Slow crank, intermittent limp mode/stalling - 2012 Dodge Avenger 2.4 SE 4cyl

2012 Dodge Avenger SE 4 Cylinder 2.4L Auto 190k miles

Car stalls sometimes while driving. Intermittent Slow cranking but still starts. Intermittent limp mode results in erratic rev with accelerator pedal pressed. Other times, runs fine.

Codes - P0365 Cam Sensor Circuit B, P0340 Cam Sensor Circuit A, P0562 low system voltage

Engine is down 2 quarts of oil in 3,000 miles since last change.

I have voltage drop tested the starter positive to battery positive and starter body to battery ground. Both had about 0.26v drop so 0.52v total voltage drop. Replaced the battery since it was original and past due. Replaced with new OEM battery and thoroughly cleaned the terminal clamps and they are rock solid tight and show 0.1-0.2ohms resistance from the posts to the starter pos and starter body.

I'm not sure what else to check at this point. I've also hooked up a fuel pressure gauge and it's getting 60 psi at idle and with the engine revved fuel pressure doesn't change. It does drop fairly quickly with the key off and I don't know if that's normal for a return less system or not. Probably goes to zero in about a minute or two.

I smell a strong electrical burning under the hood. Hard to say where it's coming from but I did find the number 4 fuel injector wiring at the connector was bare and possibly the two wires were making contact with each other. I removed the tape and pulled the pins so I could put heat shrink on the wires and put it back together with fresh electrical tape. That might have been the burning smell but I can't say for sure. Might also be the starter itself. I'm tempted to just replaced the starter but of course, I'd much rather properly diagnose it before replacing it.

If you clear the codes and drive it, do P0340 and P0365 come back at the same time? Do they come back when the vehicle stalls or goes into limp mode?

How were your voltage drop readings taken? Key on engine off, cranking, idling?

Intermittent Slow cranking but still starts.

To be clear, you're saying the engine labors to crank? Like the battery is weak? Or do you mean that the engine has to crank for an extended period to start?

Asking because your fuel pressure falling to zero in a minute or two is definitely a problem. :lol: Slow cranking isn't caused by a fuel pressure loss, but extended cranking can be.