VW Nivus Engine Stalls: Camshaft Sensor Alert

Had almost identical issues on a 2019 VW T-Cross. As someone with some hands-on experience working on VWs, those symptoms immediately pointed to camshaft-related problems. The workshop performed sensor testing and found the encoder wheel on the camshafts was defective, affecting the camshaft sensor readings and ignition timing. This explained the rough idle and starting problems perfectly. The repair involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Testing both crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensor signals, Removing timing cover, Replacing the faulty encoder wheel, Recalibrating the engine management system Total cost came to 695€ including parts and labor. Since the fix, the car has run perfectly with no more stalling or starting issues. Before suggesting more specific advice, could you share: Current mileage, Any recent engine work done, Whether you notice these issues more when the engine is cold or warm, Any other warning lights besides check engine, If you have access to diagnostic codes These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced with the encoder wheel failure.

Last service was at 124000km and current mileage is 127441km. The symptoms match my issue exactly. After getting your feedback, I checked the diagnostic codes using an OBD reader which showed P0341, indicating irregular camshaft position sensor signals. The engine misfire is definitely more noticeable when cold starting in the morning. The check engine light has been the only warning indicator, and no recent engine work has been done besides regular oil changes. This helps confirm the encoder wheel theory, especially since the rough idle happens consistently. Will schedule a workshop visit to check the encoder wheel and have them verify the crankshaft sensor signals as well, since these systems work together for proper ignition timing. Thanks for sharing the repair details and costs, helps set realistic expectations for the upcoming service.

Thanks for providing those additional details about your Nivus. The P0341 code definitely strengthens the encoder wheel diagnosis, especially combined with the cold-start issues youre experiencing. After I got my T-Cross fixed, I learned these particular VW engines are somewhat prone to encoder wheel wear around the 120000-130000km mark. The cold start problems happen because the engine control unit struggles to establish proper ignition timing without accurate camshaft position data. One thing I noticed after my repair that might interest you, the engine not only stopped stalling, but also became noticeably smoother at idle and more responsive during acceleration. The sensor failure was clearly affecting overall engine performance more than I initially realized. Given your mileage and symptoms match my case so closely, Id strongly suggest having them check the wiring harness to the sensor while they are in there. My mechanic found some minor insulation wear that could have eventually caused problems even with the new encoder wheel. The 695€ I mentioned included that wiring inspection and repair. Definitely worth doing since most of the labor cost is in accessing that area of the engine anyway. Keep us updated on what they find once you get it checked out.

Based on the diagnostic code and your experience, I feel much more confident about the repair direction now. Really appreciate that detailed breakdown of what to expect. Just scheduled the service for next week. The sensor failure symptoms match perfectly with what you described, especially the cold start issues and irregular engine performance. Nice to hear the fix also improved overall engine response beyond just fixing the stalling. I specifically asked them to inspect the wiring harness while checking the encoder wheel, since accessing that area of the engine is labor-intensive anyway. The quoted price came in close to the 695€ you mentioned, which seems reasonable for the full diagnostic work and repair. Will update this thread once the repair is done to confirm if replacing the encoder wheel and checking the crankshaft sensor signals resolved all the engine control issues. Hopefully it helps others who might face similar problems with their VWs around this mileage range.