I am in a bit of a pickle and any help is appreciated. I have a 2005 tsx with 180,000 miles. Well my front main seal went out and decided while I was doing that, I would change the chain tensioner since it was right there. After, all was done, I started the vehicle and it ran fine, but P0341 was throwing the check engine light. I have not driven the vehicle to avoid any damage. Any ideas? I dont know if I can justify spending 1400 on a timing chain job from a shop.

 

p0431 is a catalytic converted issue. Did someone forget to plug in an o2 sensor ro something? Make sure everything is tight, then unplug the battery for 5 minutes, plug it back in and go for a drive. It may just be a fluke.

 

The Catalytic deficiency is p0420. Unfortunately I know this because I have had this one for awhile debating on what to do.

 

okay... your title says p0431 and your text says P0341, which one is it..?

 

Yep, my bad. The Code is p0341. Camshaft Position Sensor Incorrect Phase Detected. My fear is that timing may be off. I consider myself pretty mechanically inclined, just have never really messed with cam timing. Can you check timing with just the valve cover off?

 

Ahhh okay


Then here: https://www.google.com/search?q=p034...:acurazine.com


That is at least in line with what you were doing in the general vicinity. seems somewhat common on the TSX.

 

I have done about all the internet research I can. Im just wondering if there is any way to look into this further without having to pull the timing cover off.

 

You can pull valve cover and check that alignment TDC crank and camshafts are aligned. Unless chain jumped a tooth this is likely OK.

More likely the chain is worn and too much slack causing excessive disagreement between chain and camshaft sensors (phase angle). I looked for a test in the shop manual but could not find one. I vaguely remember a test to remove auto-tensioner access cover (on timing cover) and check for excess extension of the tensioner (don't remember specs). Perhaps someone else can locate this test. It is not at the specified reference in the diagnostic below.

I assume you've reset code and it reappeared? If not try a reset first.

good luck

 

One thing that has me curious is that in all the tensioner install videos I have seen, once they released the tensioner, they add a few clicks manually. Should I try to add a few clicks on the tensioner by pushing on the chain guide through the cover access?

 

Ok, so I popped the valve cover off and set piston 1 to TDC. I verified TDC with the piston. The picture shows where the cam timing marks end up. Definately not in time but any imput anyone can offer would be greatly appreciated.

 

Also, since I am able to line up the cam marks, this means that it must have slipped on the crank, right? And by the markings, how many teeth does it look like it slipped. I just want to make sure a new chain wont be in vain if I have valve damage.

 

The intake cam appears to be close to alignment, but exhaust cam is definitely off, assuming #1 at TDC. I attached page from shop manual.

No point in worrying about tensioner as timing chain needs to be repositioned and likely replaced. I would replace tensioner and all guides during this process.

good luck