AutoCodes – Generic – P1361

P1361 Code - Top Dead Center Sensor 1 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 Top Dead Center Sensor 1 (Inside Distributor), Top Dead Center Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Top Dead Center Sensor 1 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: P1361 indicates Top Dead Center Sensor 1 Intermittent Interruption.
Common causes: Common causes include Faulty Top Dead Center Sensor 1 (Inside Distributor), Top Dead Center Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted, Top Dead Center Sensor 1 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.

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Code Popularity 44,294

How popular is this code, among other codes? Medium

Repair Importance Level

Urgent (Diagnose now) (3 / 3)

Repair Difficulty Level

Intermediate (2 / 3)

What is this?

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

Description
Possible Causes
How To Fix
Tech Notes ▶
Cost to Diagnose
Comments
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Code P1361 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 Top Dead Center (TDC) sensor pulsing signals are detected, a malfunction is detected, and the P1382 Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is stored.

OBDII Code P1361 - Top Dead Center Sensor 1 Intermittent Interruption - AutoCodes.com — P1361 Code - Top Dead Center Sensor 1 Intermittent Interruption

What does this mean?

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P1361?

Faulty Top Dead Center Sensor 1 (Inside Distributor)
Top Dead Center Sensor 1 harness is open or shorted
Top Dead Center Sensor 1 circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P1361?

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 does this mean?

Code Tech Notes

User Submitted Video

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P1361 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.

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Information for Specific Makes

P1361 Acura — Top Dead Center Sensor 1 Intermittent Interruption
P1361 Audi — Cylinder 3 Ignition Activation Circuit Open
P1361 BMW — Misfire Cylinder 10 With Fuel Cut-Off
P1361 Buick — Ignition Control Circuit Not Toggling After Enable Condition
P1361 Cadillac — Ignition Control Circuit Not Toggling After Enable Condition
P1361 Chevrolet — Ignition Control Circuit Not Toggling After Enable Condition
P1361 Dodge — Lean Operation at Wide Open Throttle
P1361 Ford — Ignition Coil 'B' Secondary Circuit Malfunction
P1361 GMC — Ignition Control Circuit Not Toggling After Enable Condition
P1361 Honda — Top Dead Center Sensor 1 Intermittent Interruption
P1361 Isuzu — TDC Sensor Intermittent Interruption
P1361 Jaguar — Ignition Coil Cylinder 1 No Activation
P1361 Lexus — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open/Low/High Bank 2
P1361 Lincoln — Ignition Coil 'B' Secondary Circuit Malfunction
P1361 Mazda — Ignition Coil 'B' Secondary Circuit Malfunction
P1361 Mercury — Ignition Coil 'B' Secondary Circuit Malfunction
P1361 Toyota — 'A' Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit Open/Low/High Bank 2
P1361 Volkswagen — Cylinder 3 Ignition Activation Circuit Open

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.