Engine noise and P0011 \ 16395 code

[audiman27]

I have a 2002 A4 1.8t w/ 89000 mi. Timing Belt was done @75k. Every once in a while, when I start the car it idles about 400rpm for a few seconds and sounds like a TDI. I little gas and it goes away and runs fine. The code i have is P0111 /16395(Camshaft A Retard setpoint not reached) . I can clear it out and It won't come back for a couple days. I think maybe the chain tensioner is going bad?

[dirtybrd]

Ding, ding, ding! It's not as bad as it seems, I think you can sneak it out without removing the cams. Try unplugging the tens. and see if you get the idling issue again.

[audiman27]

you mean unplug the electrical connector on the tensioner? What will that do to the tensioner? Is this very bad if I don't fix it soon?

[dirtybrd]

Yes, it'll put the tensioner in a neutral position. You will get a code for it being unplugged, but shouldn't get other code or idle issue.

[audiman27]

I'll give that a try, thanks for the help. If I can't fix this thing right away, do you think It can cause major engine damage?

[dirtybrd]

I've been running mine unplugged for months, the cams I have won't allow it's use. It seems as if you tens. is only noisy when it's in moving. Stop the moving and stop the noise.

[audiman27]

Thanks, I'll give it a try

[dirtybrd]

Keep us posted.

[dougyfresh]

I think you can sneak it out without removing the cams.

As long as the chain isn't being replaced I think you can sneak it out without touching the cams. I had to remove it to remove the cams. You'll need the cam tensioner tool that slackens the chain. You'll also want the engine at TDC for cyl#1 before doing anything (always a good practice).

At TDC cyl#1 the arrow on the rear exhaust cam bearing cap should line up with the keyway in the cam. The keyway in the intake cam should also be lined up vertically with 16pins of the chain between both locations. The 16pins is critical but having the intake cam completely lined up is not (because of the VVT).

[audiman27]

As long as the chain isn't being replaced I think you can sneak it out without touching the cams. I had to remove it to remove the cams. You'll need the cam tensioner tool that slackens the chain. You'll also want the engine at TDC for cyl#1 before doing anything (always a good practice).

At TDC cyl#1 the arrow on the rear exhaust cam bearing cap should line up with the keyway in the cam. The keyway in the intake cam should also be lined up vertically with 16pins of the chain between both locations. The 16pins is critical but having the intake cam completely lined up is not (because of the VVT).

When you say 16 pins, are you referring to the links in the chain?

I unplugged the tensioner but it still did the same on startup the other day. It only does the noise when I start it hot. I'm wondering if it could just be a pressure problem, like maybe the oil is draining out of the tensioner when the engine shuts down.

[dirtybrd]

Yes, between timing marks.

[dougyfresh]

When you say 16 pins, are you referring to the links in the chain?

Yes, the actual pins in the chain itself.

[diagnosticator]

Get the HOT oil pressure tested, observe from cranking speed to stable idle. You can run a temp electic pressure guage into the cabin, to try and catch the oil pressure when you hear the noise. Also, the solinoid valve for the timing adjuster, may be sticking when hot. What is the Freeze Frame info associated with the DTC recorded?

[audiman27]

Get the HOT oil pressure tested, observe from cranking speed to stable idle. You can run a temp electic pressure guage into the cabin, to try and catch the oil pressure when you hear the noise. Also, the solinoid valve for the timing adjuster, may be sticking when hot. What is the Freeze Frame info associated with the DTC recorded?

I doubt I will go through all that with the pressure gage, but I will take a look at the freeze frame data next time the DTC pops up, gotta register VAG-COM first.

[CO AVANT]

Check or have someone check your oil pressure when the engine is warm (*edit, John beat me to it lol)... like others said though, tensioner could be going bad. The tensioner needs proper oil pressure to function correctly. It is very easy to test oil pressure.

I started getting a 16396 intake cam code (over advanced) the past couple weeks. I have a tensioner that is only 5K old. Talked to Bob@QED and told me not to worry since when I rolled over to TDC and took off the valve cover, my intake and exhaust cam arrows to notches still lined up perfect with 16 roller in between the cam arrows....I am running aftermarket cat 3651 cams though. Code only trips under 1200 rpms. Intake cam retards itself with vvt when it hits ~1200rpms IIRC. Car still idles and runs perfect. I will be unplugging my vvt too to see if that trips the code. Maybe John will chime in and verify where 16396 and 16395 codes originate from sensor wise... John, do you know what spec range is at idle and WOT for cam adjustment in the 090-099 measuring blocks?

[CO AVANT]

unplugged the VVT and don't get the 16396 code, just the no communication for the VVT code... The VVT solenoid must be responsible for throwing the code.

[audi_nightrider]

Micro Bump!!

Just curious if I can really get away if I just unplug the cam chain adjuster????

I really dont feel like fixing the car atm, do you suggest changing it asap?
CEL keeps on going on too.

[audi_nightrider]

Hmm, seems like I'm the only one having this problem atm. Anyone else?? lol

[mr_esmit]

Just pulled this same code on my car on saturday. Any more info on the same?