P1383

What it means

P1383 means the powertrain control module has seen the camshaft sitting further advanced than it commanded, beyond the allowed tolerance. It is a Ford-group code used on Mercury models that have variable cam timing. The module compares the camshaft position sensor signal with the crankshaft signal and finds the cam over-advanced against the target.

Symptoms

• Malfunction indicator lamp on
• Rough or unstable idle
• Hesitation or lack of power under load
• Poor fuel economy
• Rattle from the engine at start-up or idle
• Occasional stalling or hard starting

Possible causes

• Variable cam timing solenoid sticking, dirty or electrically faultylikely
• Low, degraded or incorrect-grade engine oil, or blocked oil passages or screens feeding the cam timing systemlikely
• Wiring or connector fault on the solenoid circuit (chafing, corrosion, poor pin tension)possible
• Stretched timing chain, worn guides or failed tensioner causing the cam to move out of positionpossible
• Faulty cam phaser (actuator) unit that cannot hold the commanded positionpossible
• Faulty camshaft or crankshaft position sensor, or damaged reluctor wheel giving a false position readingrare
• Fault in the engine control module itselfrare

How to diagnose

1. Read all stored and pending codes and note the freeze frame data (engine temperature, load, rpm) to see when the fault occurred. Deal with any other cam, crank or misfire codes first.
2. Check the oil level and condition, and confirm the oil grade matches the manufacturer specification for that engine. Sludgy, diluted or low oil points straight to the cam timing system.
3. Inspect the cam timing solenoid wiring and connector for damage, oil contamination, corrosion and pin tension.
4. Measure the solenoid resistance and check its power and control signals against the specification for that engine, as values vary by model.
5. Use live data to compare commanded and actual cam position at idle and under load, and see whether the actual position follows the command.
6. Check the camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals and condition, including the reluctor wheels, with a scope or the manufacturer's procedure.
7. Remove the solenoid and inspect it and its screen for debris or sludge, and check that it moves freely.
8. If rattle or a large timing error is present, check the cam-to-crank timing and the chain, guides and tensioner condition, following the procedure for that engine.

How to fix

• Change the oil and filter to the correct grade, and correct any low oil level or oil consumption problem.
• Clean or replace the cam timing solenoid, along with its screen if one is fitted.
• Repair or replace damaged wiring and connectors in the solenoid circuit.
• Replace the timing chain, guides and tensioner if wear or stretch is confirmed, and reset the timing correctly.
• Replace the cam phaser if it fails to hold or reach the commanded position.
• Replace a faulty camshaft or crankshaft sensor or damaged reluctor wheel, then clear the code and road test to confirm it stays off.

Can I keep driving?

This code for other makes

• P1383FordCam Timing Advance is Excessive
• P1383LincolnCam Timing Advance is Excessive
• P1383OtherVariable Cam Timing Overretarded (Bank #1)

Nearby codes

• P1381MercuryCam Timing Advance is Excessive
• P1385MercuryVariable Cam Timing Solenoid B Malfunction