2008 VW Passat 2.0T

[wrench1]

Good afternoon everyone,
I am with hat in hand looking for some help and information.

I recently purchased a 2008 VW Passat 2.0T for a low low price. Clock reads 98K miles, clean, no damage or tears, really clean for a daily driver. Car has records and has been fully serviced by the local VW dealer by previous owner.

The reason for the low purchase price was a report from the dealer of a repair between$3000 & $3500. Comments on service ticket reads "needs timing belt and rear main seal". I tried to explain to him the car did not have a timing belt and the drip from the main is extremely small and may be normal for the mileage. I wanted to be up front with him.

Any ways, purchased the car and drove it home. During the drive I got a check engine light ("Take to Workshop"), a shutter, drop in power, slight rattle noise and then everything back to normal. Got it home and parked it. Read up on the engine and replaced the chains, guides and installed the latest updated chain tensioner. Started the engine and all was quite, no more chain noises. Sounded good, quite drive and drove great. Five minutes into the drive the check engine light popped up, shutter, rattle again and set a code of P0341 (Cam Position Sensor Code). I have 4.7 volts at the sensor so I replaced the sensor. Same issue again, no change.

I'm thinking it has to do with the variable cam timing but I do not find any info to support my conclusions or what it could be.

Anyone have any ideas or experience with this issue?

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

So you got P0341 code again after replacing the position sensor? Could be timing related. Check out this info below:

Just replaced timing belt and code
P0341 Camshaft Pos.Sensor Circ Range/Performance
will not clear. I did not have a clear mark on the fly wheel (notch) So I am between the two timing sensors and close to the TDC punch mark.
Car runs fine. Could I be one tooth off?
There is a line on the fly wheel but no notch.

Resolution:

I got it. Distributor was off by one tooth.

[wrench1]

Thank you for replying.

I have verified timing marks and chain placement twice. The car had the same code before I replaced the chains and tensioner. I was hoping that the code would not return with the new chains and guides. Everything appears to be properly timed and the car runs well. I get the shutter and rattle at soft acceleration and then the code. If I put my foot into it no shutter and terrific acceleration but when I return to sane driving the shutter and noise returns with the code.

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

I know you said you checked and checked, but might want to get another set of eyes in there to make sure your timing isn't off.

Take at some other possible culprits here: https://www.engine-codes.com/p0341_volkswagen.html

[wrench1]

Luccia,
I most likely will have the local VW-Inport shop run thru the car to verify the issues. I'm pretty good with the older cars without OBD1 & 2. The cars of today are not as forgiving as the cars from the 60's, 70's and early 80's. Much more performance from today's four bangers than we got out of yesteryears V8's.

Odd thing, I was working out of state this week. When I returned the car has ran good all day. No codes, no shutter, just a little rattle at soft acceleration. When I accelerate harder the power is there and the rattle goes away. Could it be the turbo waste gate arm or relieve valve?

[Luccia at Pelican Parts]

If you can pop your hood and softly/slowly accelerate while someone listens into the engine bay you might be able to pinpoint it better. You want to listen to see if the rattle is coming from the engine, the turbo or anywhere else under the hood. When you sit at idle and give it a soft rev does it make any noise? If it does, get a mechanical stethoscope and place it on components to see if you can track down the source of the rattle.

Mechanic's Stethoscope - PelicanParts.com