VW Jetta Hybrid Starting Issues Point to Cam Sensor

As a VW Golf GTE Hybrid (2016) owner, I experienced nearly identical symptoms. The rough idling and power loss turned out to be timing issues related to a failing camshaft position sensor. The engine misfire symptoms initially confused my mechanic, who first suspected fuel delivery problems. The actual repair involved replacing both the camshaft sensor and the associated wiring harness. The original sensor connector had corroded, causing intermittent signal issues. This created similar starting problems and triggered multiple fault codes. The repair was relatively straightforward but accessing the sensor location required removing several components. These timing issues can potentially cause serious engine damage if left unaddressed. The camshaft sensor plays a crucial role in engine timing and fuel injection control. A proper diagnosis should include: Testing sensor voltage output, Checking connector pins for corrosion, Verifying timing chain tension, Full diagnostic scan for related codes Would strongly recommend having this addressed at a shop familiar with VW hybrid systems. The symptoms match classic camshaft sensor failure patterns seen in these models.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Jetta had almost identical issues, the starting problems and check engine light really had me worried. After some back and forth with different shops, I finally got it diagnosed as a faulty automotive sensor, specifically the camshaft position sensor just like in your case. The crankshaft timing was also slightly off due to the sensor failure, which explained the rough running. I ended up going to a VW specialist who knew exactly what to look for. Just curious, how much did the complete repair cost you? I want to compare since prices seem to vary quite a bit between shops. Also, has everything been running smoothly since the fix? Sometimes these sensor issues can be symptoms of other problems.

After replacing the defective camshaft sensor in my Golf GTE, everything has been working perfectly for the past 6 months. No more stalling engine issues or check engine lights. The repair was much simpler and cheaper than initially expected, just 95€ to fix a faulty cable connection at the sensor plug. The mechanic found the root cause quickly since they frequently deal with camshaft position sensor problems on VW hybrids. The original diagnosis of timing issues and engine misfire symptoms was spot-on, and the simple wiring repair resolved all the problems. No other components needed replacement. The car now starts reliably and runs at full power. These sensor connection issues are common but relatively easy to fix once properly diagnosed. Regular checks of sensor connections could help prevent similar issues in the future.

Thanks everyone for the helpful replies. I finally got the repair done last week and wanted to share the outcome. The VW specialist charged 380€ total, 180€ for the new automotive sensor and 200€ for labor. While higher than some quotes, their diagnostic process was thorough and found the root cause quickly. The rough idling disappeared immediately after replacing the camshaft sensor. They also cleaned the connector area and applied dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion. All timing issues were resolved and the engine misfire warning cleared from the computer. It has been running perfectly for the past week, no more hard starts or stalling engine problems. The power delivery is smooth again and fuel economy has improved noticeably. Really glad I got this fixed before it could cause more serious engine damage. For anyone else facing similar symptoms, definitely get it checked by a shop that knows these systems well. The initial cost of proper diagnosis saves money in the long run by avoiding misdiagnosis and repeat repairs.