P1383: Variable Cam Timing Over-Retarded (Ford)
Severity: medium
What it means: On Ford engines with variable cam timing (VCT), the engine computer saw the camshaft stay further retarded (later) than it commanded, so it sets this code.
Safe to drive? Often drivable, but it can cause a rough idle and stalling at idle, which is risky in traffic. Get it checked soon.
Common symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Rough idle or stalling at idle, especially coming to a stop
- Reduced power
Likely causes, ranked
- Variable cam timing solenoid stuck open or contaminated with debrisShop
- Wrong oil, low oil or sludge affecting the cam timing systemDIY
- Binding variable cam timing unit or incorrect base cam timingShop
Advertisement
Vehicle-specific notes
- 1998–2003 Ford Escort ZX2: A 2000 ZX2 owner on Car Talk had stalling at idle, worse with the heater on, and a parts store read P1383. A member asked whether it had the specified 5W-20 oil, since the wrong oil or debris can upset the cam timing solenoid. Ford's TSB 99105 covers P1381/P1383 with rough idle, reduced power or stalling at idle on some 1998-1999 Contour, ZX2, Cougar and Mystique models. Read the full answer · Source
DIY or shop?
Checking the oil level and type is DIY. Testing the VCT solenoid, the VCT unit and cam timing is shop work.
Before you replace parts
- Check the oil level, and change it to the grade in your owner's manual if you're not sure what's in there.
- Read all stored codes. P1381 (over-advanced) is the related code and can be stored with it.
- Ask a Ford shop about TSB 99105 if you have a 1998-1999 Contour, ZX2, Cougar or Mystique.
- If the timing belt was recently replaced, have the cam timing checked.
- Clear the code only after a repair, then confirm it stays off.
Safety / mechanic note
Verify with a mechanic. A code points to a system, not always a specific part, and stalling at idle is a safety issue.
Advertisement