Honda OBD-2 Code: P1381

[HappyGoLucky]

Hi there,

I have a 2002 Honda Accord (4-cylinder) that suddenly gave a CEL and the retrieved OBD-2 code was P1381.

When I google that code, it appears to be: "P1381 Cylinder Position (CYP) Sensor Intermittent Interruption"

Anyone know what might be causing this, the severity of the issue, and/or what it might take to fix?

Thanks!

[chickenbones]

I believe you need a new distributer from reading on forums.

[Pete_Coach]

Could very well be right, it may be a distributor (and often is), as the sensor is built into it, but first, just have a look art your caps, rotor, connections etc on and to the distributor as well as the timing.

[HappyGoLucky]

Thanks for the input so far! Any others have any ideas or comments?

[Desolatax]

If it isn't answered tonight, I can check at the shop tommorow.

[HappyGoLucky]

Yup, confirmed it's the distributor housing (entire distributor to be replaced). Any idea how many tech hours it'll be to change that? I called one Honda and they told me 0.5 hours, and another told me 2.5 hours?!

[maniacshopper]

could it be the crank sensor near the distributor?
If it's faulty, it would tell the computer that the engine is out of sync?
That's what I think.

Anybody else can confirm?

[Desolatax]

If it is the distributor, you could do it yourself! It's not hard, make sure you install it the correct way and connect the spark plug wires in the proper firing order

[chickenbones]

Do it yourself, it's not that hard.

[HappyGoLucky]

After the change of the distributor, the SAME problem is happening. Honda now thinks it's the alternator. What is the likelihood that could be the problem?

[Yau888]

Does the CEL come on all the time or just sometimes? Does the car have any other symptoms besides the CEL?

[HappyGoLucky]

Does the CEL come on all the time or just sometimes? Does the car have any other symptoms besides the CEL?

Not a single other problem or code. The CEL itself is intermittent, because the 1381 code itself is "intermittent ...".

[Yau888]

After the change of the distributor, the SAME problem is happening. Honda now thinks it's the alternator. What is the likelihood that could be the problem?

It could be the alternator giving out surges causing the CEL . My uncle's car had a CEL and other symptoms caused by a crank position censor. He replaced parts that was needed for that CEL but the problem persist. I posted the problem on honda-acura.net and got the answer to replace the alternator. This was a 92 acura so I don't know if it could occur on a 02 accord.

[HappyGoLucky]

It could be the alternator giving out surges causing the CEL . My uncle's car had a CEL and other symptoms caused by a crank position censor. He replaced parts that was needed for that CEL but the problem persist. I posted the problem on honda-acura.net and got the answer to replace the alternator. This was a 92 acura so I don't know if it could occur on a 02 accord.

OK, thanks for the info. Sounds like there may be some hope after all!

[starrer10]

I have the same P1381 issue recently in my Honda Accord 2000. Replaced Spark plugs ...the code went off and ran ok for 100 miles or 1 week. Code came up again today.

Next planning to replace distributor cap.

The code comes up whenever there is jerk in car ..as if some spark plug did not fire.

some forums say could be due to dirt accumulated in fuel system and i have also added one of those fuel cleaners

OK, thanks for the info. Sounds like there may be some hope after all!