So my daughter has a 98 Accord 2.3 thats running really rough. Coming up with codes p1259 Variable Valve Timing Electronic Control system, and p0325 KNock sensor 1. I am so not a Honda guy. I own 3 mustangs. Can someone help me out and give me some direction where to go with this?

 

start simple and check the wires to both sensors and the VTEC solenoid. (knock sensor is on the back of the block under the intake manifold, VTEC components are on the intake side of the cylinder head near the distributor.

there is a filter screen where the solenoid mounts to the head. make sure that this is not clogged.

check the plug gap and overall condition of the ignition components. replace if they're worn/corroded. make note of any variance in plug appearance from one cylinder to the other.

when you drive it does it smooth out at full throttle above 3k rpm? or does it get even worse?

 

It will initially start off ok. Rpms will climb then all of a sudden redline. You can take the shifter into N then back to drive and it will take off again. Next stop it will slip from the get go. Same thing though pull it out of gear and back and it will go again.

 

So automatic. what's the fluid look like, smell like? probably not the cause of the stored codes, but I would focus efforts on the transmission first. seems the more likely culprit of the drivability issues

 

Black and burnt. I drained and replaced new but no change

 

damage may already be done. those autos were never considered robust.

If you're the adventurous type, have a go at rebuilding it. Master kits from places like Rockauto are about $250. another option is to take a chance on a good used one if you can find one.

I doubt it would be worth the expense to pay someone to do this work. most shops will want to put in a reman. that's near $2k before labor.