HELP PLS - VCDS has picked a few faults, before it stopped working.

[insanitybeard]

The pictures I posted are all from a 1.9 PD TDI, which was the only diesel unit fitted to the Mk2 Galaxy. Some of the work (i.e, removing the electrical connector and feeding the cable through) is done from the front of the engine bay area. I will try to do a video if I can but it may not be that useful because the video will only show what's visible in line of sight, not what's obscured by obstructions, and as it is a bit of a fiddly job, there will be lots of those!

[fordnewbie]

No worries insanity, see if you can, but if it's an issue then it's not a problem.

I was asked to take photos whilst try to replace cam & parking sensors, so here is what I took:-

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/20wz3b5nphl62zf/AAAdrsb66xeexbXf0BjozFUga?dl=0

I still haven't managed to take out the parking sensor...what a pain in A$$

I wish there was someone from this forum living close enough to repair this for me.  I've been to several garages and they've said they can't do the cam sensor as it's a big job.  More like their cowboys. 

[fordnewbie]

Right, I've managed to find a garage guy who can do this and he's going to charge me Ã,£40.  However he advised that I should get a good quality cam sensor as some are cheap brands that breakdown very quickly?  He said preferably from dealers.

Is he right? Is there a quality difference between the ones dealers do and the ones off ebay?

[johnnyroper]

Dealers will be from well known manufacturers like Bosch etc.
eBay ones will be a generic and you probably won't know who makes them. However I have had pattern parts for Vauxhall in the past that were made by Bosch the same as ones Vauxhall supply.

On the listing does it say who manufactures it?

[fordnewbie]

No branding that I could find as such.

Here is the listing:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/281580858354?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[insanitybeard]

I managed to find a genuine VW one on ebay for 40 quid but alas it was the last one the seller had. As johnnyroper said it depends on who made the part, a lot of O.E manufacturers also sell to the aftermarket and there would be no issues in using one of their parts. Having said that there's also a lot of mickey mouse stuff out there that's probably little better than the duff part you're replacing!

[fordnewbie]

Right, thanks insanity.  The million dollar question is, whilst I'm waiting for you to get your cam sensor replaced, should I stick with the unbranded one I've got or look for another one instead?

[insanitybeard]

Up to you really, at the price it's advertised for I doubt the one you've linked will be made by one of the well known manufacturers. If you crunch 045957147B into ebay (it's the VW part number for the cam sensor and exactly the same as what you'd get if you ordered a genuine Ford one) you'll see a range of sensors and prices on there, 60 odd quid is the cheapest genuine part on there at the mo. The Febi branded ones might be ok, they are a major aftermarket parts producer, but I don't have first hand experience of their stuff.

[johnnyroper]

Check out what GSF and eurocarparts have got,they will sell equivalent to OE and an alternative. They should be perfectly fine whatever option you go for.

[fordnewbie]

Thanks guys. Apologies for the late reply.

Johnny - GSF sell the sensor for Ã,£72.50.  Eurocarparts have two makes:-

HAAS Camshaft Sensor - Ã,£36.99
Crankshaft Sensor (Unknown Brand Name) - Ã,£22.49

Insanity - Which part did you order for your own vehicle? BTW, your right. On ebay the genuine one is for around Ã,£60.  There are a couple of others:-

Febi - Ã,£32.90
Erste Wahl - Ã,£17.99
Meyle - Ã,£18.23


From above, it looks like I have some choices....can't make my mind up.

[johnnyroper]

It's one of them things where you go for the best you can afford/willing to spend.

Avoid the haas one though as I got haas maf and map for mine and they were utter garbage maf lasted few hours map managed a month before failing.

Out of them a good compromise is the febi one if you don't want to spend 60-70 on a sensor.

[insanitybeard]

Insanity - Which part did you order for your own vehicle? BTW, your right. On ebay the genuine one is for around Ã,£60.  There are a couple of others

I went for a genuine VW part but as per my previous post I managed to find somebody on ebay selling one for 40 quid, but I bought the last one they had! It's a personal preference but I normally don't buy secondhand or cheap unbranded aftermarket electrical parts for cars, unless it's made by one of the O.E manufacturers- Bosch, Siemens, Denso, Pierberg, Marelli, Hella etc. Done once done right is my motto where at all possible!

[fordnewbie]

Thanks very much.

You both spot-on as it's no point scrimping on cheap parts if there is a risk of those parts breaking down quickly.  I'm going to hold for a little longer and keep watching for a genuine part to appear on ebay and this way and by the time I make a purchase, I should find out how insanity's venture went, which should give me an idea if I can possibly do it myself thus saving money or go with a garage for extra Ã,£40.

I could go for the febi, but the worry of a cheap part breaking down will constantly be playing on my mind.

[insanitybeard]

Well it's landed. Circumstances permitting I'll have a go at fitting it later!

[attachimg=1]

[fordnewbie]

Well it's landed. Circumstances permitting I'll have a go at fitting it later!

[attachimg=1]

Excellent!    Can't wait to see how you get this done. 

Keep us posted mate.

[niall]

Hi there

I bought a cam sensor from this crowd on ebay...not this exact item but same description..and it worked fine..no more errors or refusing to start....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-PASSAT-VARIANT-1-9-TDI-2005-TO-2008-CAMSHAFT-POSITION-SENSOR-/171753042875?hash=item27fd4773bb:g:gGkAAOSwpDdVK7AD

There is a guy on Youtube called Thomas EXOVCDS..that has done the replacement of this sensor on a similar engine...just different code engine..different horsepower etc.. but equipment wise, identical. Might be worth a look...just search his page.

After removing cam belt top cover, as suggested, just stuff some cloth down and around cam belt just in case the bolt falls out of socket.

There is a guy on ebay with some used and tested Parking sensor for 12 pounds...a risk but not an expensive one? 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FORD-GALAXY-SEAT-ALHAMBRA-VW-SHARAN-REVERSE-SENSOR-TESTED-/182228733867?hash=item2a6dadcfab:m:mPbROSE4RrKQrONPzeyePPA

Or this crowd seem to have good feedback..sensors look decent anyway?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-VW-Seat-Skoda-Ford-PDC-Parking-Sensor-Galaxy-Sharan-A2-A3-A4-A6-7M3919275A-/251780270015?hash=item3a9f4607bf:g:OfkAAOSw~uhUqLGY

It all boils down to whether you can replace these items yourself...if you can, then the cheaper parts are worth a shot! Because you can change the part 3 times for the price of giving to a garage...assuming your time is free!!!
However, even if you give the job to a garage, as we all know there are only limited guarantees there too! Even with 'quality' parts?

If you have a socket set and Youtube and obviously following the advice on here!....give it a go!!!!!

Best of luck....

N.

[fordnewbie]

Thank niall for the links and info.

Firstly the parking sensor has already been ordered and received.  Just haven't successfully managed to take the old one off, so have left it for a bit.

I had a look at the youtube video and the guy in video states a user needs to go under the vehicle in order to access the cam sensor, so his layout and removal process looks different from my vehicle's.  I feel that the only way to access the cam sensor is to remove the engine mounting, but don't know no how.

The cam link you've provided for ebay....what make is that?

[insanitybeard]

Done it. Tried a video but gave up due to the job being quite fiddly and needing both hands to work with, and the camera would have needed to have been where I was working. Upshot is, no need to get under the vehicle or work from underneath (as long as you don't drop anything!), no need to disturb engine mount. Just engine top cover (if fitted), airbox and topmost timing belt cover need to be removed. Plenty of pictures to follow, but that'll have to wait as I can't do that from my phone. As jobs on cars go, it's really not that bad, I've done much worse!

[johnnyroper]

Bet it was easier than re assembling the tailgate lock tumbler and cam that I have just had to do??

Only removed handle to repaint it and lock all came apart,what a faff getting back together and working again!!!

[insanitybeard]

Ah yes, the flat plate tumblers and the tiny springs that bear against them, I have done a few of those in my time! I changed my passenger glovebox as it had a busted hinge pin and had to extract the lock from the old glovebox and transfer it to the new one!

[niall]

No problem...

I've tracked down the actual Youtube video....https://youtu.be/r4GzRBmhMO0...not the best quality video though.

It's not exact same engine layout but sensor location and grommet location are the same. Most obvious difference is the air filter box in the Galaxy.

As for the sensor, I believe it was a Meyle brand cam sensor that I got. Looking at the pics on ebay half of them look the same regardless of brand.

[fordnewbie]

Well done insanity.... .  I'll wait for your pics mate.

I've tried, but it's just not a job for me...I guess I'm not a fiddly type 

- Niall - Yes that's the video I watched, but not only is the engine different, the guys is working under it, so it's not something I can do.

[insanitybeard]

I'll do a proper writeup at some point but for now......

1) Remove airbox, engine top cover (not the rocker cover!) if fitted and topmost plastic timing belt cover (held on with two spring clips). Disconnect the camshaft sensor from the engine bay wiring loom at a point just to the left of the oil filter housing (as viewed from the front of the engine bay). The connectors are retained in a little bracket which they will simply slide out of.

2) Locate cam position sensor underneath and to the right of the camshaft sprocket- held on by a single 10mm bolt. You need a compact 1/4" drive ratchet and deep 10mm socket (as per the below image) or shallow 10mm socket on a short extension to get on the bolt- put some padding/ rag below to catch the bolt should you drop it whilst removing/ installing! The bolt head is just visible (circled red) in the below image- between the timing belt and timing belt enclosure backplate:

[attachimg=1]



The below image shows the sensor up close below the camshaft sprocket. The rubber grommet that needs to be pushed out from the sensor side (i.e, out into the engine bay) is arrowed yellow:

[attachimg=2]



View of the grommet and sensor cable emerging from the timing belt enclosure as seen from the engine bay:

[attachimg=3]



View of the grommet hole with grommet removed and sensor retaining bolt removed:

[attachimg=6]



View with sensor removed showing the hole for the locating lug (circled yellow) which is found on the back of the sensor. Said lug stops the sensor from being able to move/ rotate once the bolt is tightened up:

[attachimg=4]



View with the sensor part removed whilst feeding the cable and multiplug through the grommet hole (the grommet has to be removed to allow the electrical connector to be fed through into the the timing belt enclosure so that the sensor can be removed from the vehicle):

[attachimg=5]

[fordnewbie]

Hi Insanity,

My sincere apologies for the late reply.  I've been so busy with family stuff that I've not had any chance to go on the net.

Thanks for the clear photos mate.  They are extremely helpful and if you've got more, then please do keep them coming.

Okay, so I contacted one of the ebay sellers regarding purchasing the genuine vw part.  He asked for  theno. plate and checked and said that the 045957147B isn't compatible  and instead suggested 0191315020 as my engine code is AUY and 85kw?   

I'll be honest and say that I don't have a clue, but can someone please explain what the difference is between the 2 part no's and which is the one for my vehicle?

[johnnyroper]

I was under the impression all 1.9pd use the same sensor. This screen shot of the ford part number confirms same sensor for all 1.9 from 2000-2006. So I would go with the part insanitybeard has used.

[fordnewbie]

Thanks very much johnny.

I will order asap.

In the meantime, here is another disaster I've had after managing to take out the parking sensor  :-




Now I'll have to find a way to delicately join the plastic back again.  To make matters worse, the sensor I bought, doesn't seem to work.  Whereas my parking sensor problem originally was intermittent, after plugging this one in, I get a constant long beep when the switch/reverse is activated.

[Mirez]

You can stick that back with hot-glue or alternatively VW sell it as a seperate part if you need to replace.

I have plenty of sensors knocking about if you need another

[fordnewbie]

You can stick that back with hot-glue or alternatively VW sell it as a seperate part if you need to replace.

I have plenty of sensors knocking about if you need another

Really?  That's very kind of you. How much do you want Mirez?  PM me if required.  Also how can I be sure that it's a sensor that's the fault and not something else, such as the wiring?

[johnnyroper]

The wiring is simple to check,you can continuity check from sensor plug to connector behind nerdier rear light or even plug on control unit under passenger seat.

[insanitybeard]

I'd be very surprised if your '55 plate Galaxy uses a different camshaft sensor to mine. If you look at this  listing and the first picture in that listing, use the zoom function to view the image full size and you'll see that what they say is Ford part number 1253755 is actually a VW part- it's got the VW part number 045 957 147 B printed on the protective cable shrouding! Even the 'genuine' Ford part will actually be a repackaged VW part basically.  The worrying thing is that the seller for the part I've just linked has listed it as a crankshaft sensor! 

[johnnyroper]

Sorry just realised my typo..... Damn iPhone and fat fingers!

Should say connector behind near side rear light.

[fordnewbie]

@johnnyroper - I don't have a multimeter mate, so no way of checking and I wouldn't know the first thing about this.


@insanitybeard  - I've now ordered the genuine cam sensor (045957147B) from a new seller for Ã,£60.  However this seller also adviced that I confirm the correct part number with ford as they believe it might not be compatible.  I called ford and they said they are not allowed to give out part numbers as people take the part numbers and then buy the part cheaper from other places...sly gits, are making a killing on these parts! Ã,£127!!!


@Mirez  - You around mate?  Any chance of selling me a parking sensor? PM me please. Thanks!

[insanitybeard]

My old (i.e factory fitted) sensor also carries the number 045 957 147B on the cable trunking, so I know 100% I've fitted the correct part! I can't see yours having a different sensor on it, but if you take a look at the cable trunking of your old sensor you should be able to see the same number as I've just quoted printed on it- you can just make a bit of it out in the bottom right of the third image of the set of images I posted, you should be able to read it off (assuming it's there) without having to remove the sensor from the vehicle.

[fordnewbie]

My old (i.e factory fitted) sensor also carries the number 045 957 147B on the cable trunking, so I know 100% I've fitted the correct part! I can't see yours having a different sensor on it, but if you take a look at the cable trunking of your old sensor you should be able to see the same number as I've just quoted printed on it- you can just make a bit of it out in the bottom right of the third image of the set of images I posted, you should be able to read it off (assuming it's there) without having to remove the sensor from the vehicle.

I think your spot-on buddy! 

What do you make of the partial numbers on these photos?  Do they look like the same as yours?? :-

[insanitybeard]

I can see 045 957 in your pictures, the last bit is hidden behind the spherical plastic vacuum reservoir but I think it's a pretty safe bet to say your sensor is exactly the same as mine.

[fordnewbie]

I can see 045 957 in your pictures, the last bit is hidden behind the spherical plastic vacuum reservoir but I think it's a pretty safe bet to say your sensor is exactly the same as mine.

Insanity pal I love you to bits!   

Now it's just a matter of waiting for the part and then pass it to the local garage.  I didn't even realise this was the wire until you told me that it's visible...all this time I've been thinking it's hidden away somewhere within the engine.  I still don't get how it disappears to it's left and how someone can so easily feed it through.

[insanitybeard]

Well, it's not 'easy' in that sense, it's fiddly but it is do-able. Once the sensor is unbolted and physically free and you've disconnected the sensor electrical connector from the main wiring loom next to the oil filter housing you just feed the connector multiplug through the grommet hole and it's free, ready for the replacement to be fed through.

[fordnewbie]

Yeah I thought so.  I don't think it's worth the risk of trying to do it yourself just to save Ã,£40 as the downside could be that I end up breaking or losing something or without a vehicle and I'll lose a lot more than Ã,£40.

One thing though.....What is the difference between a Cam Impulse Sensor and a Cam Position Sensor?

[insanitybeard]

No difference. They're just alternative references for the same thing. The 'impulse' just refers to the fact that it's an inductive sensor which generates a 'pulse' of electricity which is detected by the engine management when a couple of metal tabs which are part of the camshaft hub pass over it. It works in the same fashion as an ABS sensor basically.

[fordnewbie]

Thanks insanity.

The good news is that the part is now here.  I've booked in at the garage for this weekend and will let you know how I get on.  Once new part is in, what are the main symptoms that I should notice?

[insanitybeard]

If the replacement cam sensor fixes the fault then hopefully there won't be any symptoms! My reason for replacement of the sensor was to hopefully cure an intermittent (and occasional) refusal to start, especially with the engine partly warmed up, it doesn't seem to be a problem from cold. So far with the new sensor I've not had any issues so fingers crossed!

[fordnewbie]

For me the car starts fine when cold, but as engine warms up, it takes longer to start, stalls suddenly and sometimes it loses power and won't go faster than 30mph.

Did you have any issues with the cam sensor wire being short?   The one I've got is about 2cm short from the previous one I had.

[insanitybeard]

I never had running concerns once the engine had started, and no problems starting from cold. Just occasional problems whereby the engine if part warmed up or hot would just crank and crank and crank and not fire. Recently, when the fault occurred it would crank, fire and die immediately. No issues since the sensor was replaced so fingers crossed that's sorted it.

To answer your other question, the new sensor was a carbon copy of the original one. No difference in the cable length at all.

[fordnewbie]

I forgot to ask, when you had the old cam sensor, did any of your engine management lights come on?  ....Because mine don't.

[insanitybeard]

No, I never had any warning lights illuminated as a result of the fault but then it didn't affect engine running, only starting, and then it was (for the most part) very occasional.

[fordnewbie]

Right I see....Well tomorrow is judgement day for me, so I'll definitely let you know how I get on.

[fordnewbie]

Hello again,

Good news is that the cam sensor has now been replaced and the error has gone.  The car even when warmed up starts fine and so far touch wood has not stalled  .

However the bad news is that a new error is now showing a new error  :-

17965 - Charge Pressure Control: Positive Deviation P1557 - 35-00 - -





My car has been going into limp mode now and again, so this error IMO is related to this issue, but I don't know how to fix it, so any advice would be much appreciated.

[Mirez]

The old sticky vanes! Go underneath and work the turbo accuator 10/15 times and then go for an Italian Tune up!!

[fordnewbie]

The old sticky vanes! Go underneath and work the turbo accuator 10/15 times and then go for an Italian Tune up!!

Hello again Mirez....I don't have a clue what a turbo accuator looks like.  Also the engine has a cover on it at the bottom.  Also what's an italian tune up?

Can't beleive my luck...seems to be an endless list of problems. 

[fordnewbie]

Hello again Mirez....I don't have a clue what a turbo accuator looks like.  Also the engine has a cover on it at the bottom.  Also what's an italian tune up?

Can't beleive my luck...seems to be an endless list of problems. 

Is there a video photo guide I can follow??