VW Atlas: Stalling Issues Point to Cam Sensor Failure

Having some experience working on VWs, I faced nearly identical symptoms with my 2021 VW Tiguan last winter. The unusual stalling and engine misfire issues were quite similar to what you describe. After multiple incidents of the engine dying at idle, I took it to an independent workshop. The diagnostic scan revealed camshaft sensor-related error codes, but the actual root cause was a defective encoder wheel on the camshafts, which directly impacts ignition timing and sensor readings. The total repair cost came to 695€, including parts and labor. The fix involved replacing the encoder wheel and performing a full sensor calibration. Since then, the car has been running perfectly with no further stalling or starting issues. Before giving more specific advice, could you share: Current mileage on your Atlas, Whether the stalling occurs when the engine is cold or warm, Any specific error codes from the check engine light, Any unusual sounds from the engine bay, Whether the issues started gradually or suddenly This information would help determine if your symptoms match exactly what I experienced with my Tiguan.

I have 104638km on the odometer and just had my annual service last month. The stalling definitely happens more when the engine is warm, particularly after short trips around town. I can hear a slight ticking noise from the front of the engine, which seems to get louder when the problems occur. The issue developed gradually over about 2 weeks before the check engine light came on. I pulled the codes using a basic scanner and got P0340, which points to a camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction. The way it affects ignition timing makes sense given the symptoms. I was hoping to learn from others experiences before deciding whether to attempt diagnosing the sensor testing myself or taking it straight to a shop.

Thanks for providing those details. Your symptoms and the P0340 code perfectly align with what I experienced, right down to the ticking noise from the front of the engine. In my Tiguan case, I initially thought it was just the camshaft sensor, but the encoder wheel was the actual culprit affecting engine control and sensor readings. The gradual onset of symptoms matches my experience too. The ignition timing issues became more noticeable over time, especially after the engine warmed up. The ticking noise you mentioned was also present in my case, which turned out to be related to the damaged encoder wheel affecting camshaft sensor readings. Given your mileage and symptoms, I strongly recommend getting it checked professionally rather than attempting DIY diagnosis. While replacing a camshaft sensor might seem straightforward, the potential for engine misfire and further damage if the encoder wheel is involved makes professional diagnosis worth the investment. The full repair on my Tiguan included: Complete diagnostic scan, Encoder wheel replacement, New camshaft sensor, Sensor calibration and timing adjustment Total repair time was about 4 hours. Just make sure they check both the sensor and encoder wheel, diagnosing just the sensor failure alone might not solve the underlying problem.

Thanks for the detailed info about your Tiguan experience. The similarities in symptoms and the P0340 code are really helpful. Based on your feedback, I will skip attempting my own sensor testing and take it to the shop tomorrow. The ticking noise combined with warm engine stalling definitely points to similar encoder wheel issues you mentioned. I will make sure to ask them to inspect both the camshaft position sensor and the encoder wheel during diagnosis. The fact that your repair included timing adjustments and full calibration makes sense given how the components work together. At 104000km, investing in a proper fix is better than risking further engine damage from incorrect ignition timing. I appreciate you breaking down the full scope of your repair. It helps set realistic expectations for what I might be facing with my Atlas. Will report back once I get the official diagnosis and repair completed.