Hondalina

Hi everyone!

We have 2006 Honda Accord, with 100.000 km in it. Few days ago the check engine light appeared, the code P0341 was detected. If the check engine light is reset it doesn’t appear again until next morning?! But than, turning the engine on, it appears in few seconds. Two times, the car even went into the safe mode, it wouldn’t raise the number of revolutions more than 2.500. But if it is turned off and than again on, it works again normally. We took the car to certified Honda service, they told us there was the problem with the VTC solenoid valve, and replaced it. They say CMP sensor is OK. But the problem is still there. Now they want to change the cam chain. But I am not convinced that it is the true problem…The engine works peacefully and quietly as always did…And if there was problem with the chain why doesn’t the check engine light appear immediately after being reset but next morning? If the chain is streched it is just streched, right? Is it possible that the chain has to be replaced after only 100.000 km?! Any ideas?

market525

I think they are guessing. You just very rarely hear of any timing chain issues with these engines! I personally know of a 2004 with 225K miles on it .... motor has never been opened up, except once to check valve lash clearances.

I have heard of these Vtec solenoid problems. If you google that code, you'll come up with some hits and things to read.

One thing that doesn't get talked about enough is the importance of REGULAR oil & filter changes with these engines. That Vtec system has some small screens (2 I think) that can become sludged up & cause problems with the Vtec system. Although the electric solenoid is turned on & off by the PCM, it is also redirecting the OIL FLOW. Sludged screens, caused by poor maintenance, creates real problems with that system.

My suggestion .... someone else needs to diagnoise. I don't think you have a chain problem. How many miles is 100,000 KM?

Hondalina

Thank you very much for your response. I am becoming desperate here. The car is still in the service, actually it seems to me that don't have a clue what to do with it. Except to change every part that can be changed! Including chain! 100.000 km is only about 62.500 miles. It sounds too me so,so.... not much! for the chain to be broken! I don't want them to open the engine and mess around! I have googled the code and even found algorithm how to check things, but unfortunatelly, I am not mechanic, just an ordinary owner(ess)! They say that oil pressure is OK, they have measured it on two places. They did have changed the VTC solenoid valve... If I get you right they should check that screens. Where is that and what is its role? The question may be stupid and I apologize, but I really don't know much about this things... And now it seems that I have to learn! Thank you, in advice!

matt da jdm junkie

at the dealership we typically see that code associated with stretched chains. it is critical that you change ur oil every 5k in thoes engines to make the chains last i have done a few at around the 60 k mark but most of thoes customers dont change their oil that frequently

Hondalina

Thank you very much. I have to admit that we had been changing oil at 10.000 miles. But only since we were told to, in Honda service. So, it seems it may be chain, after all...One thing suprises me, though...The engine works pretty quietly, I can only notice sometimes that the acceleration is maybe not that smooth as I remember it to be... And what about that screens? Any chance they can be sludged? Thanks everyone for any answer, it is all very helpfull. In this part of world there are not many Accords, so there is obviously lack of the experience with this issues in services, wich has to be understandable.

soon2bdropped

what was the fix to this problem? stretch timing chain?