thedenz0

Hi everyone,

This board has been very helpful in finding information and solutions to previous problems I've had before. Today at 17 Degree weather I tried to start my 2006 3.2 a6 and was surprised by a check engine and rough idle (sounded like a diesel engine). I hooked up my VAG and pulled these codes. Does anyone or has anyone had this problem in the past? I forgot to mention the car does not idle correctly and just stalls if I let go of the gas pedal. And for the past couple of days the car would crank more than usual in order to start.

Is it the cold weather that could be causing this?

newa6er

Using the VCDS check the timing, ->Engine->Channel 93> Camshaft adjusters rotation angle should be between -10° to +10°

thedenz0

I don't have access to the car now till Wednesday, could it be a bad part?

hrc4u

a friend had the same couple of years ago on his 3.2....luckely
it was only the Camshaft Position Sensor...and not chains/tensioners
/H

thedenz0

I do have the 3.2 - How would I know which Camshaft position Sensor is the faulty one?

newa6er

If you vag com the car, it will tell you which side wrong. You can then swap the cam sensors to see if it's a faulty cam sensor or a bad chain tensioner

Catamount90

G163 and G301 are bank 2 (Driver's side). One is for the exhaust cam, the other is for the intake cam.

Cylinders 4, 5 and 6 are on the Driver's side as well so that's the side with the issue.

Because you mention a cold day, I'm wondering if the oil thickness prevented the variable valve timing solenoid from taking up the slack in the timing chain. Thus, the driver's bank may have been too retarded or advanced based on what the computer wanted to see, and thus the CEL.

You may very well be able to clear the codes and notice the issue has gone away. What weight oil are you using in your car?

thedenz0

I'm running 5w-40. I cleared the codes but the car still makes a ticking sound, idles lower than usual and is very rough. Attempted to start the car again yesterday and today but no success. I'm having the car towed to a mechanic for further diagnosis. This is the first time this car leaves me stranded, with 120k miles I guess its expected for something to eventually fail.

LLskier23

The dealer had a camshaft position sensor plug come loose just prior to my pre-purchase test drive that popped the CEL on. Just had to plug it back in and the light went away. Not sure if it caused a rough idle though.

thedenz0

I doubt its a loose plug. The car is now with a mechanic and he's suggesting its the timing. He says the right side of the engine is getting no compression and will have a better answer for me tomorrow.. Lets see what he says. Can a bad sensor throw the timing off?