Camshaft sensor fault codes Golf MK7 GTI PP

[madstaff]

Just been to dealers for a new sensor. Will install and see if CEL comes back. Either way will attempt to check the timing / cam position on vcds once my cable arrives.

How much was the cam sensor if you dont mind me asking??

Let us know if this cures it.

[GTIlad]

£66 with the VAT. Saw some cheaper aftermarket options but when it comes to sensors etc I always go OEM.

[Watts]

£66 with the VAT. Saw some cheaper aftermarket options but when it comes to sensors etc I always go OEM.

Very sensible.

[joe6]

Not sure what fault code reader you have. With vcds you can measure the cam timing phase difference - engine up to temperature and running. Would check this after testing the cam position sensors. Indicates chain stretch or faulty tensioner.

There are a  number of videos on the net just search vcds engine measuring blocks. The blocks you need to check are the group 90 to 98 and I think one you want for cam phase is 93. Measure with the engine warm and at normal idle speed. The reading will not tell you the wear on the chain or tensioner only the stretch.

Found this a while ago when checking my mk6 gti EA888 from the Skoda forum so the values may not be correct for mk 7 engines:

How to diagnose a chain stretching? Connect VCDS ---> go to Block - 1 (engine) ---> measured group ---> 93 group ---> Phase Position. What is the angle of misalignment of shafts critical for us? 0 - 2 degrees - a value characteristic of the new machines, or machines with the new circuit; 2 - 4 degrees - the recommended chain replacement value at which you can hear a clear metallic ringing of the left side of the engine))) 4 - 6 degrees - Urgent replacement or dumb luck.

Hope the cam sensor sorts your problem.

[GTIlad]

Not sure what fault code reader you have. With vcds you can measure the cam timing phase difference - engine up to temperature and running. Would check this after testing the cam position sensors. Indicates chain stretch or faulty tensioner.

There are a  number of videos on the net just search vcds engine measuring blocks. The blocks you need to check are the group 90 to 98 and I think one you want for cam phase is 93. Measure with the engine warm and at normal idle speed. The reading will not tell you the wear on the chain or tensioner only the stretch.

Found this a while ago when checking my mk6 gti EA888 from the Skoda forum so the values may not be correct for mk 7 engines:

How to diagnose a chain stretching? Connect VCDS ---> go to Block - 1 (engine) ---> measured group ---> 93 group ---> Phase Position. What is the angle of misalignment of shafts critical for us? 0 - 2 degrees - a value characteristic of the new machines, or machines with the new circuit; 2 - 4 degrees - the recommended chain replacement value at which you can hear a clear metallic ringing of the left side of the engine))) 4 - 6 degrees - Urgent replacement or dumb luck.

Hope the cam sensor sorts your problem.

Thanks Joe6. Managed to find the value with your help. As it’s a EA888 Gen 3 I’m not sure how relevant the numbers are given all the guides and posts I can find on the subject are for pre MQB cars.

Here’s what I found anyway.

Camshaft intake phase position -0.3 deg



Will report back if the fault comes back. Hoping it was just a duff sensor, will get the timing checked anyway in a couple of week for piece of mind. When buying used cars you never really know the history / reason for sale..

[joe6]

Early Mk6 had chain and tensioner problems, hence the obsession with phase values. -0.3 sounds a good value.

[madstaff]

Any updates on this?? Did it cure your problem??

[GTIlad]

Any updates on this?? Did it cure your problem??

The CEL has not come back since replacing the sensor and I've done a fair bit of driving since then, so I'm pretty confident it's been solved 

Would have thought if it was something else the light would have come back by now..