1998 Ford Escort Error Code P1381

MREP

MEMBER
1998 FORD ESCORT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
135,000 MILES

My 98 escort Zx2 check engine light came on. I went to autozne and the code read p1381. The light has gone off and come back on since then. I encountered this problem earlier this year and my alternator eventually failed. I had it replaced and have a zero problems until the light cam back on. The car seems to run fine. I am over due for an oil change, and am not sure if that could be affecting it at all. Any advise would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

1 Reply

DAVE H

MECHANIC
13,384 POSTS

11) DTC P1381 & P1383

DTC P1381 is set when overadvanced timing is detected. Possible causes are:
Camshaft timing improperly set.
No oil flow to piston chamber.
Low oil pressure.
VCT solenoid stuck closed.
Camshaft advance mechanism binding (VCT unit).
DTC P1383 is set when overretarded timing is detected. Possible causes are:
Camshaft timing improperly set.
Continuous oil flow to piston chamber.
VCT solenoid stuck open.
Camshaft advance mechanism binding (VCT unit).