Just bought 2003. Was running, now won't start. MANY codes. Place your bets!

[keenyoung]

Hello all,

Just bought my third Passat project car, a 2003 1.8T with 120K on it for $700. Was running really bad, now won't start at all. Turns over at about the correct rate, and coughs from time to time. Checked timing belt and it's still intact. Using a standard OBDII code reader popped the following codes:
P0300 - Random Misfire
P0301-P0304 - Misfire on each cylinder
P0118 - Coolant temp circuit high input
P0171 - Too lean bank one
P0340 - Cam sensor malfunction
P0011 - "A" cam position timing over advanced or system performance
P2181 - Coolant system malfunction
P2101 - Throttle actuator circuit rang/performance

So, I'm going to start by checking the timing and compression.

Any guesses out there? Timing belt jumped a tooth? VCT failure? Crank or cam sensor failure? Throttle body problem?

Place your bets, place your bets!

Keen

[keenyoung]

OK, the external timing marks on the crank and cam sprocket line up exactly, so no skipped belt. Also, the compression on all cylinders is between 175 and 180 psi, so no bent valves. Yay!

Now off to bed. Tomorrow I'll pull the valve cover to check the CCT and the VCT.

Anyone know how to check the crank sensor and cam sensor for correct operation?

Keen

[JayTheSnork]

cam sensor is your likely culprit, I think.

[CotySinz]

cam sensor is your likely culprit, I think.

Coolant Temp Sensor too maybe?

[99vwpassataeb]

Change coolant temp..if timing is good which compression is good so it should be good then replace cam sensor ..check for vaccum leak and check plugs but if timing is off then that would explain missfire..

[keenyoung]

Ok, I pulled the valve cover. There are dark deposits on the valve cover and head, but I don't think there is a sludge issue. Both cam timing marks line up fine. The timing chain tensioner SEEMS to look OK, but there are two gouges in the valve cover where the chain obviously has rubbed. That can't be good. And I haven't seen that before.

Also, I can compress the TCC with my hand. On my two previous Passats there is no way I could have compressed the TCC by hand, but both of those were the earlier AEB engine with no VCT. Anyone know if the AWM TCC is compressible by hand?

I did put 12 volts across the VCT terminals, and I heard a click, so that is probably OK. It's just a solenoid valve, right?

I'm thinking the coolant codes are a separate issue, but since I have a little better access to the CTS right now, I'm just going to replace it.

Keen

[99vwpassataeb]

If the chain is rubbing on the valve cover than the cct may be going out or it did previously and was replaced..it will click when powered,thats the solenoid clicking..

[iko]

Also, I can compress the TCC with my hand. On my two previous Passats there is no way I could have compressed the TCC by hand, but both of those were the earlier AEB engine with no VCT. Anyone know if the AWM TCC is compressible by hand?

You should not be able to compress the CCT by hand if it works properly. At least that was the case on mine when i replaced it

[keenyoung]

We have a winner! Or at least one of the problems for sure. The CCT looked fine from the top, apart from some chain tracks and the fact that I could compress it by hand. Today I pulled it, and the bottom 'slider' was broken.

Now I have to wait for parts.... I hate waiting ;-(

IMG_1517.jpgIMG_1521.jpgIMG_1522.jpg

[sirwired]

Don't forget to order a CTS for the cooling system problems...

[keenyoung]

Yup, the CTS is on it's way. Along with a new dipstick cuz the old one doesn't seal, an oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, plugs, and an oil pressure gauge. I have a cam sensor from a previous Passat sitting around in case that ends up bad.

Still hate waiting....

Don't forget to order a CTS for the cooling system problems...

[keenyoung]

Update: All new parts installed. Car started right away and runs great. No codes yet, but after warming up on a short drive the oil pressure light came on. Sh*t!

So, now I get to lie on my cold garage floor for 3-4 hours installing a new oil pump. Grrrr......

Keen

[Jdapokergod32]

Not bad!! what are your plans for it once its running good?

[keenyoung]

Sell, Sell, Sell! It was always meant to make money. I like to do a couple every year so wife and I can get a nice vacation. Every once in a while I keep one, like the 2000 Audi A6 I did a couple months ago.

Not bad!! what are your plans for it once its running good?