P1362Manufacturer-specific code

P1362 Code: Top Dead Center (TDC) Sensor No Signal (Honda)

On Honda and Acura, the P1362 code means the computer gets no signal from the top dead center (TDC) sensor. The engine may stall or fail to start. On distributor engines the fault is usually inside the distributor.

Severity
High
Can I keep driving?
Yes, but with caution
Estimated cost
$60 to $450
Difficulty
Medium
System
Ignition and Misfires
Applies to
Depends on the manufacturer

Common in: Honda

Updated Reviewed by Renzo Chacca

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What the P1362 code means

P1362 is a manufacturer-specific code: the 1 in the second position means each automaker defines what it stands for, not the generic standard. The most widespread definition is the one used by Honda and Acura. If your vehicle is another brand, confirm the code text with a scan tool that supports that manufacturer.

ManufacturerMeaning of P1362
Honda and AcuraTop dead center (TDC) sensor no signal

Hondas from the 1990s and early 2000s use TDC, CYP and CKP sensors, often inside the distributor, to know the engine position and to time the ignition and injection.

The computer sets the P1362 code when it receives no signal at all from the TDC sensor. On engines with a distributor, the fault is usually inside the distributor.

Before you repair anything, confirm the make, model, year and engine. With manufacturer codes, the same number can change even between engines from the same brand.

P1362 code symptoms

  • Check engine light on.
  • The engine stalls or will not start.
  • Jerking.
  • Tachometer needle that jumps.

Likely causes of the P1362 code

  1. Sensor inside the distributor. The whole distributor is usually replaced.
  2. Distributor connector. Check the locking tab and the pins, and look for moisture or corrosion.
  3. Wiring. Look for rubbing against the engine, the chassis or the exhaust.
  4. Timing belt with skipped teeth.

How to diagnose the P1362 code step by step

  1. Check the distributor connector.
  2. Measure the sensor resistance. It is 350 to 700 ohms on many models.
  3. Check the signal while cranking the engine with an oscilloscope.
  4. Verify the valve timing.

How to fix the P1362 code

  • Replace the sensor or the distributor.
  • Repair the connector or the wiring.
  • Correct the valve timing, then clear the P1362 code and confirm the engine starts and runs steadily.

Technical reference data

  • Typical resistance of the TDC and CYP sensors: 350 to 700 ohms.
  • P1xxx codes are manufacturer-specific: confirm the definition with a scan tool that supports your brand.
  • Values are approximate: check the manufacturer data for your vehicle.

Brand-specific notes

Very common on the Civic, Accord, CR-V, Fit and Odyssey.

If your vehicle is another brand, check the table above for the meaning its manufacturer gives the code, and confirm it with a scan tool that supports that brand.

Frequently asked questions about P1362

What does the P1362 code mean on a Honda?
It means the computer gets no signal from the top dead center (TDC) sensor. The engine may stall or fail to start.
Does P1362 mean the same thing on every brand?
No. It is a manufacturer code, and on other brands it may not exist or it may mean something else.
Can I drive with a P1362 code?
With caution. The engine can stall while driving, which is dangerous in traffic, so repair it soon.
How much does it cost to fix P1362?
On a Honda the cost runs from about $60 to $450. A connector repair is on the low end, while a new distributor costs more.
Will a P1362 code clear itself?
Not for long. A sensor that has stopped sending a signal will not recover on its own, so the code returns and the engine may not start.
What is the most common cause of P1362?
The TDC sensor inside the distributor. Check the distributor connector and the timing belt as well.

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