I have a 2002 Honda Civic EX. It has been getting check engine light with the following codes: P1362 TDC Sensor1; P1361 TDC Sensor2; P1295 VTEC Failure; PO301 Cylinder 1 Misfire; and PO302 Cylinder 2 Misfire.

Occurred while driving on highway. Car started to shudder, backfire, lose acceleration, and eventually stalled.

Took to local mechanic who told me based on his check list that I needed to replace the cylinder head because of loose play in the cam journals that is outside Honda tolerance. This will be very expensive so I am wondering if that is the right diagnosis.

 

That is familiar, but it has been a long time. There is a bulletin for that, yes?
I know I've seen it, but I'm positive we didn't actually do that to fix the car because just about no one is going to pay for that.

I haven't worked on cars professionally in 3 years and so am out of practice with the details, but the most common fault on those cars is the cam sensor. It is an easy change with a plug and bolt through the valve cover. Not that I am promising that is it, but keep it in mind while you are doing research.

 

which of the following does your VIN contain?: EM2, EN2, ES1, ES2, EP3

Also, I can't find any record of code p1295 even existing