2004 Toyota Matrix P1349 Trouble Code

Ian’s Question: My 2004 Toyota Matrix started running a little funny and the check engine light came on. I got the code, it’s number P1349. How can I fix this?

Answer: OK, that’s a code for trouble in the variable valve timing system. That system is operated by oil pressure. THE most common problem I see that causes that code to pop is either very dirty oil, or low oil. If the oil pressure in the engine drops from either really dirty oil or oil that is very low in the engine, then the variable valve system can’t work. So not only do you get the trouble code, you also will be some poor running in the engine. If you’re lucky, a cheap fix is to change the engine oil and filter, and use synthetic oil to help it work better. If this works, then be sure to change your oil and filter regularly. Considering a new engine costs thousands of dollars, and oil changes are twenty bucks or so, it’s a real deal to change your oil consistently.