Camshaft Position Sensor and VSA Light
 

First I want to thank everyone in advance for taking some time out of your day to help me out.

I have a 04 TSX MT.

Few days ago, the check engine light turned on so I scanned it and got the P0341 code which is the camshaft sensor.

Along with that, the VSA light with the triangle turned on and all three lights stay on.

I've noticed a decrease in power but the car doesn't have issues starting even in the cold of a Chicago winter.

I called Acura told them the issue and they told me it might be the timing chain.

So can someone tell me your opinion and what the best fix is? I really don't want to drop $100 at the dealership for them to just tell me what's wrong with the car.

Thank you again.

sometimes correct advice isnt free. something so serious as the timing chain i wouldnt risk it. the dealerships nowadays have to show $$ for each hour they are open. search google for the code and the word acura and see what comes up

I have had a p0341 with similar symptoms. My local mechanic changed only Vtec Actuator - and it fixed the problem. But I have replaced timing chain 6 month after it (it jumped when I started the car). So, if you have high milleage and hear an abnormaly loud sound from the car when starting it - than you should change the chain also.

The cost was around 200$ to change the actuator and around 400$ to change the chain. I could save 100$ on labour if changed them together.

P0341 is actually "Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor and Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Incorrect Phase Detected".

This is a complex diagnostic that requires a HDS system and could be any of replace "VTC Oil Control Solenoid Valve" ($80-110), "Cam ($75-110) and tensioner ($70-105), or "VTC Actuator" ($90-145)...or just loose wiring.

Given the decrease in power (especially if across the whole rev range), I suspect a cam chain issue. I say bite the bullet and either go to the dealer or an independent Honda specialist who has a HDS.

Agreed. Todays automobiles are highly complex and contain allot of of high tech engineering. I'm afraid that the shade tree days are over when it comes to a good portion of the mechanical issues that can bedevil even a reliable car like TSX.

If you are losing power, it's probably because your engine is in safe mode. You can't rev higher than 3000rpm for example. I had the same issue with my older civic 2001. I had a check engine, 3000rpm rev limiter max for a manual car.

It was the crank position sensor. I had a bad wiring harness.

camshaft position sensor or crank, I don't remember.

it is vtec actuator. it's a common problem on TSX, accords, CRV and etc with K-series.
The loss of power is because vtec doesn't work as it should because of faulty actuator.

Just repaired 04 Auto with 130K miles and same code. Timing Chain stretched. $1000 repair. Dealer wanted 2 to 2 1/2 times the price without zeroing in on the problem.

Thank you all for your responses.

I posted another more detailed version of the issue.

If any of you are in Illinois, near the northwest suburbs, can you make a recommendation as to where I can get this taken care of without spending a chunk of change.

hate to revive this thread from the dead.. but what'd you do? this may be similar to my current year long dilemma.

same problem here, try changing both the intake and exhaust camshaft sensor. it fixed my problem. i actually drove with the check engine light issue for over 10k, thus proved to by just a freak code by faulty sensor.

Is the timing chain something that an ordinary person can swap out? I don't have much experience with mechanics, but I wasn't sure if this is a part that can be ordered online vs. giving Acura your savings account.

From someone who could probably do it (but wouldn't), this is the kind of job that falls into the camp of . . . if you have to ask someone if you could do it, you shouldn't do it. Other's may disagree, but trust me: you would regret doing this job yourself.

Agree w/ Simba.

If you've never done a timing belt job, don't start w/ a timing chain project. They are very similar jobs.

good luck

Mine threw codes for the camshaft position sensors. I bought Chinese ones off of ebay for $50 and replaced them both. It seemed to fix it for a few days. Then the idiot lights went off.

I then cleaned the VTEC solenoid and replaced the gasket. I reset the computer for 30 minutes. It ran great for the 2 times I drove it that day.

The next day I drove it and the idiot lights were back on. I arrived at my destination and it wouldn't stay running anymore. I had it towed to my local dealer. TIMING CHAIN!

This is the SECOND timing chain I have replaced on this engine. The first time it was still under warranty so I didn't sweat it. The second time was about 75k miles later.

All total it was $1100 to replace the chain, tensioner and valve cover gasket and an oil change. The intake camshaft was 90 degrees opposite of what it's supposed to be!

I was able to drive an ILX Hybrid for a few days. S-L-O-W car. I was so happy to get my TSX back!