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leonklein34

Audi A1 Camshaft Sensor Killing Engine Performance

Looking for advice on camshaft sensor issues with my 2015 Audi A1 (gasoline, 159095 km). My car struggles to start and runs with noticeably less power than usual. The check engine light is on too. Had a not-so-great experience with my last mechanic, so hoping to hear from others who dealt with similar symptoms. Did you confirm it was the camshaft position sensor? What was the repair cost and experience like at your mechanic?

4 comment(s)

helenaschwarz51

Had similar symptoms with my 2012 Audi A3 1.8 TFSI. The stalling engine and power loss pointed directly to a camshaft sensor failure. After diagnosing, it turned out the automotive sensor wiring harness had corrosion build-up causing intermittent connection issues. The timing issues were serious enough to warrant immediate attention, driving with a faulty camshaft sensor risks engine damage and unpredictable stalling. The repair involved replacing both the sensor and the damaged wiring connector. A specialized Audi diagnostic tool confirmed the new sensor was communicating properly with the ECU. The job required removing several components to access the sensor location, but a skilled technician can complete it within 2-3 hours. Most important was ensuring proper calibration after installation to prevent future sensor failure. Your symptoms strongly match a camshaft position sensor problem. Would recommend getting it diagnosed with proper equipment rather than just replacing parts. The check engine light storing specific fault codes will help pinpoint if its truly the sensor or potentially related components.

leonklein34 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Audi A1 is showing the exact same symptoms, the rough idling and engine misfire issues were really concerning. My mechanic also found corrosion in the wiring harness and replaced both the sensor and connectors. Just wondering if you could share what the total repair cost was in your case? Also curious if youve had any other sensor or engine issues come up since the repair? My car is running fine now but want to stay ahead of potential problems.

helenaschwarz51

Happy to report my A3 has been running perfectly since the camshaft sensor repair. The rough idling and timing issues completely disappeared after fixing the faulty connection. Total cost was 95 Euro for the wiring harness repair, which was mainly labor since they only needed to fix the cable connection rather than replace the entire sensor. No engine problems or sensor malfunctions in the months since. The stalling engine symptoms never returned, and the car runs smoothly at all speeds. Regular maintenance and keeping an eye on engine performance helps catch potential issues early. If your repair was similar to mine with just the wiring being the culprit, you should be good going forward. Just make sure to monitor for any changes in how the crankshaft and camshaft sensors communicate. These components work together, so proper signal transmission between them is crucial for optimal engine performance.

leonklein34 (Author)

Thanks for the input. After getting my car checked, it turned out to be exactly what was described. The mechanic found corroded wiring near the camshaft sensor and some dirt buildup. The repair took about 2 hours and cost 180 Euro total, including parts and labor. The check engine light is now off and the car starts perfectly. No more stalling engine issues or power loss problems. The mechanic did a thorough diagnostic scan after the repair to ensure proper sensor communication. For anyone facing similar issues, getting it fixed by a qualified tech was worth every cent. Running the car with timing issues from a bad sensor could have caused much more expensive damage down the line.

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