2004 Acura TSX Acura TSX P0341 CEL code

Tiny
503TSX
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 ACURA TSX
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 55,000 MILES
I have a 2004 Acura TSX which is popping up CEL code P0341. This code started popping up after the last oil change, and I'm going to change the oil again. This code is for VTC out of range, which my manual says to replace the sensors. I have done that, to no avail. This code is showing up more frequently, primarily when decelerating using the engine(tiptronic downshift) and seems to be associated with the VTC cam solenoid not retarding the intake cam properly.

I currently have 3 more options besides the oil change coming up in the next couple weeks besides the fact that I have a 4 year old car with codes now.
1. Inspect the VTC strainer/filter which I think might be a waste of time since I'm not getting a VTC solenoid malfunction
2. Inspect/test the VTC solenoid. Any ideas? Not sure how to do this or how its supposed to work
3. Inspect/test the VTC gear on the cam itself, my manual says I can apply 60PSI to the hole and it should 'unlock' and vice versa for the advance.

I would rather not chase my tail, and hope that some more experienced mechanics can help to direct me in the right direction since i'm a new father and can't afford to replace several hundred dollars in parts randomly.
Thursday, September 4th, 2008 AT 2:25 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
What do mean by VTC out of range-you sure its not below

Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance

What does that mean?This P0341 code basically means that the powertrain control module (PCM) detected a problem with the camshaft signal. The camshaft position sensor (CPS) sends a specific signal to the PCM for Top Dead Center on the compression stroke as well as signals indicating the position of the cam sensor. This is accomplished through a reluctor wheel attached to the camshaft that passes by the cam sensor. Any time that the signal to the PCM is inconsistent with what the signal should be, this code is set. NOTE: this code can also be set by extended cranking periods.

SymptomsThe car will likely run with this code set, as it is often intermittent and also because the PCM can often operate the vehicle in "limp-in/limp-home" mode even with a cam sensor signal problem. There may be no noticeable symptoms other than:

Poor fuel economy (if engine runs)
Possible no start condition
CausesA code P0341 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

Cam sensor wiring routed too close to spark plug wiring (causing interference)
Poor wiring connection at cam sensor
Poor wiring connection at PCM
Bad cam sensor
Damaged reluctor wheel
Possible SolutionsOften relacing the sensor fixes this code, but not necessarily. Therefore it's important to check the following:

Check that the wiring isn't routed too close to any secondary ignition components (coil, spark plug wires, etc.)
Visually inspect the wiring at the sensor for any burn marks, discoloration indicative of melting or chafing
Visually inspect the cam sensor for damage
Visually inspect the reluctor wheel through the cam sensor port (if possible) for any missing teeth or any damage
If reluctor isn't visible from outside the engine, visual test can only be done by removing cam shaft or intake manifold (depending on engine design)
If all checks out okay, then replace the sensor.
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Thursday, September 4th, 2008 AT 3:40 AM
Tiny
503TSX
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
*sigh*

Okay, replaced the intake cam position sensor, problem became very consistent and would not go away at all, even when warmed up, put old sensor back in and back to normal.

Code only shows up when car is cold, so i'm thinking something either mechanical or emissions related. Once the engine hits normal operating, it runs fine.

Since that did not fix the problem, I did theck many other things:
1. Removed cylinder cover
2. Inspected both reluctor wheels, both look fine with no damage at all
3. Inspected the actuator gear on the intake cam, no damage noted
4. Inspected the timing chain for unusual stretch all was within tolerances
5. Inspected timing gears to check for possible chain slippage, none found
6. Inspected all wiring around cmp sensor wiring, and none were within 3" of the wiring harnesses to the PCM.
7. Replaced VTC strainer assembly
8. Replaced VTC actuator assembly

I guess my next step is going to be to replace both exhaust and intake CMP sensors and see if it helps, because replacing just one makes the problem worse.

The only parts of the VTC system for me to replace is the actual cam gear, and the PCM. Anyone have any other suggestions?
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Friday, November 7th, 2008 AT 8:44 AM
Tiny
ACCARDO007
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I had the same code but the car ran fine replaced
o2 sensor vtc oil sensor thought all was fine but a week later the car died the chain jumped and bent valves.
Sell your tsx as soon as you can it has a bad engine designe it will blow up just when is the question mine had 65000 miles was treated like a princess and cared for like a baby the car was my pride and joy now it is a 30000 dollar paper weight that I still owe 12000 on if you own one, sell it. If you want one, think again
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Sunday, August 23rd, 2009 AT 12:10 PM

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