Opinions on P1345

[Robbabob]

Hi again ,

I have read a few of the posts regarding the P1345 code. Service station has replaced the VVT and a sensor or 2, and their final diagnosis while test driving with their scan tool is the timing chain has stretched to become 5 degrees out of sync. Along with their suggested parts to replace (water pump, serpentine belt, tension arm, and many gaskets) while the engine is apart, they want roughly $4,300. They say there aren't any engines available at their suppliers.

Between already replacing the starter, new battery and new brakes, I just can't see spending that much more on my '03 TB with the 4.2L, with roughly 184K miles.

It's not a DD and mostly sits in the driveway, errands to the store and recycle.

Options might be
A. List it and not hide the error code fact
B. Drive it until it implodes
C. ?

Opinions will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Robb

 

[budwich]

Service station has replaced the VVT and a sensor or 2,

I think you might be better "served" by the forum if you list the sensors involved so the forum doesn't have to guess at the previous work.

Somewhat related is the maintenance schedule especially for things like oil changes along with how it is currently running. My "quick read" shows "AI first list" as a "stretched timing chain".... hmmm!

 

[Robbabob]

I think you might be better "served" by the forum if you list the sensors involved so the forum doesn't have to guess at the previous work.

Somewhat related is the maintenance schedule especially for things like oil changes along with how it is currently running. My "quick read" shows "AI first list" as a "stretched timing chain".... hmmm!

Parts replaced:
(1) DURALAST CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR & SYNCHRONIZER
(1) CLOYES ENGINE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING (VVT) SOLENOID

Low miles driven each year (less than 3,000), change the oil once a year. Oil is never "dirty."

Vehicle starts as usual, drives fine, seems like it is using more fuel than normal, cruise control won't engage.

 

[mrrsm]

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[budwich]

Vehicle starts as usual, drives fine, seems like it is using more fuel than normal, cruise control won't engage.

the code will disable cruise control. Hopefully, some others will chime in. However, my suggestion about "maintenance schedule" with "oil change event" wasn't all inclusive. There are other things like spark plugs and such. Not sure what happens with the coding, but potentially I would expect to see some misfires somewhere... maybe. Did the "garage" give you any kind of "health report" in terms of systems and things dealing with engine performance (ie. fuel trims, pressure tests, etc). Hopefully someone with experience with the code will chime in.... I am just providing ideas of things to check.... the repair dollar cost is making me choke... maybe you too.

 

[mrrsm]

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[Mooseman]

I would replace the crank sensor and then do a CASE relearn. They did do a CASE relearn didn't they? The first time I replaced the VVT cam gear, I had to take it to a dealer (before I got my own Tech 2).

I have not heard of the chain in these engines stretching to the point of needing to be replaced, definitely not at that mileage, not like its younger siblings (*cough* 3.6 *cough* Ecotec *cough*). I only replaced mine in my 02 because the chain tensioner failed and I replaced everything while I was there. It is a major job hence why the amount of money required. It's the labour costs more than anything.

How to replace I6 timing chain and tensioner

I explained in that thread that I had to do a CASE relearn after replacing the chain et al.