My girlfriend just purchased a used '02 A4 3.0 Quatro with the 6 speed MT on my recommendation. An hour of driving later it is idling rough (between 800 and 1200 RPM, but sometimes as low as 200 - 400) and throws a CEL. She takes it to Autozone and they read it as P0015 - "B" Camshaft Position -Timing Over-Retarded (Bank 1).

I did a search and have seen suggestions to check for vacuum leaks, clean the throttle body, change spark plugs and coil packs, change the fuel filter, and check the MAF.

Other than the erratic idle the car is running fine. It accelerates without hesitation and smooths out when revved at idle.
The car had the timing belt done about 30K miles ago.

I am ready and willing to do any or all of these things, but she is 100 miles away. Any thoughts on if she can limp it home or if I ought to tow it up here?

Thanks,
Leighton

 

Well, I got the car home and looked it over. A hose was disconnected from the air box so I plugged it back in. The car idles fine until it's warm but then has an erratic idle - jumps between 800 and 1000 rpm rapidly. The engine runs fine otherwise and doesn't stumble at all. I am thinking the throttle body could be dirty. Any write-ups on cleaning a 3.0 throttle body?
Any other suggestions? I have a manual on the way.

 

I haven't really found anything. I looked around Audi DIY for it but all I found was for the 1.8T.

 

A cautious first step may be running a can of Seafoam or generic fuel injector cleaner through the gas tank. It may not help, but it should not hurt and it may just be slightly clogged injectors. Also, check the air filter and maybe replace the fuel filter.

 

I've checked the air filter - it didn't look too bad. I ordered an ail filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, and coil packs. I put injector cleaner in, cleaned the throttle body, and ran Seafoam through the intake. I'm still waiting on the plugs and coil packs. The car has codes for missfires in all cylinders and is not running well at all. It's going in to the shop on Friday. I'll let you all know.

 

Oh No..... I've seen bad things lately from 3.0s and cam timing faults. We've been pulling alot of heads off.

 

For bent valves or what? This motor already trashed all its valves due to a water pump siezure 30K ago. Had the passenger head pulled again due to a cam gear bolt backing out and wearing a hole in the timing cover????
No idea what the problem is going to be. There is no way it is "nothing."

 

What the diagnosis? Seems you've had some bad luck with this engine.