CKP TDC sensor connector physically disconnected or loose; Corroded, bent, or pushed-back terminals inside the sensor connector; Broken or chafed wire in the CKP sensor harness near the connector; Failed CKP TDC sensor internal open circuit; Damaged connector lock tab allowing the connector to back out; Oil or debris contamination at the connector causing poor contact

DTC codes / Honda codes / P1359

P1359 · HondaCKP TDC Sensor Circuit Connector Disconnection

Q: What does code P1359 mean?

CKP TDC Sensor Circuit Connector Disconnection. P1359 on Honda vehicles means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an open or disconnected circuit at the Crankshaft Position (CKP) Top Dead Center (TDC) sensor connector. The PCM monitors the CKP signal for engine speed and cylinder position, and when the electrical path through the sensor connector is broken, it stores this code and may substitute a default timing strategy.

P1359 on Honda vehicles means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an open or disconnected circuit at the Crankshaft Position (CKP) Top Dead Center (TDC) sensor connector. The PCM monitors the CKP signal for engine speed and cylinder position, and when the electrical path through the sensor connector is broken, it stores this code and may substitute a default timing strategy.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeHonda specific

SeverityMedium

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaIgnition system and misfire

Symptoms you may notice

Check Engine Light illuminated, often with no other noticeable symptoms
Engine cranks but fails to start or takes longer to start than usual
Intermittent stalling or sudden engine shutoff while driving
Rough running or misfire due to lost crank position signal
Tachometer may read zero or fluctuate erratically while the engine is running

Common causes, most likely first

CKP TDC sensor connector physically disconnected or loose
Corroded, bent, or pushed-back terminals inside the sensor connector
Broken or chafed wire in the CKP sensor harness near the connector
Failed CKP TDC sensor internal open circuit
Damaged connector lock tab allowing the connector to back out
Oil or debris contamination at the connector causing poor contact

How to diagnose and fix it

Inspect the CKP TDC sensor connector for full engagement and secure locking
Check for corrosion, bent pins, or pushed-back terminals and repair as needed
Measure resistance across the CKP sensor terminals and compare to Honda specification
Perform a wiggle test on the harness and connector while monitoring CKP signal with a scan tool
Check continuity from the sensor connector to the PCM pins and repair any open circuit
Replace the CKP TDC sensor if the connector and wiring test good but the signal is absent
Clear the code and verify the CKP signal returns and the code does not reset

Connector faults often mimic sensor failure

A loose or disconnected CKP connector is frequently caused by a previous repair or timing belt service where the connector was not fully reseated.
Technicians who replace the CKP sensor without checking connector pin tension often find the new sensor sets the same code because the harness side terminals are spread.
Oil leaking from the valve cover or cam seal can contaminate the CKP connector and cause intermittent disconnection that only appears when the engine is hot.
The PCM may run on a default ignition timing strategy when this code is active, so the engine can feel normal at idle but lack power under load.
A broken connector lock tab allows vibration to slowly back the connector out, so the code may return only after several hundred miles of driving.

Can I keep driving with P1359?

You can usually drive a short distance to a repair shop if the engine starts and runs, but avoid sustained highway speeds or heavy load because a sudden loss of CKP signal can cause an unexpected stall. If the engine cranks without starting or stalls repeatedly, have the vehicle towed rather than risk a breakdown in traffic.

Tools that help

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Guidance is general and written for Honda vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.