2015 Passat TDI P0016 engine camshaf

[Smashed Ixnay]

2015 Passat TDI

4096 Bank 1: CMP Sensor (G40) / Engine speed sensor (G28)

Error code: P0016 00 [237] - incorrect circulation

So I went to to order a new Engine Camshaft speed sensor. VWPart’s website said it was part# 03L 957 147A. I ordered it via FCPEURO because I like their warranty. On their site it said it might not fit (only 2011-2014), but I took VWparts word since it said it fits. I went to put it on once it got here. Right away I notice it looks different.

What part number do I actually need?

I ordered This one because it says it fits my car, but it doesn’t work. The one I have looks like This one. I know that isn’t it, but I’m just using it as a reference.

 

[oilhammer]

You need to check what the DTC indicates. The crankshaft and camshaft timing (the timing belt). How many miles are on the car?

Chances are the camshaft adjuster unit is stuck, and will need to be replaced with the updated N205 unit. There is a TSB for this.

Original part number:

03L-906-455

Updated part number:

03L-906-455-C

If your car is still under the warranty extension, this should be covered.

If not, and you are doing it yourself, you'll need a few SSTs and at least some knowledge of the timing system itself, Because the belt has to be set at TDC, then there is an intake cam setting tool, then you have to take the camshaft adjuster unit's sensor out and unscrew the control valve from the end of the cam and screw the new one in.

 

[jfred16]

Thought I’d see if anyone willing to expand on this older thread…

I also have P0016 error code. As a precaution I accomplished a full timing belt replacement (57K on car) replacing everything except the water pump. The timing was perfect and the pins slid right in at TDC. I have learned my TDI has an adjustable camshaft (CVVT). Didn’t know that and haven’t found any literature describing the system and how it works. The flashing glow plug light appears as the engine is decelerating through around 1500-1200 rpm after cruising. The engine runs perfectly and has since the last summer when this issue surfaced. Anyway I have other VW’s to drive so I ordered the timing kit and finally had a free day to work on it and that’s where I’m at.

I know the CVVT system has a solenoid and a valve. I have seen this referred to as N205 but don’t know if this is both items or just the valve. On another site I learned the solenoid was testable and should be in an 12-20 ohms @ 20C. My solenoid was 8.5 ohms. I’ve ordered a new one. That replacement will be easy.

As far as the valve I ran across this thread about the updated part number and did find the Technical Bulletin 2040171 that outlines the P0016 error code and directs to check the engine timing and if correct replace the valve with the new updated part number 03L-906-455-C. I have ordered one.

That brings me to the question for this thread. What do I need to be aware of replacing this valve? The bulletin says to do it at TDC. I have the tools and will lock the engine at TDC. I can look at the threads of the valve to determine which direction to remove the valve and replace. That else should I be aware of? What is the torque spec? What can I mess up?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PLC Geek]

"everything except the water pump"

Why not? It's recommended to change it at the timing belt replacement. You're already in there. Hope it doesn't spring a leak in another 60K miles!

 

[740GLE]

Sounds like he's not afraid of getting his elbows dirty and has everything needed if that WP needs attention.

 

[jfred16]

Adding this just in case someone has this problem and runs across this thread. This thread was VERY helpful! As far as the water pump I don’t have any issue replacing that sometime in the future. I’ll just order some more single use bolts. Not that difficult.

Update: Problem solved.

Symptom- 2015 VW Passat TDI Premium.

Flashing glow plug light occasionally with a MIL light. P0016 Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor (G40) Bank 1/Engine Speed Sensor (G28) - Incorrect Correlation.
Engine ran perfectly and without light you wouldn’t know there was an issue.

Diagnosis- Didn’t find much guidance online but lots of advice that even though car only had 57,000 miles the timing belt had more actual age due to VW parking these cars for a couple of years due to diesel emissions issue. Needed to verify not a timing issue. I ordered a complete timing belt kit and waited until I had the time to complete job. I already had the timing belt replacement tools as I had done that job on my son’s 2014 VW TDI when the water pump went out. I accomplished a complete replacement of timing belt and the engine was perfectly in time. The pins slid right in for the crank, camshaft and high pressure pump. I did not replace the water pump. This didn’t fix the problem.

Next I considered the sensors. The Camshaft Position Sensor (G40) is easily accessed center of the cylinder head. Replaced that with no help. Considered the Engine Speed sensor (G28) but decided against that.

I finally ran across a thread that mentioned there was Technical Bulletin 2040171 regarding this issue. That’s when I learned the Gen III EA288 TDI motor had a camshaft adjuster control valve. Who knew! That involved first verifying the valve timing is correct. Since the the engine ran perfectly and I had verified the timing belt wasn’t an issue I proceeded to scenario 2: Valve timing is correct.

Scenario 2: If the valve timing is correct, replace the control valve in the camshaft positioned (N205), Part Number: 03L 906 455 C. This part number is an updated design.

The camshaft adjuster consists of two items: a solenoid and the adjuster valve. I ordered the solenoid and replaced as that was pretty easy. Didn’t fix the problem. Next was the valve.

The valve is located on the driver side of the intake camshaft. The technical bulletin mentioned performing the replacement at TDC. I wasn’t comfortable proceeding until I knew more and I finally ran across a thread that mentioned about how to get a service manual. I accessed the VW website: erwin.vw.com. I created an account and paid $35 for 24 hour access to download manuals. Not only did I download the 2015 Passat manual I downloaded the manuals for the other Passats, Tiguan and CC I had in the family.

That service manual described how to change the camshaft adjuster valve. The exhaust and intake camshafts must be locked in place to replace the valve. That involves removing the upper timing belt cover by removing the fuel filter, rotating the coolant tank out of the way and removing several bolts and hoses. This is the hardest part of the replacement. With the cover removed use a 18mm wrench to rotate the exhaust camshaft until TDC. Install the lock pin used to perform the timing belt replacement. You will also need the pin used to lock the high pressure fuel pump. That pin will be used to lock the intake camshaft. To do that look under the electrical connector for the #1 cylinder injector harness. Disconnecting that connector lets you gain access to a plug on top of the valve cover. Remove that plastic plug and if the engine is at TDC there is a hole that the pin will slide right in. If there is no hole rotate the exhaust cam another full turn and the hole will be there as the engine wasn’t at TDC. I found it easier to slide the intake cam pin in first then slide the exhaust cam pin in to lock the camshafts. Next gain access intake area by removing a bunch of torx bolts to access the air filter. That will let you have access to the driver side of the intake camshaft. Remove the N205 solenoid. Now the adjuster valve will be visible. I used a 24mm socket and removed the old valve and replaced with the updated valve. Torque to 50 n/m. Replace everything in reverse.

This fixed the problem. Thanks the several sites that got me to the solution!