Jesse623

Haynes manual says that to replace the camshaft position sensor on my 2001 A4 1.8T I need to remove the timing belt and sprocket. I haven't gotten the part in yet so haven't dug in, but does anyone know if it's possible to replace the sensor without mucking with the belt? It would be my first time wit the belt and I'm reluctant to pull it.

Side note: If the diagnostic code says "Camshaft position sensor" I assumed I needed a new sensor, and not that there was a problem with something else. Was that a bad assumption? The car is still running perfectly...

JAFO

here's the list.<ul><li><a href="http://www.bentleypublishers.com/tech/audi/audi.dtc.table.htm?stickyEmail=&amp;ticket=none">h ttp://www.bentleypublishers.com/tech/audi/audi.dtc.table.htm?stickyEmail=&amp;ticket=none</a</li></ul>

Jesse623

Yeah, the code number is 0340, "Camshaft Pos. Sensor (A) Circ Incorrect allocation". I figured I would change the sensor first and see if that does the trick, but in the repair manual it says I have to remove the belt cover, timing belt and sprocket, which is WAY more in depth than I want to get. Even just getting the cover completely off seems to be a challenge since there isn't room to pull it with the radiator there unless I move the bumper (also recommended in the manual).

I just tinkered under the hood and I can easily pop the cover clips and prop the cover away from the sensor, pull the electrical connector and take out the bolts holding the sensor on with everything else intact and without much fuss (by the way, the belt etc. all looks clean, tight, healthy). Any reason I should bother taking everything apart, or is that just to "make my life easier" when changing the sensor?

I appreciate any help.

JAFO

there are a lot of home mechanics there who know what shortcuts are possible. my engine doesn't hace this.

A3dubbs

I just replaced my cam sensor. You don't need to take off the belt just the belt.. but from what i have learned the sensor my not be the problem it maybe something b4 he sensor that is making it read wrong. is ur car running ?

JAFO

yes. aeb's don't have vvt.

Jesse623

Yeah, the car is running. I replaced the sensor and the code came back.. waste of money #1. Took it to a shop and they fiddled with the belts, said stuff looked "loose" so they tightened it up. Didn't do a thing except cost me more money... waste #2, and the light is still on. I was wondering if it was maybe wiring. I found an acorn under the hood, and maybe a little friend decided to get chewy in there. Any idea what else before the sensor could cause the fault?