VW Polo Performance Issues Linked to Camshaft Sensor

Having dealt with a similar situation on my VW Golf 2006 1.4 gasoline, I can relate to those symptoms. I have some experience working on VW engines, and this sounds very familiar. The rough idling and power loss combined with the check engine light pointed to sensor failure in my case. After taking it to the workshop, they found the camshaft sensor was technically fine, but the connection plug had corroded and wasnt making proper contact. The repair involved cleaning the connector and replacing some damaged wiring, costing 95€ in total. Left unattended, these issues can definitely lead to engine misfire and potentially more serious engine timing problems. The faulty connection can send incorrect signals to the ECU, causing the engine to run inefficiently. To better assist with your specific case, could you share: Have you noticed any specific pattern when the starting issues occur (cold vs warm engine)? Are there any unusual sounds when the engine is running? Have you had the error codes read from the ECU? Has there been any recent work done on the engine? These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if its something different.

After having this repaired at last month's service, I can confirm it turned out to be more than just a camshaft sensor problem. The crankshaft position sensor was also failing, causing erratic signals to the ECU. A diagnostic scan revealed multiple sensor failure codes. The garage found both sensors were deteriorating, likely due to age and heat exposure. Total repair cost came to 280€ including parts and labor. The engine misfire issues completely resolved after replacement. Now the engine starts perfectly and power delivery is back to normal. If anyone faces similar symptoms, getting both sensors checked is worth considering rather than just focusing on the camshaft sensor. The automotive sensor replacement was actually less complex than initially feared, though definitely not a DIY job due to their tricky location. The check engine light hasnt returned since the fix.

Thanks for sharing your repair experience. This matches exactly what I discovered with my VW Golf, these timing issues often involve multiple automotive sensors working together, not just a single component failure. My mechanic initially focused only on the camshaft position sensor, but after a thorough diagnostic, they also found the crankshaft sensor showed signs of degradation. Like your case, both sensors needed replacement to fully resolve the engine performance problems. The total repair on my Golf came to 265€, pretty close to your cost. The improved engine response and reliable starting made it worth every cent. The camshaft sensor replacement alone wouldnt have fixed the underlying timing issues completely. One thing I learned from this is that when these sensor failures occur, its often worth checking the entire timing sensor system rather than replacing components one at a time. The workshop showed me how both sensors work together to manage engine timing precisely. Good to hear your repairs solved the problem completely. These VW engines typically run strong for years after proper sensor replacement, especially when both timing sensors are addressed simultaneously.

Thank you everyone for the helpful insights. After getting both sensors replaced, I wanted to share a final update on my 2008 Polo situation. The complete fix cost 280€ and addressed more than my initial suspicion of just the camshaft sensor. The crankshaft position sensor replacement was equally important for resolving the timing issues completely. The check engine light is now off and the car runs perfectly. For anyone facing similar symptoms, poor starting, power loss, and rough idling, consider having both sensors checked. The diagnostic scan revealed multiple sensor-related codes that helped identify the full scope of the problem. While I originally thought this would be a simple camshaft sensor swap, the comprehensive repair proved more effective. The engine performance is now completely restored and starting is reliable in all conditions. Definitely worth addressing both sensors rather than taking a piecemeal approach to the repair. The workshop time was reasonable and the results justify the investment. No more timing issues or engine misfires since the fix. Lesson learned about these VW engines, when one sensor starts failing, its worth checking its companion sensors too.