Flashing glow plug - crankshaft sensor? issue - ideas/help please

[spartanmanor]

Address 01: Engine Labels: 038-906-012-AGR.clb
Part No: 038 906 012 GQ
Component: 1,9l R4 EDC G000AG 4307
Coding: 00001
Shop #: WSC 00066
VCID: 65C1E89AFF704DBB58-4ACC
3VWCP21C23M443438 VWZ5Z0C4057102

1 Fault Found:
16705 - Engine Speed Sensor (G28)
P0321 - 35-10 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
Readiness: 1 1 0 0 0

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 01M-927-733.lbl
Part No: 01M 927 733 MK
Component: AG4 Getriebe 01M 5023
Coding: 00000
Shop #: WSC 00000
VCID: 0501C81A1F30ADBBF8-095C

3 Faults Found:
65280 - Development code 1
27-10 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
00529 - Engine Speed Signal Missing
35-00 - -
01192 - Torque Converter Lock-Up Clutch
04-10 - Mechanical Malfunction - Intermittent

2003 New Beetle.

After a day of highway driving I had to make a quick run into the city during rush hour. As I was crossing the Potomac into DC in heavy traffic my car stalled on the bridge and would not start. I was stuck on the bridge in heavy traffic and the tow company was at least an hour away (not fun with all the angry drivers). I was able to get it going again after sitting for 20 minutes and limped into the city. It stalled a few more times but I was eventually able to make it home.

After letting it sit I now get a flashing glow plug light and the codes pulled as seen above. Before I just start throwing parts at the problem any ideas at where I should start looking?

Thanks for the help.

 

[JETaah]

A faulty crankshaft position sensor or engine speed sensor signal will definitely kill it.
It is located on the lower front of the engine next to the flywheel and leads to a grey harness plug attached to the metal coolant pipe bracket also on the front of the engine.

A lot of times when there is a fault in the electric circuitry such as a broken wire, open circuit, short to ground, etc... it will label the fault code as such - your fault code doesn't indicate that. But, there could be exceptions to the rule. I don't know of all the instances. Could be that the circuit is fine but something else about the sensor is throwing the readings off enough to make them implausible.
Have a look at the wiring leading to the sensor both at the harness and the ECU and the connection. It could be the work of critters. The sensor does not fail terribly often but I have replaced a few over the years on an MK4. It's not an expensive part ($20-30 aftermarket) to replace nor is it that hard to access.

To add to this, there was a recent post on these forums where a member experienced crank position sensor issues and it wound up being the encoder wheel on the crank that got damaged due to a stray screw that dropped off an aftermarket valve cover. The screw put a dent in the wheel and it was giving an erratic signal to the ECU. That fix was a bit more involved with repairing the encoder wheel without removing the crankshaft. But, doable.

 

[dcjkrueger]

My 03’ Jetta did the exact same thing. Changed the crankshaft sensor and it cured the issue.

 

[BuckeyeMan71]

My 03 did the same replaced the sensor and it’s been fine ever since

 

[Bob S.]

'ECM to engine harness chafe in the CkSS can cause the same thing, Usually, there are additional error codes. The BEW engine needs the g28, CkSS to run. It will not run without it. Later engines will default to the CmSS in the absence of the G28 CkSS. Good luck with it.

 

[spartanmanor]

Thanks all.

How is new part vs oem?

I have heard of issues with new ones.

Doable or PIA change out?

 

[Shenandoah]

Bob S.,

What does CkSS and CmSS mean? Crankshaft Sensor? Camshaft Sensor? Thanks.

Eric

 

[Bob S.]

CkSS = Crank Speed Sensor (G28 if my memory is correct). CmSS = Cam speed sensor (I do not remember G2x).

Long time no see. Hope you are doing well. We need some GTGs again.

 

[Shenandoah]

Bob S.,

Thanks, I thought that's what it meant but wanted to double check. When was the last time we met? Impex? Time flies.....

Eric

 

[Bob S.]

Impex. About the time you were getting a NB, probably the first. We talked about lift kits & other stuff. Time does fly.

 

[Shenandoah]

Cool. Impex was fun. It was nice to meet other folks from the forum in person. That was also nice that they hosted it. Tons of food, beverages and a great time.

Still have my 2005 NB, but it's got an electrical problem. Need to look at the engine wiring harness. Something going on with it. I'll figure it out.

Eric

 

[Bob S.]

Contact DanG144 on those. He has been into many of those harnesses. He was great support when the BRM harness issues first appeared.

 

[spartanmanor]

I put this off and finally just decided to take it into the shop. It appears the sensor is ok so now they are looking into the harness.

I just need to vent a bit. I hate taking my car into the shop. They have come back with a long list of other issues they feel should be addressed. $$$$$

I am being told my AC is not working and 3 nuts are missing on one of my wheels. AC was working and all nuts were present.....

 

[BobnOH]

You have entered the Twilight Zone. How do 3 lugnuts go missing? Vandalism?
You may want to get the car back soonest.
There are a few trusted tdi mechanics in your area