richandhazel's Golf VR6

[thai-wronghorse]

What, Vagcat is actually working? 

[richandhazel]

What, Vagcat is actually working? 

Yeah! I was surprised too

[richandhazel]

Update time

I haven't bought the sill trims yet but they are on my 'to do' which seems to be turning into an ever increasing list...........Shaun I now know how you feel!

Since I last posted I have been busy with getting the Mk1 and Mk4 through their MOT's, thankfully both passed without any problems which brings my attention back to the VR6.

Have now fitted the OEM airbox that I purchased on ebay so that horrible cone filter has gone. Has made the engine much quieter under acceleration which suits me tbh.

Since putting it on the road it has started running a little rough, particularly between decelerating and accelerating, a very pronounced flat spot. This got steadily worse until the point last week where I was only firing on five cylinders

Closer inspection revealed that one of the HT leads had obviously suffered at the hands of some idiot that had used the lead to pull it off the plug instead of the tool. So, £54 lighter I replaced the full set. Whilst at it I bought a set of plugs, oil, oil filter, air filter and did a 10K, 20K and 40K service on it. Piece of mind knowing all that is done

Unfortunately although the misfire has now gone, the rough running and flat spot  haven't gone away and the fault codes downloaded during the service are now pointing me to yet another problem............

[SoundillusioN]

Lists are fine when they're in your head, make a note of them and they can be scary.... I need to add to mine this weekend.

sorry to hear about the flat spot, mine has lost it's top end pull again but I can't really complain about it until I get a replacement warm up reg.... what are your fault codes pointing you to then?

[richandhazel]

The fault code I have with the engine running is:-

VAG-COM Version: Release  311.2-N

Control Module Part Number: 021 906 258 AF
  Component and/or Version:    MOTOR    PMC 1
           Software Coding: 0261203117
            Work Shop Code: 1267357529
1 Fault Found:
00515 - Camshaft Position (Hall) Sensor (G40)
        30-00 - Open or Short to B+

I've done some research online and the cam position sensor is looking favourite. I've checked that there is 12V to the sensor and that the ground is good.
It looks like the sensor isn't sending a signal to the ECU. Not sure if it's actually possible to read it but I have tried testing the output using an LED and an analogue multimeter. Both showed a constant output. I do have an oscilloscope that may have more luck but........in the meantime I've managed to find a second hand sensor for £14 on ebay that has come from a Galaxy so I think I'll wait and try that next.

[richandhazel]

Well I got a sensor from ebay, unfortunately not the one I originally went for. The guy took my money but I never received it. He wouldn't answer my messages or do anything about it so I had to open a case against him and then escalate it (first time I've had to do that). Paypal have now refunded me the money
So be warned, don't buy anything from 'dancarparts4u'.

Back on subject. Having bought a sensor from someone else on ebay I proceeded to replace it. I'd read elsewhere that it was possible that the magnetic sender itself could spin on the camshaft having stripped its key-way so whilst I had the sensor out I checked to see if you can see it through the hole. You can and this could be very useful if anyone else has the problem.

Here is a photo with the sensor removed and the magnet not in view:-



These are photos of the magnet partially in view:-





And this is a photo of the magnet fully in view:-



I was able to stick my pinky into the hole and try to move the magnet. I couldn't move it so I guess that confirms that it is OK.

[richandhazel]

Having confirmed that the sender was OK, I replaced the sensor and started the car. Straight away there was something odd going on as the idle went all over the place! I guess the ECU was getting a signal that it isn't used to. After a while it settled down and with VAGCOM running I then cleared the fault code.........it didn't come back and the car is now much smoother between decel & accel 

[richandhazel]

I used the VR6 for work the following night and a new problem came up. I started up and it wouldn't idle properly and eventually stalled. After driving for around a mile it seemed to clear up but the following day it did exactly the same for Hazel.

Plugged VAGCOM back in and now have this:-

00537 - Lambda (Oxygen Sensor) Regulation
        11-10 - Control Limit Not Reached - Intermittent

 

I've now cleared the fault code and just took the car for its first spin for around a week and it appears to be OK. I'm using it again for work tonight so we'll have to see. Maybe it was just a glitch with the new cam sensor fitted 

[SoundillusioN]

Wondered how this was going.   Seems like you're having a few teething problems but at least the worst of it is done now.. Let's hope its just having a little moment and just needs to adjust.

[richandhazel]

Wondered how this was going.   Seems like you're having a few teething problems but at least the worst of it is done now.. Let's hope its just having a little moment and just needs to adjust.

Fingers crossed that is looking likely. I drove to work and back last night and the car was faultless, very much a pleasure to drive

Hopefully now I can get down to some cosmetic work. First on the list is to get the tailgate dent fixed. I'm then looking to have the alloys refurbished by Martyn at Blk alloys. The only other thing will be the sill trims so I'm getting there