Terra Hard Start Camshaft Sensor

Greetings. Your described symptoms certainly point towards a potential issue with the camshaft position sensor. I experienced a similar situation with my previous vehicle, a 2016 Opel Insignia. The engine exhibited comparable behavior – difficulty starting, occasional stalling, and illumination of the check engine light. To confirm the diagnosis, have you retrieved the specific error codes from the vehicle's computer? It would be beneficial to ascertain if the error code corresponds directly to the camshaft position sensor, which could provide further substantiation.

Thanks for the quick reply! I think the shop guys did mention something about error codes, but honestly, I was so stressed out that I didn't really pay attention. Is there a specific code I should be asking about? And if it is the camshaft sensor, is that a major repair?

Certainly. A common error code associated with a defective camshaft position sensor is P0340 or similar, varying slightly depending on the diagnostic system. If the error code corresponds, the necessity of the repair would depend on the accessibility of the sensor. In my experience, due to the location and complexity of the system, it is advisable to have a qualified technician perform the repair. It is highly probable that the repair will necessitate specialized tools and expertise to ensure correct ignition timing. I would recommend consulting a trusted workshop for a comprehensive evaluation and repair estimate.

Okay, thanks so much for the info! I took your advice and went to a more reputable workshop. Turns out you were spot on – it was the camshaft sensor, and the encoder wheel was indeed faulty. They replaced the sensor, and everything is running smoothly now. The final bill came to around 695€, which is a lot, but at least my Terra is back on the road!