Seat Arona Diesel Engine Starting Problem

That sounds like a plausible diagnosis, especially with those symptoms and the check engine light illuminated. Have you checked the crankshaft sensor as well? Sometimes, a faulty crankshaft sensor can mimic camshaft sensor issues. Also, were there any specific error codes that the engine control unit threw? Knowing the exact codes might help narrow down the possibilities.

Thanks for the quick response. I haven't checked the crankshaft sensor specifically. Is there a relatively straightforward way to test it, or would that require specialized equipment? Regarding the error codes, I recall something about "camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction" but I don't remember the exact numerical code. Could a faulty crankshaft sensor really cause the engine to stall at idle like this?

Yes, a faulty crankshaft sensor could potentially cause stalling at idle, although it's more commonly associated with starting issues or complete engine shutdown. Given the error code you mentioned and the stalling, the camshaft position sensor is still the primary suspect. Sensor testing without proper tools can be tricky. I'd suggest having a workshop perform proper diagnostics, including checking the sensor signal and the condition of the encoder wheel. It sounds like you're on the right track, but professional diagnosis would provide certainty.

Thank you so much for your help and insight. I took your advice and brought my Arona to a trusted workshop. They confirmed the defective camshaft sensor and, unfortunately, also found the encoder wheel on the camshafts was indeed damaged. The final repair cost came to 695€. Hopefully, this resolves the issue permanently.