RS6 Timing Chain Failure Symptoms and Solutions

I dealt with very similar symptoms on my 2012 RS7, and it turned out to be a failing crankshaft position sensor. Initially thought it was timing chain related due to the similar symptoms, but after proper diagnostics, the issue was simpler. With some experience working on these engines, I can tell you the symptoms match perfectly, the power loss, increased fuel consumption, and sluggish response are typical for a crank sensor malfunction. The sensor sends incorrect signals about crankshaft position to the ECU, causing timing and fuel delivery issues. The repair was straightforward, 340 Euro for parts and labor. The workshop completed everything in about 2 hours. They also checked the timing chain and camshaft sensors while they were at it, which was reassuring. To provide more specific advice about your case: What engine variant does your RS6 have? Have you noticed any unusual sounds from the timing chain area? Are there any other warning lights besides the engine light? Did you get any specific error codes from diagnostics? These details would help determine if your issue is indeed similar to what I experienced or if it might be more timing chain related.

The crankshaft position sensor replacement you mentioned is worth looking into. My car has 45266 KM on the clock and just had its annual service last month where the timing belt inspection showed no issues. During the engine synchronization check everything appeared normal, but the symptoms started shortly after. I have the 5.0L V10 engine and the timing chain area is quiet. The engine light flashes intermittently, especially during acceleration. The diagnostic showed P0016 which points to camshaft position correlation issues. Going to get it checked at the workshop tomorrow, your experience gives me hope it might be a simpler fix than initially feared.

Thanks for the update on your RS6 situation. The P0016 code combined with the symptoms does align closely with what I experienced, especially since your timing belt was recently inspected. In my RS7 case, the misfire and engine synchronization issues started showing up gradually, just like yours. The cam sensor correlation fault often triggers that engine light to flash, particularly during acceleration when the engine management system detects the timing discrepancy. Since your timing chain area is quiet, this further supports the possibility of a sensor issue rather than a mechanical timing problem. One detail from my repair that might be relevant, my workshop found that the wiring harness to the sensor had some wear, which contributed to intermittent readings. Might be worth having them check the wiring while they replace the sensor. Keep us posted about what the workshop finds. Based on the similarities to my case, I expect youll be looking at a similar repair cost and timeframe to what I experienced.

Based on your advice, I feel more confident about tomorrows workshop visit. The reference values you shared about repair time and cost (around 340 Euro) help set realistic expectations. Having a similar engine misfire issue resolved through a sensor replacement rather than major timing chain work is encouraging. Will update once the workshop completes their diagnosis. They can start with checking the crankshaft position sensor and wiring harness based on the engine synchronization symptoms matching your experience. The fact that my timing chain area remains quiet and the P0016 camshaft position code matches your case makes me optimistic about a straightforward fix. Understanding that your RS7 showed such similar symptoms leading up to the repair helps put my mind at ease about the flashing engine light and performance issues. Thanks for sharing such detailed repair insights.