P0341 Honda 2003 Accord 5-speed. What should I do?
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Check engine light came on solid about a month ago (has come on and off intermittently since I bought the car 6 years ago, as has the airbag light). The Honda garage ran diagnostics: Code P0341 came up two separate times.
They said it's probably a stretched timing chain, but said it's a tough decision whether to do it, since it's a ten year old car. They said spending the $1400 may not stop the light from coming on again in 6 months or a year, especially if the engine is running too hot, so unless I want to pay for replacing it, they recommended I keep driving it till "something worse" happens??
They asked about oil changes: that's been done regularly, although it burns a quart of oil between changes. The mechanic said that is serious; however, it's done that since I bought the car 6 years ago; the engine temp has remained the same for 6 years. I asked if the checking circuitry could be faulty since it has been flaky, intermittent; they said they have never seen bad checking circuitry.
So what do I do? Drive it till the valves crash (if it really is a timing chain problem)? Pay $1400 to have it replaced for something that "might" be the problem? Or dump the car, which is in great shape at 123,000 miles, excellent body, runs great (but won't pass the emissions test next year if the check engine light is on)?
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If it's not leaking oil and you're using 5w20 oil , then Honda DOES consider that an acceptable amount. If you go to a dealer ask them about HONDAS' 'oil consumption test' It's on "ISIS' -(under 'job aids' (Honda website) As far as the P0341 (incorrect cam phase) is due to worn timing chain. Need to replace the chain , all guides and tensioner for the job to be done correctly.ABOUT 4.5 Hrs. flat-rate , but the car should sit overnight to let the chain cover sealant cure properly to avoid leaks later on.As far as the temp. running 'too hot' if your guage is consistent , then I wouldn't worry. Just my opinion , but you might ask around about a better Honda dealer , if the comments you posted were referencing what a dealer tech. told you..........ALSO my opinion...IF the car has been otherwise well-kept , then I think the repairs are worth it , as long as you get a tech that cares about the quality of his work.
How often did you change the oil, how many miles between changes? What type oil and viscosity? You stated; "If the engine is running to hot"??? I hope the Honda Tech. sees this, he can help more than anyone here! (screen name ziptie12) He can tell you straight up what the deal is!
Oil was changed roughly every 3,500 miles, same type as marked on engine, 5W20. It was the Honda mechanic who said, "if the engine was running too hot." Yet if the engine was running too hot, why hasn't the temperature gauge changed? It's been the same since I bought the car 6 years ago. The only incident I can recall was about 4 years ago when I took the car to a non-Honda garage for an oil/filter change. I drove it for a couple of days and then the engine oil light came on. I was very close to the same garage, drove in and checked the levels - they hadn't put enough oil in it (there were no leaks). Needless to say, I was quite upset and never went back to that garage for oil changes. Yet that was 4 years ago and oil consumption has not changed. Apart from that incident, except for tire changing, servicing has been done at two different Honda garages.
The timing can be checked without removing the chain if that's the problem. Check the VTC for debris on the screens causing reduced oil flow, and make sure the valve is not stuck. That the first things I would check.
Find a shop that can do compression testing with a lab scope and pressure transducer. They can tell you exactly what the cam timing is right through the spark plug hole.
A quart between oil changes is nothing, in fact it could be a lot worse than that and not cause any issues at all.
Do not drive this until it self destructs, that sounds like advice from someone who wants to sell you another car. When it comes down to running the numbers, repairing this is way cheaper than replacing the car. If you went out today and replaced the car you'd be paying about $400 a month, so $1400 is just a little less than four months payments. If you repaired your car right now, and then opened a new savings account and started making that new car payment to yourself, do you know what you will have in the bank on the day that you really do need to replace the car? (Hint: that could be ten years from now)
BTW once the chain fails completely the estimate jumps to about $2600 to repair because of the cylinder head and valve damage that results from collision between the valves and pistons. This failure could also result in requiring a new engine if a valve breaks off.
Thank you - I will see if I can find a garage to do that test. Interesting that you mentioned a quart between changes is nothing - another person at the same Honda garage said that is normal for that particular engine, yet the mechanic who did the diagnostics this time said it was serious - they are not singing the same tune at the same garage.
I agree about not driving till self-destruction, which is why I'm wondering about getting rid of what has been and (apart from the CEL) continues to be a great car that has run wonderfully and ideally should run for another 4 or 5 years. How would you respond to the mechanic's statement that, "If you want to have the timing chain replaced, I'll do it, but it may not fix the problem - the light may come back on 6 months or a year?" I don't want to throw away $1,400. Why is there so much confusion and uncertainty about fixing this problem?
IF it was a Honda dealer/tech that said the chain may not fix the problem(P0341), Then I would seriously question their diagnosis and abilities. IF they do the timing chain job CORRECTLY , then you should have no more issues with that. The check engine light will come on for many reasons unrelated to that job. ANY emissions related fault will cause the light. (gas cap loose/evap. system leak , O2 sensor heater circuit failure (common on those) even a code in the trans will cause it to light if it's related to emissions control.OR if you have relatives in the no. Va. area , arrange to visit and bring it to the dealership I work at in Sterling.............good luck either way.
Oil was changed roughly every 3,500 miles, same type as marked on engine, 5W20. It was the Honda mechanic who said, "if the engine was running too hot." Yet if the engine was running too hot, why hasn't the temperature gauge changed? It's been the same since I bought the car 6 years ago. The only incident I can recall was about 4 years ago when I took the car to a non-Honda garage for an oil/filter change. I drove it for a couple of days and then the engine oil light came on. I was very close to the same garage, drove in and checked the levels - they hadn't put enough oil in it (there were no leaks). Needless to say, I was quite upset and never went back to that garage for oil changes. Yet that was 4 years ago and oil consumption has not changed. Apart from that incident, except for tire changing, servicing has been done at two different Honda garages.
The Honda tech can give you a better explanation, be patient.
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