P1382 on Honda
Variable Cam Timing Solenoid #1 / 'A' Circuit Malfunction
P1382 on Honda vehicles indicates variable cam timing solenoid #1 / 'a' circuit malfunction. Au7o has documented this code across 3 Honda models — most commonly on Civic, del Sol, Prelude. 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. Typical repair costs on Honda range from $60 to $600, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P1382
- •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)
P1382 on Honda by Model
Honda Civic(1 issue)
- Internal distributor failure (ignitor/ICM, coil, and oil-seal leak) causing misfire and hot no-start1992-1999
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.
Honda del Sol(1 issue)
- Distributor Internal Oil Seal / Bearing Failure1993-1997
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.
Honda Prelude(1 issue)
- H22/H23 distributor failure (TDC/cylinder-position sensor and internal bearing)1993-2001
The single most common driveability failure on the VTEC Prelude is the internal distributor. Two failure modes dominate: the internal sensors (TDC / cylinder position, or CYP) degrade, and the distributor shaft bearing wears out and 'spins,' contaminating the housing (owners describe a tell-tale reddish powder inside). The ignition/rotor also burns the cap center lead over time. As the bearing fails, shaft play produces bad CYP readings and oil can enter the cap, causing misfires and no-starts. On OBD-II 5th-gen cars this throws a cylinder-position-sensor code (historically 'code 9' on OBD-I). Because Honda integrated the sensors, coil, cap, rotor and ignitor into one distributor unit, a single worn part causes wide-ranging symptoms and is frequently misdiagnosed as fuel, plugs, or wires.
Looking for P1382 on a different make?
View P1382 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P1382 mean on Honda?▼
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. On Honda specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P1382 on Honda vehicles?▼
Common causes on Honda: 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. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P1382 on a Honda?▼
Repair costs on Honda range from $60 to $600, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Honda models have P1382 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P1382 on 3 Honda models: Civic, del Sol, Prelude.