AutoCodes – Generic – P1381

P1381 Code - Cylinder Position Sensor Intermittent Interruption

Quick Answer

The Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor determines the timing for fuel injection and ignition of each cylinder and also detects engine speed. Common causes include Faulty Cylinder Position Sensor, Cylinder Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Cylinder Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection. Severity is High - diagnose this code as soon as possible. Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

What it means: P1381 indicates Cylinder Position Sensor Intermittent Interruption.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Cylinder Position Sensor, Cylinder Position Sensor harness is open or shorted, Cylinder Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection.
Severity: High - diagnose this code as soon as possible.
Can I drive?: Driving is not recommended if the warning light is flashing, the engine runs poorly, or safety-related symptoms are present.

Save to My Repairs My Repairs

AI answers can be wrong. Verify repairs with testing. Open full chat

Code Popularity 42,597

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Advanced (Pro) (3 / 3)

What is this?

Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 23, 2023

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
Add Comment

💬 Need more help? Ask Coddy for instant answers — it's free!

Code P1381 Description

The Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor determines the timing for fuel injection and ignition of each cylinder and also detects engine speed. The Top Dead Center (TDC) Sensor determines ignition timing at start-up (cranking) and when the crank angle is abnormal. The Cylinder Position (CYP) Sensor detects the position of the No. 1 cylinder for the sequential fuel injection to each cylinder. The CKP/TDC/CYP sensors are built into the distributor. If intermittent interruption Cylinder Position (CYP) sensor pulsing signals are detected, a malfunction is detected, and the P1381 Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is stored.

OBDII Code P1381 - Cylinder Position Sensor Intermittent Interruption - AutoCodes.com — P1381 Code - Cylinder Position Sensor Intermittent Interruption

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1381?

Faulty Cylinder Position Sensor
Cylinder Position Sensor harness is open or shorted
Cylinder Position Sensor circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1381?

Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1381 code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.

Need more information about the P1381 code?

Need more information on how to fix the P1381 code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P1381 code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

Information for Specific Makes

P1381 Acura — Cylinder Position Sensor Intermittent Interruption
P1381 Buick — Misfire Detected - No Communication with Brake Control Module
P1381 Cadillac — Misfire Detected - No Communication with Brake Control Module
P1381 Chevrolet — Misfire Detected - No Communication with Brake Control Module
P1381 Dodge — Crank Position System Variation Not Learned
P1381 Ford — Variable Cam Timing Over Advance Bank 1
P1381 Geo — Misfire Detected - No Communication with Brake Control Module
P1381 GMC — Misfire Detected - No Communication with Brake Control Module
P1381 Honda — Cylinder Position Sensor Intermittent Interruption
P1381 Isuzu — Cylinder Position Sensor Intermittent Interruption
P1381 Jaguar — Variable Cam Timing Over Advance Bank 1
P1381 Lincoln — Variable Cam Timing Over Advance Bank 1
P1381 Mazda — Camshaft Position Timing Over Advanced Bank 1
P1381 Mercury — Variable Cam Timing Over Advance Bank 1
P1381 Pontiac — Misfire Detected - No Communication with Brake Control Module
P1381 Saturn — Misfire Detected - No Communication with Brake Control Module

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.