2002 A4 3.0 Cam Phaser/ Sensor Issue Help Please
 

I've got a 2002 A4 3.0 that has become quite a millstone for me. I bought the car for what was in hind site a too good to be true situation. The owner told me that it needed a camshaft position sensor (which I verified by pulling the code before I bought it). It is running rough, throwing a multiple misfire code, and a P0345 Camshaft Position Sensor A Bank 2 code.

Replaced the sensor, no change.

Decided it was likely mistimed. Retimed 2 times with extreme care following audi procedure to the T using cam locks and crank lock pin. No change.

I have checked and all the cam sensors are putting out signal at the sensor.

I have checked compression and found that Bank 1 is all at 150psi on the nose, Bank 2 is all at 180psi on the nose. Also, bank 2 plugs look/smell rich when pulled. Interesting.

Because of this I suspect that there is an issue with the cam phaser or phasors, or their related components. I saw some sludge while the valve covers were off and suspect that something is sludged up and not allowing the phaser to move.

I suppose perhaps the signal from the Bank 2 sensors could be failing to make it to the ECM too.

Anybody got insight into how to track down which is the problem?

If I were to throw down a wishlist of diagnostic help it would be:

1) How do I check to see if the which phasers are working or not working. If they are not working, how can I track down what components are causing the problem.

2)How can I test to see if the signal is getting to the ECM.

I have tried two VAG COM diagnostic softwares from EBAY and have not had any success in getting them to work (Both were obviously pirated/ hacked together with garbled russian hacker instructions that resulted in nothing but errors). If anyone knows of a workable VAG COM scanner that would not be a huge investment.

Thanks, frankly the car has been a thorn in my side.