123quattro

Did some searching on here, and the other Audi forums and didn't see many with a V8 getting this code. Anyone think it's actually the cam sensor and not the tensioner?

Thanks,
John

silverd2

Nothing to do with the cam adjuster ("tensioner") ...A malfunction there has nothing to do with what produces this code.

The above is an opinion based on all text in Bentley (Audi info) on this code...it only indicates a malfunction with the cam sensor.

From personal experience, a cam adjuster going bad will produce a cam adjuster specific code, like "over retarded" (P0012), "over advanced" (P0011) or some other P00** code.

123quattro

I agree with you. I think it's the cam sensor as well. I think it's stuck at full retard.

silverd2

??????????

The cam position "sensor" (mounted outside the head) simply reads and reports the intake cam position in relation to the engine speed sensor ("crank position sensor") and the fact that it is indeed rotating. If it senses over-retard or over-advance, it sends a P00** signal...not a cam position sensor code.

The cam sensor can not get stuck in retard or advance position...it's a fixed rotating wheel with a window cutout that goes past a magnetic pickup (hall sender)...that's it.

The cam adjuster (inside the head) adjusts timing on the intake cam (retard or advance) and can over-retard or over-advance, but will trigger a P00** if the cam position sensor is working correctly and reading this.

P0343 indicates the electrical signal from bank #1 sensor is too high (in voltage...not timing) over a 12 rev (of the crank) measurement. This indicates an electrical problem with that sensor (bad "hall" sensor, etc...) or it's wiring...not a false (or true) reading of cam timing.

123quattro

I agree. I meant the sensor failed and that put the cam to full retard. New cam position sensor should arrive today.

123quattro

Sensor fixed it. It feels like it picked up 100ft-lb under 4000rpm.