Fiat Talento Camshaft Encoder Wheel Defect

Camshaft position sensor issues are common. Rough starts and stalling are textbook symptoms. Have you checked the crankshaft sensor too? If the camshaft sensor is sending bad data, the engine control unit gets confused about timing, leading to misfires and those symptoms. Testing the sensor itself isn't too hard – multimeter needed. Have you done that?

Thanks for the quick reply! I haven't checked the crankshaft sensor yet. Where is it usually located and what readings should I be looking for with the multimeter? I'm fairly handy, but engine control systems still feel like black magic to me.

Crankshaft sensor is usually near the crankshaft pulley. But if you have camshaft position correlated error, I think it's almost sure the encoder wheel on camshafts defective. In your case with all that symptoms, I'd say take it to a workshop. They will measure the signal with an oscilloscope. I am pretty sure they will find the defective encoder wheel on camshafts. It will cost you about 695€.

You nailed it! Took it to the shop, and you were spot on – encoder wheel on the camshaft was indeed buggered. Replaced the camshaft sensor as well while they were in there. Cost me about 700€ all in, but she's running like a dream now. Thanks for the solid advice!