Abstract: A method for detecting a mis-built engine due to camshaft and crankshaft misalignment and the skipping of a timing belt, timing chain, or timing gear mechanism by measuring an angular position of a camshaft imparted from a camshaft sensor to obtain an electrical signal representation thereof, measuring an angular position of a crankshaft imparted from a crankshaft sensor to obtain an electrical signal representation thereof, calculating an angular difference between the angular positions of the camshaft and crankshaft, comparing the angular difference between the angular positions of the camshaft and crankshaft, and an initial build reference value, determining if a timing mechanism malfunction has occurred, storing a fault code in memory if misalignment between the camshaft and crankshaft exists for subsequent retrieval by a service operator, and illuminating a malfunction indicator light.