My 2002 Honda Accord's check engine light goes off and on accompanied by a shudder; the code reads 1381. It usually comes on after driving on the highway about the time I slow down for the off ramp then goes off sometimes the next time I drive, sometimes two start-ups later. Now that it is AC season, it's on every time I use the AC, same randomness to turning itself off. My mechanic already replaced the cam shaft sensor assembly & crank shaft and put in new ignition wires but that hasn't helped and does not seem enthused about tracking down the problem any further fearing it's computer related or wiring relatede. What else could be wrong and about how much to repair if I go to the dealer?

 

you may need a new distributor

 

Im starting to diagnose this on my own 2002 ex. Ive only had it happen twice but when it does happen I notice it as a miss until the CEL comes on and it goes into a limp mode.

Possible culprits;
bad CYP sensor (thats the one in the distributor)
bad wire harness (kinda a b word to track down)
failing alternator (not sure how to accurately test this one...)
failing PCM (expensive to replace and a big PITA)

Keep us posted on how this progresses.

 

Have the alternator tested......