VW Sharan Timing Belt Issues Destroying Performance

Had a similar situation on my 2005 VW Touran 2.0 TDI. The symptoms matched exactly, poor engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and constant check engine light. Initial diagnosis revealed the crankshaft sensor was providing incorrect reference values to the ECU, causing engine synchronization problems. The repair involved replacing both the crankshaft position sensor and checking the timing belt assembly. The worn sensor was causing the ECU to receive incorrect signals about piston position, leading to timing issues between crankshaft and camshaft movements. This created a cycle of poor combustion and misfires. This is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. Ignoring it can lead to complete engine failure, especially if the timing belt is involved. The repair requires specific diagnostic equipment to verify proper sensor signals and ensure correct engine synchronization after replacement. The main indicator it was the crankshaft sensor was the erratic engine behavior combined with the specific fault codes. After replacement, the engine returned to normal operation with proper fuel economy and performance. Would recommend getting a proper diagnosis with professional diagnostic equipment rather than relying on basic error code readings.

Thanks for sharing your Touran experience. I had identical symptoms on my Sharan last year, poor performance and terrible fuel economy. In my case both the crank sensor and timing chain were the culprits. The cam sensor readings were also out of spec, so they replaced that too while they were at it. Just curious, how much did you end up paying for your repair? And has everything been running smoothly since the fix? My repair bill was steep but the engine has been perfect after getting those components sorted.

Thanks for asking about the repair costs and outcome. Yes, everything has been running perfectly since getting the crankshaft sensor replaced. The complete repair came to 340€, which included diagnostic time and parts. The mechanic confirmed the crankshaft to camshaft reference value was the root cause, and once fixed, the engine synchronization returned to normal specs. The fuel economy is back to what it should be, and the engine light has stayed off. The engine performance difference is like night and day, smooth acceleration and proper power delivery across all RPM ranges. The crank sensor was definitely the culprit in my case, and replacing it resolved all the symptoms. Good to hear your Sharan is also running well after addressing similar issues. While these repairs can be costly, getting the timing and sensor issues properly diagnosed and fixed is crucial for preventing more serious engine damage.

Following weeks of frustrating issues with my Sharan, I finally found a mechanic who properly diagnosed the problem. After seeing the check engine light and experiencing significant power loss, I took it to a specialist who quickly identified the timing issues using proper diagnostic equipment. The repair involved replacing the crankshaft sensor, timing chain, and cam sensor, all contributing to the misfire problems I was experiencing. Total cost came to 980€, which initially seemed steep but was worth every cent considering the complete transformation in engine performance. The car now runs perfectly, fuel consumption is back to normal, acceleration is smooth, and most importantly, no more engine light warnings. Looking back, I should have addressed these symptoms sooner, but I am relieved to have found a mechanic who correctly diagnosed and fixed the engine synchronization problems. For anyone facing similar issues, do not wait, timing-related problems can lead to catastrophic engine failure if left unchecked. Getting a proper diagnosis with the right equipment is crucial for these types of repairs.