“A” camshaft position actuator circuit p0020
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“A” camshaft position actuator circuit p0020
I have an 03 A6Q/4.2L with the P0020 code that calls out "“A” camshaft position actuator circuit". What circuit are they speaking of? Is this the circuit to the cam tensioner OCV or possibly the cam position sensor as I have read in the self-study program #217 manual that a new design was incorporated to keep track of the cam position to help with the tensioner to reduce chain slap and enhance the quick start system. I have had both camshaft tensioners replaced over the past two/three year (each one, each one about one year apart) and I put less than 10K miles in the vehicle per year. The vehicle seems to run fine, only makes the chain slap noise very briefly during starting, does not spit or sputter nor stall. Prior to replacing the tensioners, I was getting error codes referring to the timing be retarded. I have yet to monitor for the effect on fuel economy. I'm reading that a bad connection could be an issue or even blown fuse? Any thoughts? Thank you in advance. - rev -
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From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Sounds like you are out of time. You should not be hearing the chain "slapping". Error code may be indicating a bad cam position sensor or that the cam is actually out of time.
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Mr HarleyGuy - I tend to be leaning to your conclusion as well. I still can't resolve exactly what the OBD reader is referring to. Cam positioners are relatively inexpensive an easy to replace. I think I'll go that route. Thank you for the feedback. Anyone else got some feedback?
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Check the engine timing to be sure it hasn't slipped out of time with the previous work that was done. There are a lot of posts on this site that go over the specifics of how to line things up. If timing is off, correct it before running the engine. A lot of damage can happen quickly if you run it when it is not properly timed.
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I checked fuel economy via 40 mph cruise control over three miles, then over 5 miles. Seems stable at 23 to 25 MPG. Watching idle speed at about 700 rpm the timing advance is running at or about +8.0 degrees +/- 1.
Could a faulty N80 valve be screwing with my system?
More info for all.
All input is appreciated.
- rev -
Could a faulty N80 valve be screwing with my system?
More info for all.
All input is appreciated.
- rev -
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