mexiaudi

I have an issue with my 98 a4 1.8t AEB engine. I changed the water pump as I had a leak coming from it. I took the timing belt off to get to the water pump by taking off the tensioner pulley. I did not replace the tensioner pulley as I had the timing belt done a year ago. I I replaced everything back filled up with fluids, went to turn it on, but did not turn over the engine. I borrowed a vag-com and pulled a p1338 code. What can I check so I can get my car up and running again?

4Driver4

How do you know that the code is new? Why not try to start the car?

mexiaudi

The check engine light was not on before changing the water pump. I have tried to start the car. It goes to start but does not turn over.

twentysevenlitres

Yeah, it would be usful to know if the code is new.

P1338 is a camshaft position sensor bank 1 open circuit code.
I'd be checking the camshaft position sensor is actually plugged-in!

Also, to throw a camshaft position error code without running the engine is unusual anyway. And I expect it wouldn't throw P1338 unless the error is with the sensor itself.

If you're reasonably confident you've kept the timing correct, try rotating the engine on the crank manually to make sure you get free rotation of the engine without fouling the valves.
Then, as 4Driver4 says, see if it will start.

4Driver4

If it doesn't turn over, the most like cause is that your timing is off and piston and valve have collided, which is stopping the engine from turning. Either that or you left something on while you were working and wore down the battery.

I'm still confused as to how the engine threw the code. Usually it needs to at least turn over (not necessarily start) to throw a code.

Can you turn it over by hand?

mexiaudi

I am able to move the bottom cam by hand with a breaker bar.
I tried to start the engine when I first finished the water pump install. I went to start it but did not turn over. I noticed the CEL come on when I was trying to turn it on. So basically it almost started. Then threw the code.

4Driver4

If you can turn the engine by hand but the starter won't turn it over, start by checking the battery and checking for trigger voltage at the starter solenoid.

I'm at a loss for where the code came from.

twentysevenlitres

I think we're getting terminologies confused here...

So I take it you turned the engine over with a breaker bar on the crank?
And that the engine is turning over on the starter, but not firing?

I don't want to put words in your mouth, but that's how I read it...

That said, an open circuit on the cam position sensor may prevent it from starting, so I'd be looking there first.

If the engine turns freely, your cam timing should be set correctly. If concerned you could try a compression test, but that's probably a bit premature.