Code P1325 Inlet Camshaft Bank 2. Cam Adjuster? Opinions?

[digitalsam]

After starting my 2003 C4S about 2 weeks ago I got a CEL. I immediately took it to my independent Porsche shop. The fault codes:

P1325 Inlet Camshaft Bank 2 - Signal Implausible.

P0300, P0304, P0306 and P0305, which are Misfires on Cylinder 1, 6 and 5

My Mechanic cleared the code, told me to drive it and come back after the weekend. I drove it for about 70 miles, CEL didn't come back, took it back to the shop. The mechanic told me that that the P1325 came back (but no light). They kept the car for couple of days to run more diagnostics. They changed the oil, inspected the filter, and it looked fine. Switched Bank2 sensor with Bank 1, and still got the code on bank 2. Valve lift tested fine, Ohm tested actuators and that was fine. Eventually they told me they weren't sure what the problem was, and suggested I should take it to the dealership because they have the latest diagnostic tools.

The car has little over 54k mi and sounds, idles and drives very well and the mechanic reiterated that fact. They mentioned that they got a strange reading "Adaption Angle = -128 degrees” which didn't make sense to them. One of the mechanics was leaning towards an electrical problem, but they didn't have the proper tools to diagnose it.

I finally took it to the dealer, and then I got a call from the service advisor telling me that they ran their own diagnostics and they determined it is the Cam Adjuster. They gave me quote for $3700 to fix. Ouch!

Is it possible that the cam can go off just like that? Do you agree that the next step is to open the cam and fix the adjuster? Is there any other troubleshooting they can do? What do you think?

I appreciate your help and ideas.

Thanks!

[Ahsai]

Since you have a 2003, your fix should be a lot easier/cheaper. Check the posts by Logray here

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/996/259286-p1325-p301-codes.html

Good luck.

[Ahsai]

Re-reading your post and have a few questions:

1) "Switched Bank2 sensor with Bank 1" <- Cam position sensors? Or you meant the variable cam timing actuators themselves?

2) "Valve lift tested fine" <- the code is for cam timing and not valve lifting...

3) "Cam Adjuster" <- did they mean the variable timing vane/sprocket on the end of the intake camshaft? That thing will be expensive to R&R!

[digitalsam]

Thank you for your reply. Very good questions, but I am not sure I have all the answers. I am just going by the notes that the mechanic gave me. But Here is what I think:

1) I think they did that on the timing actuators

2) They performed the valve lift test on bank 1 and bank 2 using PST2 tester. I think this was done to eliminate this as a possibility.

3) Not sure, but I will try to find out and get back to you.

[Ahsai]

Thank you for your reply. Very good questions, but I am not sure I have all the answers. I am just going by the notes that the mechanic gave me. But Here is what I think:

1) I think they did that on the timing actuators

2) They performed the valve lift test on bank 1 and bank 2 using PST2 tester. I think this was done to eliminate this as a possibility.

3) Not sure, but I will try to find out and get back to you.

If they did switch the actuators and check the wiring, then I think they do mean the sprocket I was talking about. That sprocket rides on the timing chain so it's a lot of labor to remove. Pic here

http://www.porsche.com/international/aboutporsche/responsibility/environment/technology/variocamplus/

[digitalsam]

I got the part number to your question 3 . It is 996 105 052 01

http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-parts/996-99-05/103-11.php

[Ahsai]

I got the part number to your question 3 . It is 996 105 052 01

http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-parts/996-99-05/103-11.php

Yea, same part I have in mind.

[EleCTriCT]

I would refer to logray's post as mentioned above

In my experience the part below has often been the culprit for this.

http://www.ebay.com/...69da7c9&vxp=mtr

Usually can be done in car, might need some cam alignment tools get your indy to check before he starts any repairs so he doesnt get stuc. cant remember been a while.

Not to say its not the sprocket on the end, as i said im going of memory.

Edited October 26, 2012 by EleCTriCT

[digitalsam]

I am little confused. The EBay part that you included is called "camshaft chain tensioner", or at least that is what the seller is calling it. One of the pictures has part number 996 105 051 engraved. When I look up that part number, it shows up as "camshaft adjuster" (for bank1).

So what is the culprit part called?

[EleCTriCT]

I have used the ebay link as a example, often the siolenoid is replaced but I've found the plunger in the unit under the valve cover sticks.

more info

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/27160-how-does-variable-valve-timing-work-on-the-996-engine/