legacycentral bbs

So I've been getting an intermittent CEL and finally got around to pulling the codes tonight.
11 -Crank Angle Sensor
35 - Canister Purge -- Solenoid valve inoperative
42 - Idle Switch == Abnormal voltage input from idle switch

Here's my hopeful hypothesis. My timing belt is overdue for replacement. During hard throttle it stretches a little bit, just enough to set off the Crank Angle Sensor, and the rest are just byproducts. I reset the ECU and then went driving to wait until I had another CEL then I was going to pull over and pull the code but alas, no light on. So now I'm here and patiently awaiting the light to come back on and thought I'd consult the experts.
Thanks
PS> Thank's Josh for having the instructions online for me to use! They're much easier to read than the Haynes.

That sounds like a pretty sound hypothesis to me. Would be excellent to find out your diagnosis is right on.

I bet that codes 11 and 42 were results of spurious voltages on the signal lines and not actual problems... Code 11 pops up every so often if you stall the engine out. And the ECU seems to be very sensitive to voltage fluctuations on the idle switch; for example, if you load the TPS signal too heavily you can get a code 42.

I don't think timing belt stretch can cause code 11. The ECU pretty much relies on the crank angle sensor for determining crankshaft angle and only uses the cam angle sensor for determining which cylinder is firing. Small variations in crankshaft acceleration shouldn't cause CELs.

It's possible that the purge control solenoid valve is on its way out, and that you'll eventually get that code again... or it may just have had a bad day...

I guess what I'm saying is that unless the codes come back, you're probably fine.

If you don't immediately get another 35 code for the CPV, then it's fine. It doesn't go on its way out. If there's a problem with it, it's either stuck open or closed. It will light the CEL continuously until it is fixed.

So I think you just had an electronic gremlin that has since deceased...

But change that timing belt! Altough our motors aren't interference, you don't wanna be stuck with a broken one...

I got another light today and immediately pulled over to check it on the side of the road. It was the 35 again, but was out when I pulled back onto the road and never turned on again and I have driven ~ 20 miles since then. Weird. Doesn't seem to be hurting anything though. I keep meaning to change my timing belt it's just a matter of getting the time. I think with the CEL I'll just not worry until it doesn't go out and stays lit all the time. Thanks guys.