Cruz-

I've got the same problem. A while back I got a random engine error code that said there was a Cam Sensor Malfunction...and my first mechanic told me that was probably the problem. The error code went away and I haven't seen it since, but the rattle is much louder now than it was a couple months ago when I got that code. I got the t-belt changed and asked them to listen to the rattle and my second mechanic told me it might be a Cam Sensor problem, and he didn't even know about the error code I'd previously had.

If this is the problem, if you let it go for a long time you'll just lose a bit of power. The worst that can happen is the actual chain breaking, but that's pretty extreme. If you get it diagnosed, please get back to me and let me know what they say!

BTW a Cam Sensor is fairly expensive to have replaced...somewhere around $600 I believe....OUCH!


LampyB.

 

Sorry I posted this in the wrong thread:

Does it make the rattle at the same time mine does (after the engine warms up at idle)? Or is it constant for you? I actually have noticed a slight lose of power. I'm taking it in today I'll let you know what I find out.

 

You can buy an OBDII at any auto parts store, for less that $145. Then you can read the codes yourself, and next time, and next time, and next time, without ever having to get screwed by the dealer.
Just a thought.............

 

Below are the DTCs that were set and have been cleared
P0300- Random multiple cylinder misfire
P0301- misfire cylinder 1
P0303- misfire cylinder 3
P0304- misfire cylinder 4
P0011- Camshaft Positon actuatorA bank 1 Timing over advanced

 

Does anyone have an opinion on what these codes say is wrong with my car? People at workhave been telling me its the timing belt or Cam Sensor. Are both a possiblity? Anyone know what kind of cost I can expect?

P0300- Random multiple cylinder misfire
P0301- misfire cylinder 1
P0303- misfire cylinder 3
P0304- misfire cylinder 4
P0011- Camshaft Positon actuatorA bank 1 Timing over advanced

 

Sounds like a cam issuefor sure, not lifters. Sometimes the cam chain tensioner starts to fail and the chain becomes lose and noisy, possibly throwing cam position sensor/timing fault codes. Take your valve cover off and inspect it. Its on the back/top of the motor like you described. If you take the valve cover off, make sure you have a new valve cover gasket because your old one might come out in peices.
You can see the chain for the cams in this pic:
(If you need to know how to take the valve cover off-step by step, there is a DIY article in the DIY section)

 

Onepoint8tee-

How hard is it to actually change the cam chain tensioner? I heard that this rattle could be the actual cam adjustor...this is a different piece to replace right...and a bit harder?

Also, you said take the valve cover off and inspect the chain tensioner...what am I looking for? I had the P0011 error code a month or so ago but it was cleared and never came back, but the rattle is much more intense than before. I'd gladly replace this myself if it isn't a royal PITA....

Also, could the Cam Sensor be going bad? I can't just replace the sensor and hope the problem goes away because it costs around $90. If I can fix this (the rattle)I'd jump at the opportunity because I was quoted around $800 at the stealership for a cam adjuster replacement! ouch!

LampyB.

 

****, any update on this? I have an '01 1.8T Q and same issue.

 

PM the original poster and find out