2001 2005 Volkswagen Passat Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Repair Guide

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

Time Required

                          15 - 20 minutes

Sections

Camshaft position sensor
4 steps

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Back1996-2005 Volkswagen Passat
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What you need

Step 1

              Camshaft position sensor

The camshaft position sensor tells the engine control unit the angle of the camshaft rotation. This is necessary to determine the exact timing of fuel injection and ignition. The failed sensor may cause a number of problems, from poor fuel economy to the engine failing to start.
In my case the symptom was that the engine would only start after 3-4 attempts of hard, determined cranking. Of course, the malfunction indicator light was on. To confirm that the camshaft position sensor is indeed at fault you will need an OBD2 fault code reader or a similar diagnostic tool.
The fault codes indicating the camshaft position sensor malfunction are in the range of P0340-P0349 – for me it was P0343.
I used my Vgate Scan Bluetooth-connected scan tool and the Car Gauge Pro Android app. The OBD2 tool plugs into the diagnostic socket, which is located under the driver side of the dashboard, roughly above the driver’s left knee.

The camshaft position sensor tells the engine control unit the angle of the camshaft rotation. This is necessary to determine the exact timing of fuel injection and ignition. The failed sensor may cause a number of problems, from poor fuel economy to the engine failing to start.

In my case the symptom was that the engine would only start after 3-4 attempts of hard, determined cranking. Of course, the malfunction indicator light was on. To confirm that the camshaft position sensor is indeed at fault you will need an OBD2 fault code reader or a similar diagnostic tool.

The fault codes indicating the camshaft position sensor malfunction are in the range of P0340-P0349 – for me it was P0343.

I used my Vgate Scan Bluetooth-connected scan tool and the Car Gauge Pro Android app. The OBD2 tool plugs into the diagnostic socket, which is located under the driver side of the dashboard, roughly above the driver’s left knee.

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Step 2

Once you have confirmed that the camshaft position sensor is at fault and received the replacement part, it’s time to get your hands dirty.
The second photo shows the location of various components.
First, remove the plastic engine cover. Using a flat-head screwdriver (or a coin), turn each of the three plastic screws 90° (1/4 turn) counterclockwise until they pop up. Lift the cover.
When reinstalling the engine cover, do not turn the screws clockwise, but simply push them down until they click in place.

Once you have confirmed that the camshaft position sensor is at fault and received the replacement part, it’s time to get your hands dirty.

The second photo shows the location of various components.

First, remove the plastic engine cover. Using a flat-head screwdriver (or a coin), turn each of the three plastic screws 90° (1/4 turn) counterclockwise until they pop up. Lift the cover.

When reinstalling the engine cover, do not turn the screws clockwise, but simply push them down until they click in place.

Step 3

You need to release the timing belt cover in order to access the sensor. First, free the two rubber hoses that are held in place by the clips on the cover.
Undo two metal clips on the sides of the cover, using a flathead screwdriver.
Detach the sensor electrical connector: press the metal bracket with your thumb and gently pull the connector to the right.

You need to release the timing belt cover in order to access the sensor. First, free the two rubber hoses that are held in place by the clips on the cover.

Undo two metal clips on the sides of the cover, using a flathead screwdriver.

Detach the sensor electrical connector: press the metal bracket with your thumb and gently pull the connector to the right.

Step 4

Now you should be able to pull the timing belt cover far enough towards the front of the car to access the sensor.
Using the 10 mm nut driver remove the two screws holding the sensor in place. Be careful not to drop the screws – you’ll probably need to dismantle half of the engine to reach them, and leaving them loose near the timing belt is not a good idea.
Screw the replacement sensor in place, reattach the electrical connector, and replace the covers. Don’t forget to put the rubber hoses back under the clips on the belt cover.
When attaching the engine cover, do not turn the screws – just push them down until they click into place.

Now you should be able to pull the timing belt cover far enough towards the front of the car to access the sensor.

Using the 10 mm nut driver remove the two screws holding the sensor in place. Be careful not to drop the screws – you’ll probably need to dismantle half of the engine to reach them, and leaving them loose near the timing belt is not a good idea.

Screw the replacement sensor in place, reattach the electrical connector, and replace the covers. Don’t forget to put the rubber hoses back under the clips on the belt cover.

When attaching the engine cover, do not turn the screws – just push them down until they click into place.

To put things back together, follow these instructions in reverse order. When installing the engine cover, do not turn the screws clockwise, but simply push them down until they click in place.

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                    Nick Ivanov

Member since: 10/09/2011

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Jackie Beattie - May 5, 2018

Nice job of showing repair/replacement!

Bryan Lopez Rosario - Jun 23, 2020

I change camshaft sensir car wint start now its sayin somethin bout crank sensor not good but im gettin both fuel and spark

I own a 04 passat wont start i change battery camshaft sensor spark plugs i dont know wat it could be still dont start

Ima try changing crank sensor but they told me if it was crank sensir i wouldnt get fuel or spark and im gettin both dont knoe wat to do want to get car started

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What you need