2002 Civic LX

So i am having TDC/Camshaft position sensor issues and not sure what to do next.

Initial problem was a few months ago. Car randomly goes into limp mode and shuts off. Start back up and car is fine for a few weeks before problem occurs again. Again start back up car is fine, then the 3rd time car never comes out of limp mode.

Run code scanner get p1361 code.

Buy cheap aftermarket sensor. Install and car is fine until i hit around 55 mph and car throws check engine light and limp mode. Returns to normal after restarting the vehicle. check engine light turns off and is fine. Just cant go over 55 mph now.

So i read that cheap sensors dont work well, Does this seem to be the case with these types of sensors?

So i buy another sensor that is supposedly "OEM" but is really low price. But had Honda bag and sticker part number, looked legit. But part has few markings, HY inside sensor connector and a 3 on the top.

Install new part check engine light is on immediately and car is in limp mode. clean wire harness and restart car get to about 20 mph car goes limp. never recovers

Put old after market sensor back in, car is fine up to 55 mph.

So thats where im at now. I checked wiring with multi-meter and i have good power, ground. signal seems good but i dont really have the equipment to check that accurately but i dont think its a wiring issue.

So any suggestions on what i should do or test next? Did i get bamboozled with the "OEM" part? Are aftermarket parts that bad? Do i need to go straight to honda and order the sensor?

 

Only use an OEM Honda TDC sensor.
Slim chance your car has excessive endplay in the camshaft according the TSB but check your VIN against the list of affected vehicles.

 

look for good motor to chassis ground in engine bay , it's right there in front , or should be .

 

bought my sensor on amazon. looked at a couple reviews before purchasing. Some of the cheap ones may not be identical to yours as far as quality and fit. Check the live data if you can or if there are any other codes. Also make sure your timing belt didn't slip.