P1382: How to Diagnose & Fix — Variable Cam Timing Solenoid #1 / 'A' Circuit Malfunction
4 vehicles · 2 makes · $60-$600 repair
How to diagnose and fix P1382: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Acura Integra · 1994–1999
The TEC/Hitachi internal-coil distributor on third-generation Integras is a chronic failure point. Heat from the internal ignition coil degrades the coil, igniter (ICM), and bearings, causing intermittent stalling at operating temperature, hot-restart problems, and dead no-starts. The 1996 Acura Integra has the most overall complaints, with the most-reported problem being distributor failure. This issue can cause difficulty starting the car, stalling, and misfiring. The car has been in the shop because the driver was driving and it just shut off with no warning or light. Come to find out it was the distributor so they changed it.
Common Symptoms
- engine stalls while driving
- hot no-start
- intermittent misfire
- check engine light
- rough idle when warm
- engine cuts out and restarts
How to Fix
Pull DTCs first — codes P1381 (cylinder position sensor) and Code 22 commonly originate inside the distributor. P1381 is the cylinder position sensor code, located inside the distributor. Replace the complete OEM distributor assembly (avoid cheap aftermarket — many fail within months). OBD1 (94-95) and OBD2 (96-99) distributors are not interchangeable. It is worth noting that the distributor plugs are different for each obd generation. So the obd1, and obd2 have different harness plugs. Budget $250-550 for a quality unit installed.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Non-VTEC 1994–1999
Approved replacement: Non-VTEC 1994–1999 (verify TD-85U/connector).
- GS-R 1994–1995Fits 1994-1995
Verified repair component. Approved replacement: GS-R 1994–1995.
- GS-R 1996–1999 / Type R 1998–1999, 9-pinFits 1996-1999
Verified repair component. Approved replacement: GS-R 1996–1999 / Type R 1998–1999, 9-pin.
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Owner tips & cautions
- TipMark the distributor housing position before removal so you can return to base timing without a timing light.
Sources for this issue (2)
Honda del Sol · 1993–1997
The del Sol's cam-driven ignition distributor (mounted on the cylinder head) has an internal shaft oil seal that hardens and leaks with age. Engine oil migrates past the seal and coats the cap, rotor, igniter, and internal sensors, causing misfires, rough running, and stalling. The distributor shaft bearing also wears, and internal sensors such as the CYP (cylinder position) sensor can fail (setting P1381/P1382). The 1994-1995 cars are widely cited for this leak, though it affects the full 1993-1997 range. A known secondary hazard: leaking oil drips onto the heater hose below and can degrade it.
Common Symptoms
- Oil inside distributor cap
- Engine misfire and loss of power
- Rough idle or stalling
- Hard starting
- Check engine light with P1381 or P1382
How to Fix
If only the cap and rotor are fouled, cleaning or replacing them restores driveability temporarily, but the leak returns. The accepted permanent fix is to replace the internal oil seal and inspect the shaft bearing; when the bearing is worn or an internal sensor has failed, the entire distributor assembly is replaced (many internal parts aren't sold separately). Remanufactured distributors are commonly used.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Autopart Premium APID034 complete distributorOEMAutopart Premium APID034
Complete distributor after internal seal/bearing/sensor failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 1993-1995 U.S. Includes module, cap and rotor; do not use for Si or VTEC.
- Replacement 905-021 TD-42U complete distributorOEMReplacement 905-021 / TD-42U
Complete distributor after internal seal/bearing/sensor failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 1993-1995 U.S. Confirm the stamped ID before ordering.
- Replacement 905-023 TD-44U complete distributorOEMReplacement 905-023 / TD-44U
Complete distributor after internal seal/bearing/sensor failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 1994-1995 U.S. Confirm the stamped ID; do not cross to the Si TD-42U branch.
- Replacement 905-033 TD-80U complete distributorOEMReplacement 905-033 / TD-80U
Complete SOHC distributor after internal seal/bearing/sensor failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 1996-1997 U.S.
- Autopart Premium APID026 TD-81U complete distributorOEMAutopart Premium APID026 / TD-81U
Complete DOHC VTEC distributor after internal seal/bearing/sensor failure is confirmed Fitment/availability: 1996-1997 U.S. Because the retailer cross-list is broad, confirm the stamped distributor ID and connector before purchase.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (3)
Honda Civic · 1992–1999
1990s Civics use a distributor housing the ignition coil, ignitor/ICM, and pickup sensors. The ignitor commonly fails (the coil rarely does), producing intermittent hot no-start and misfires. A separate frequent problem is the internal distributor oil seal leaking, which lets oil contaminate the electronics and cap. Honda sourced these distributors from TEC and Hitachi.
Common Symptoms
- Hot no-start, engine fires again once cool
- Erratic/bouncing tachometer needle
- Random misfire, sputter at idle
- Stalling and hesitation at low RPM
- Oil found inside distributor cap
How to Fix
Diagnose the specific failed component; a bouncing tachometer during cranking/idle points to the ignitor. Oil inside the cap means the seal has failed and the unit should be rebuilt or replaced. Common repair is replacing the ignitor/coil or installing a reman/OEM distributor with a fresh cap and rotor.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine Honda 30120-P0A-A01 Hitachi ignition-control module/igniterOEMHonda 30120-P0A-A01
Confirm VIN, transmission and the stamped distributor manufac
- Genuine Honda 30510-PT2-006 distributor ignition coilOEMHonda 30510-PT2-006
Internal distributor coil replacement only after resistance/output tests prove coil failure Fitment/availability: Cataloged for selected 1992-2000 Civic TEC/Hitachi distributor configurations; enter VIN and match the stamped distributor …
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (3)
Honda Prelude · 1993–2001
Find P1382 by make
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P1382 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P1382 mean?
P1382 stands for "Variable Cam Timing Solenoid #1 / 'A' Circuit Malfunction." This is a manufacturer-specific code (commonly Ford and PSA/European applications) indicating an electrical fault in the circuit for variable cam timing solenoid #1, the valve that directs oil pressure to advance or retard camshaft timing. The computer detected that the solenoid circuit is not responding correctly, typically an open, short, or out-of-range signal. Because cam timing affects how the valves open, you may notice rough idle, reduced power, or a check engine light. It is generally an electrical or contamination issue rather than catastrophic engine damage.
What are the most common causes of P1382?
The most common causes of P1382 are: Faulty VCT/VVT solenoid #1, Open or shorted wiring in the solenoid circuit, Corroded or loose solenoid connector, Dirty oil causing the solenoid to stick, Low oil pressure or level, Faulty PCM driver circuit (less common). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P1382?
Repair costs for P1382 range from $60 to $600, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P1382?
Au7o has documented P1382 across 4 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Acura, Honda.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.