Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting CEL 1381

Had the code last December/January and it went away. Car ran fine ever since. Last week got a P0171 code. I cleaned the MAF. Wow, what a difference in the way the car idles and runs. BUT...... Now the dreaded 1381 is back. I get a slight hesitation when starting from a dead stop but not all the time. Has anyone run into the 2 codes being related to one another? I did a search but didn't find anything that showed the 2 together. I think I'll try some of that Marvel Mystery Oil for a while and see if it helps unless someone else has a better idea.
2.0 Zetec Automatic, 114,000 miles.

Thanks in advance

P1381 can be caused by a mechanical problem with the cam gear assembly, a bad VCT solenoid, or a problem with contaminated engine oil. I tried the Marvel Mystery with no luck. Check your timing belt to make sure it is ok. Low oil pressure can cause it to. If you haven't replaced it it may be time. I ended up replacing the VCT solenoid and that took care of the code.

Thanks for the reply. I replaced the timing belt and water pump last December so I have to believe that they are still OK. I was thinking that I would have to replace the solenoid. Was it a difficult job (on a scale of 1 -10)?

Looks like the code came about the same time as the timing job last year. Very easy to get the timing off if they didn't use the cam alignment tool and crank pin. The VCT is on the cam. You need to remove it. Its not that hard of a job. Ford wants about $300 for it. You can get it from Teamford for about $235.

You are correct. I got the code right after the new water pump and timing belt went on. I know the alignmnent pin and the crank pin was used. We double checked the timing belt and everything seems to be ok. Will I need the alignment pin and the crank pin to replace the VCT? I will do a search for a how to.

Thanks again

It makes it alot easier to have them. You have to remove the cam, so you will have to remove the timing belt at least off the pulleys and retime when you put it back together. Doesn't take much for the timing to be off, can happen very easy and with the VCT it has to be right. I would be sure the timing is ok before I spent the money on the VCT solenoid.