gmtalike

After a short super market run 04/D3 started up as usual, after about 60 seconds the car misfired then shut off. I started it a few times and each time it would run fine then shut down. Got it towed to the nearest repair shop, the code reader states the camshaft position sensor as the first code. I ordered a pair of sensors from eBay that states they are camshaft sensors for 04-06 A8. My question is, has anyone ever changed their camshaft sensors and if so where is the location. Also is the camshaft sensor and the crankshaft sensor on a D3 the same thing?

mishar

It would be good to know which sensor is faulty. No need to replace both. Left camshaft position sensor is at the back of the engine in line with intake camshaft. Right sensor is at the front and it can be accessed by removing top part of the timing belt cover. Crankshaft sensor is bolted in transmission from below. Not the same thing.

gmtalike

Thanks for the reply, I'm pretty sure the code reader stated which sensor it was but I didn't take time to record it. Overall I'm pretty sure the mechanic wouldn't mind the $125 labor charge for both.

Black Mamba

if its a crankshaft sensor let audi do it i just replaced it and it took 2hrs to do so and i was twisted up like a pretzel . It should be about a hour labor for the installation i payed 150$ for the crankshaft sensor and the camshafts sensors were 170$. The camshaft sensors are easy to install

gmtalike

After audi of wynnewood Pa did a diagnostic on my issue of the vehicle starting but stalling out after 60 seconds, the service advisor said the rear camshaft belt has stretched and is out of timing. He says the job is $6k. Has anyone expericened this at all?

dvs_dave

Given that the 04 has the timing belt at the front of the engine it sounds like he doesn't know what he's talking about? Did he mean chain instead?

How does he know it's a timing issue and not a bad sensor issue? What are the codes and when was the timing belt last changed?

mishar

There is no "rear camshaft belt" on 2004 A8 engine. There is short chain connecting two camshafts and regulating intake camshaft timing, but I doubt it is that much stretched to cause this problem. There could be something wrong with that camshaft adjuster but I still doubt that it is $6K job.

Did anybody check your fuel pumps? If the right one is dead engine would run for 30 seconds and die.

gmtalike

No not 1 technician has checked the fuel pumps. My main issue is finding a Audi technician in the Philadelphia area that is knowledgable enough to give me an honest answer. The adviser himself is not 100% sure of what the technician stated. Sadly the 2 nearest reputable Audi shops that I know of are about 2hrs away, kmd tuning in nj and eurotek in broadheadsville pa. At this point i am stuck, 3 shops later and the Audi dealership basically says to get a new engine because my vehicle stalls out after idling.

mishar

Try checking pumps yourself. Unplug fuse 2 (20A) from the fuse panel in the right side of the luggage compartment (next to the battery). That will stop left pump leaving just the right one to work. Engine should start. If it doesn't start your right pump is broken.

gmtalike

Audi Service advisor states "the cost of the labor will amount to a new engine"...Anywho vehicle was towed to a local import specialist today. After starting the car to reverse off of the flat bed he said the engine Starts up and runs fine. Also his technician stated after revving and letting the engine stall out that he suspects it could be a fuel issue. The conclusion of the day is from his experience a stretched cam chain or damaged tensioner gives a constant clacking noise. Hopefully the issue is fuel related, we shall see.