Out of the blue with no symptoms other than mil light I get the p1383 vvt over retarding bank 1.

What shall I check 1st?

Thanks

 

Sorry to say fairly typical of that code.

There are some good replies on this if you go into Advanced Search, put in that code and only select this forum. Well worth reading hopefully.

 

Do you mean it's a common code? Is it normally a hard expensive fix?

 

Darren - do the following: buy engine flush and add it to the engine - run the engine with the engine flush for 15 - 20 minutes at idle, drain oil - install new oil filter and add either 5W20 or 0W20 oil - substitute ATF for 1 quart of oil (like Dexron IV or V) - trans fluid is highly detergent - drive as normal.

You might notice the code goes away quite quickly with the procedure as stated above.

The VVT passages are very suspectible to blockage as the oil loses it's viscosity - also, I believe there is a TSB regarding a re-flash of the ECM - but highly unlikely this is the cause of your issue.

If the VVT assembly needs to be changed - it will be costly - my suggestion above has worked flawlessly for me. Now, what I do is add some ATF about 500 miles before my next oil change - haven't had a VVT issue since...

 

Darren - What I meant was: read the posts which go into detail. That's why I explained how to find them.