Hello Everyone!

I'm a 2005 Element owner with 310K miles on it (bought with high mileage from a retired Honda tech - which no longer does any tech'ing). It ran like a top until the last week or so. Once in a while during the week, it would have a extremely short raspy sound and hesitate for that brief moment. Well, it gradually became more frequent until it just shut off while driving in a parking lot (15 mph)...then wouldn't restart. Since, I thought maybe fuel pump went out (nope), then checked spark (yep, I'm old school mechanic, sigh)---then checked codes with a OBD2 interface (elk327, I believe) for my phone:

P1009 (not sure...)
P2646 (VTEC Oil Pressure Switch Circuit Low Voltage)
P0113 (Intake Air Temperature (IAT) Sensor Circuit High Voltage)
P0507 (Idle Control System RPM Higher Than Expected)
P0341 (Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor A Intermittent Interruption)
(Variable Valve Timing Control (VTC) Phase Gap

Btw, it will crank over until the battery weakens...I was ready to tear into changing the timing chain components, but wasn't too keen on it IF there's another solution I'm just ignorant about. These darned new fangled engines!

Any insights on next steps would be much appreciated...going to the dealer is a last ditch option as I know $$ will disappear faster than a glass of water on a hot summer day! Seeing I only paid $3500 for it 18 months ago...you get the picture. I LOVE THIS VEHICLE! Help me get it going again

PS IF you're a guru in NEO (Stark County would be great!), I'm willing to pay to come tech on my Element.

 

The most troubling code is P0341.

P0341: CMP Sensor and CKP Sensor Incorrect Phase Detected.

A damaged or stretched chain will set the P0341 trouble code; the chain has stretched past the limit of the tensioner. Infrequent oil changes and/or low oil levels can cause the issue. The car's computer expects to see the camshafts and the crankshaft at certain positions throughout the rev band and when it doesn't it sets this code.

A damaged or stretched cam chain by measuring the clearance between the cam chain and the cam chain autotensioner arm with a cam chain inspection gauge. If that clearance is more than 4.3 mm, you’ve got a bad chain and will need to replace it along with the cam chain auto-tensioner. Hopefully, there isn't other damage yet.

If there is a P0341, the issue should be taken care of sooner than later, as it will not get better with time. Instead, you may end up with an engine that needs replacement due to bent valve, etc.

 

How often did you change the oil?
Sounds like you went over the recommended mileage and now have sludge????
Check youtube for P1009 and how to clean a VTC strainer

Before tearing into the engine, do the old school checks
Fuel ... system check ... spray starter fluid and try starting ... check injectors for pulse and powers and ground
Air ... air flow check
Spark ... ignition system ... check to see spark at the plugs
Timing ... see if the timing is correct .. old school timing light??
Exhaust ... check for properly exhaust flow ... clogged cat?
Compression

Take multi-meter or test light and find out what is causing that voltage high at the IAT sensor

Just saying to check off the easy stuff first before tearing into it
Like fuses and relays???

 

Thanks for the direction to take! I'm going to check that oil screen...if no go, then take steps on the chain

BTW, already checked the spark at plugs, fuel pump/delivery, before OP...so off I go into 20º weather---a car NEVER seems to wait for "a better time", hahaha!