P0340 and P0171 help needed

1998 Ford escort ZX2. The car sputters and stalls. I researched the codes. 0340, cam shaft position sensor and 0171, found 2 things, timing retarded bank 2 as well as system running lean. I replaced the cam shaft sensor, as it was cracked. Reset the codes, started it, doing the same thing. When I unplug the sensor, it runs ok, but lacks power(takes a while to get up to speed), but if I plug the sensor back in, sputters and stalls. Codes remain, and talked to many people, no one gets it. I need help understanding and diagnosing why it will run ok with the sensor unplugged(except the low power) but when the sensor is plugged in it doesn't. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Scott

Well, have you recently had the timing belt replaced? THe reason I ask is that when installing the belt, residual oil can keep the cam sprocket from returning to it's fully advanced position. Installing the belt when the cam sprocket is in the partially retarded position, can cause that problem. This applies to the Zetec engine ofcourse. You didnt' post which engine you were dealing with.

A timing belt that wears and jumps a couple teeth could do that also.
Could be a variable cam timing solenoid too. Could be almost anything, chafed wiring harness, bad cam gear.
Unplugging the sensor probably causes the PCM to use previously learned fuel strategy to keep the car running rather than live data from the cam sensor.

yeah if it's running better with it unplugged then plugged then a general rule of thumb is that the pcm is seeing a signal but it's out of time with where it wants it to be! No starts that start with the cam sensor unplugged normally mean the belt or chaain is out!

The timing belt has not been replaced. I am not sure how to identify the type of engine.

If I understand correctly, I should check the timing? I looked at the belt, it could probable use a new one anyway.

Any tips on how to check if it is a wiring problem...actually...never mind. I will visually inspect the wires, do the timing, and see the outcome. I will post the results...thanks for the input.

pretty much if it starts right up and doesn't have a long crank time, is firing the injectors etc then it's likely not a wiring issue! I'd recommend getting the belt and tensioner changed at this point, it may correct your po171 dtc as well but good maintenance none the less!

Thanks. I will post the outcome when I finish with the timing. I appreciate your input.