🚨 Diagnostic Profile
Vehicle Make: Chrysler
Description: DI Low Resolution Circuit. This fault relates to the Direct Ignition (DI) system and a low resolution signal condition in the ignition or crankshaft/camshaft position monitoring circuit. This code indicates the PCM is detecting an irregular or inconsistent signal pattern from the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor relative to the expected tooth pattern on the reluctor wheel, often due to a damaged tone wheel, failing sensor, wiring fault, or signal interference from the ignition coil circuit. Confirm the exact model, engine, and model year before proceeding, as circuit routing and sensor location vary significantly across Chrysler’s 2.0L/2.4L four-cylinder, 3.6L Pentastar V6, and 5.7L/6.4L HEMI V8 platforms.
🚨 Repair Difficulty Tier
Tier: Intermediate to Advanced
Diagnosis requires a bi-directional scan tool capable of reading manufacturer-enhanced PCM data (such as a factory-level scan tool or an aftermarket tool with full Chrysler coverage), a digital multimeter, and ideally a lab scope to evaluate signal waveform integrity. Repair may involve crankshaft/camshaft position sensor replacement, reluctor wheel inspection, ignition coil or module replacement, wiring repair, and a PCM relearn or crank/cam resynchronization procedure.
🛠️ Resolution Steps
Step 1: Preliminary Inspection
- Verify battery voltage is at least 12.4V at rest and confirm charging system output is within the normal alternator operating range (typically 13.5V to 14.7V at idle with accessories off) using a digital multimeter
- Inspect ignition coil(s) and coil connector(s) for corrosion, bent or loose pins, moisture intrusion, or melted insulation at the coil pack mounted on or near the valve cover
- Inspect the crankshaft position sensor connector and wiring harness for chafing, heat damage, or oil contamination near the engine block or bellhousing area, and inspect the camshaft position sensor and harness near the timing cover or cylinder head
- Check for applicable Chrysler Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and recalls related to crankshaft position sensor circuits or reluctor wheel failures for this specific VIN using a factory service information subscription
- Record all active, pending, and historical diagnostic trouble codes along with freeze frame data (engine RPM, load, and coolant temperature at time of fault) before clearing any codes
Step 2: Diagnostic Verification
- Monitor live crankshaft and camshaft position sensor data with the scan tool, observing for erratic RPM signal dropout, intermittent loss of sync, or cam/crank correlation faults during idle and under load
- Perform a circuit continuity and resistance test on the position sensor circuit with the key off and connector disconnected, checking sensor resistance against the manufacturer’s specification chart for the exact sensor type (inductive magnetic pickup vs. Hall-effect) as inductive sensors typically read in the 200-900 ohm range while Hall-effect sensors require verified reference voltage instead
- Verify the sensor signal waveform for consistency and uniform tooth spacing using an oscilloscope connected at the sensor connector, checking for a clean square wave (Hall-effect) or consistent AC sine wave amplitude (inductive) with no dropped or doubled pulses corresponding to a missing-tooth reluctor pattern
- Check reference ground and supply voltage at the sensor connector using a digital multimeter against a known good chassis ground; Hall-effect sensors typically require a steady 5V or 8V reference supply from the PCM while inductive sensors generate their own AC signal and do not require external power
- Inspect the reluctor wheel (tone wheel) on the crankshaft or harmonic balancer for physical damage, debris, rust, or bent teeth if accessible, as physical reluctor damage is a common root cause of low resolution faults on these platforms
- Confirm the fault is reproducible after clearing codes and running a road test or extended idle/operating cycle covering varied RPM ranges, since intermittent low-resolution faults often surface only under specific thermal or vibration conditions
Step 3: Resolution & Reset Process
- Repair or replace the faulty wiring, connector terminals, crankshaft or camshaft position sensor, ignition coil, or ignition control circuitry as identified during testing
- Reprogram or update the PCM software if a relevant TSB or software calibration update is available and applicable to the VIN, performed through the manufacturer’s authorized programming system
- Perform any required crankshaft/camshaft resynchronization or variable valve timing relearn procedure using the scan tool’s guided function, as most Chrysler PCMs require this after sensor replacement to restore proper cam-to-crank correlation
- Clear all diagnostic trouble codes and verify readiness monitors are set or in the process of completing during a drive cycle
- Road test the vehicle through multiple acceleration, deceleration, and idle conditions and confirm no codes return and engine operation, idle quality, and timing are normal
📦 Parts, Labor, and Budget Estimates
Required Components/Software:
- Crankshaft position sensor (OEM or OEM-equivalent, verify exact part number by VIN)
- Camshaft position sensor, if correlation fault is also present (verify exact part number by VIN)
- Ignition coil pack or individual coil-on-plug units, if waveform or secondary ignition testing indicates failure
- Wiring repair kit, weatherproof connector pins, and heat-shrink splice connectors, if harness damage is found
- PCM software calibration update via authorized factory diagnostic and programming system, if a relevant TSB applies
Average Component Price:
- Crankshaft position sensor: approximately $35 to $120 (part only, varies by engine platform and OEM vs. aftermarket)
- Camshaft position sensor: approximately $40 to $150 (part only)
- Ignition coil (per coil): approximately $30 to $90 (part only, multiply by number of coils if replacing more than one)
- Wiring/connector repair materials: approximately $20 to $75
- PCM reprogramming/software update: approximately $100 to $250 in dealer or independent shop programming fees, separate from diagnostic labor
Estimated Labor Hours:
- Diagnosis (code retrieval, live data analysis, circuit and waveform testing): approximately 1.0 to 2.0 hours
- Component replacement (crank/cam sensor and/or ignition coil access, typically 0.4 to 1.5 hours depending on engine platform and sensor accessibility; V6/V8 engines with sensors located behind accessory brackets or the engine mount may run higher): approximately 0.5 to 2.0 hours
- Reprogramming and crank/cam relearn procedure: approximately 0.5 to 1.0 hour
- Total estimated labor: approximately 2.0 to 4.5 hours, with total out-the-door repair cost (parts and labor combined) typically ranging from $250 on the low end for a straightforward single-sensor replacement to $700 or more if ignition coils, wiring repair, and PCM reprogramming are all required