P0323

Ignition/Distributor Engine Speed Input Circuit Intermittent

Severity: Critical
Driving: Stop driving

The ignition or distributor engine speed signal is dropping out intermittently. The engine may cut out without warning and then restart as though nothing happened.

Possible causes

CommonFailed pickup or sensor inside the distributor
CommonWorn distributor shaft or bearing
CommonCorroded connector or damaged wiring
PossibleFailed ignition module
PossibleMoisture inside the distributor cap

What you might notice

Engine will not start
Cutting out while driving
Rough running or misfire
Rev counter erratic
Check engine light on

What to check, in order

Take this seriously even if the car is running now. An engine that stops while moving takes the power steering assistance and brake servo with it.
Check inside the distributor cap for moisture, cracks and corroded contacts - the cheapest thing to eliminate.
Check the connector and wiring at the distributor.
Watch engine speed on the live data screen while cranking.
Check the distributor shaft for play. A worn shaft moves the pickup out of position and produces an erratic signal that no new sensor will fix.

Read this code from your own car

Plug an ELM327 adapter into the OBD-II port under the dashboard. Pin16 reads every stored, pending and permanent code, explains each one like this page does — offline, with no account — and shows what the car recorded when the fault was set.

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Where this code sits

B · Body C · Chassis P · Powertrain U · Network and communication

Ignition system or misfire