Oil Leak From Engine and Possible Check Engine Light on Honda CR-V

The 1997-2002 Honda CR-V, two and four-wheel drive models has a known issue with engine oil leaking from the ignition distributor shaft seal.

Leakage from the shaft seal coats the electrical components of the distributor with engine oil causing:

• Failure to start
• Engine randomly misfires
• OBD Trouble code(s) P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P1336, P1337
• Engine vibrations
• Hesitation or stalling

Cleaning the distributor cap and rotor can help or resolve driveability issues temporarily, but the mentioned issues will return shortly.

Once this issue is diagnosed, the ignition distributor shaft seal must be replaced, and the distributor shaft bearing must be inspected.