I've searched through the forum for a situation similar to mine, but could not find one.

I've got a 2003 with about 85k miles on it. Recently, I was on a long road trip when my SES light came on. Was noticing pretty major reductions in power and performance, and would have to turn the engine over twice to get it to start. I went to autozone to check the code: P0340. I replaced the Cam Position Sensor, but broke the clip that held it securely in place. I plugged the wire back in, and it seemed to hold. I started it up and it worked flawlessly. Took it out for a drive, and all the issues were solved, and the SES light stayed off.

After spending hours detailing my interior, I go to start it and it turns over once, miss fires, and shuts off. Turned it over again and it started. I went to park it, and the SES light came back on. Just to make sure, I went to start it again, it misfired and started the second turn.


I'm not quite sure where to start. I've read everything from the alternator, to sparkplugs, and have limited funds. Suggestions?

 

Do you know what the current code is?
Can you take the alternator into autozone and have them test it? It may not give you a definitive answer, but at least it is a free diagnostic. You may also want to find that CPS clip somewhere, whether from a junkyard, FLAPS or Ford.
(From my personal experience, it was the alternator that was causing my P0340)

 

Most likely the alt. I switched the two cam sensors around on my 05 and it still pulled the same code so I tested the alt and it had a bad diode