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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 P1383 Fault: Camshaft Position Timing Over Retarded - Car Won't Start

Model: 1998 ford escort zx2 Fault Code: P1383 Posted: 2014-03-19 15:15

My 1998 Ford Escort ZX2 is showing fault code P1383, indicating 'Camshaft Position Timing Over Retarded'. The vehicle was previously running roughly and now will not start. I'm looking for clarification on what this error means and how to diagnose or fix it. Possible causes include incorrect camshaft timing or issues with the Variable Cam Timing (VCT) system.

Related fault codes
P1383
Comments (2)
Anonymous 2014-03-19 15:31

Check the timing belt and verify camshaft alignment. A misalignment can trigger P1383. Also inspect the VCT solenoids for faults, as they play a key role in camshaft positioning.

Anonymous 2014-03-19 22:59

Thanks Kev - I've just started disassembling the engine and discovered a severely degraded idler pulley. This likely caused the timing misalignment leading to the P138或3 error.