Rick's Free Auto Repair Advice

Honda P0341 code — Diagnose the cause

How to diagnose and fix a Honda P0341 code

Shops are reporting that a sticking Variable Timing Control (VTC) solenoid is a common cause of a Honda P0341 code. You may also find P0301 and P0304 codes as well on the Honda 2.4L engine. To check the solenoid, first remove it from the timing cover. Then apply power and ground to it to see if it moves freely. If it does, then remove the valve cover and check the timing chain to see if it might have jumped a tooth. Also, make sure the VTC gear isn’t stuck in the advanced position

Other causes of HondsP0341

Here’s the definition of a P0341 code: Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor and Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Incorrect Phase Detected

• Faulty CMP sensor – The sensor itself may be defective and need replacing. This component monitors the rotation of the camshaft to help manage engine timing.
• Wiring issue – There could be a wiring short, open, or damage causing intermittent or lost signal from the CMP sensor to the engine computer.
• CMP sensor connector – The wiring harness connector for the sensor may have become loose or corroded, interfering with signal transfer.
• Timing chain jumped – If the timing chain has slipped/jumped, it can cause alignment issues between the camshaft and crankshaft, setting the code. This is really rare.
• Engine oil leak/pressure – A leak near the CMP sensor or low oil pressure/level might cause this trouble code.

A damaged or stretched timing chain is always by neglect due to infrequent oil changes. Worn out oil causes the timing chain to wear quickly and stretch beyond the capacity of the chain tensioner’s ability to take up the slack.

That extra chain slack causes the valve timing control (VTC) actuator and the exhaust camshaft sprocket to lag behind, resulting in a P0341.

Check for a damaged or stretched timing chain

The easiest way to check for a stretched timing chain is to measure the autotensioner rod length. If it’s more than 13.5 mm, you’ve got a worn/stretched timing chain and it need replacing.

1) Remove valve cover to expose the camshaft sprocket
2) Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to set #1 piston to top dead center
The camshafts should align as shown below

Honda camshaft sprocket
3) Next measure the tensioner rod length between the tensioner body and the bottom of the flat surface section of the tensioner rod. The maximum length is 13.5mm or 0.53″. If the rod is longer, the chain has stretched and must be replaced

honda tiiming chain tensioner rod

 

© 2012 Rick Muscoplat

Posted on by Rick Muscoplat

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