanding from the forums that the high OD gear is the cause of that in the ATs as it drops the RPMs too much.

With mine, I can accelerate in 6th going up Monteagle Mtn, but it's spinning at about 2700 RPM in 6th at 70, which isn't much of an overdrive.

That’s exactly what feels like is happening. 1500 rpm at 65mph feels strange.

Monteagle?? I’m from Columbia TN just up the road.
 
Yeah, at 1500, it's not making enough power, so it's going to be a slug in OD.

If you decide to "fix" that at some point, just search around, there are threads on what axle gearing you need to make it useful with the tire size you are running. But that's not cheap.
 
Could the OPDA cause it to feel sluggish at hwy speeds? That could just be a TJ thing but wiht od off it’s 3k rpm’s at 60-70. With it on it just feels neutered.

Regear solves that issue, but until then I’d probably keep OD off at until rpms are above 3200.

I’m running 5.38s with 35s. 42RLE rigs typically run 5.13s with 33s.

Fwiw, I’d happily run 5.38s with 33s as well.
 
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OD will remain off

Here’s the best photo I can provide atm for reference.

42E9A6A1-417B-4F9B-A55D-D843E0986C63.jpeg


Edit: Use this website to double check folks opinions on RPMs and gear ratios. Just put in your tranny, transfer case, gearing, and tires to help know what you will be looking at with a gear change….and can compare to what u have now.
 
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