3.0 cam sensor code help

[A4Mike]

So I have a 2003 with the 3.0 and I did a full timing belt job about 3 months ago. And yes I used the proper cam locking and crank locking tools. Everything seems fine with install and the car runs great, but I get a check engine light that comes on and goes off randomly. Well I pulled the codes with vag-com an I got:

Address 01: Engine
Control Module Part Number: 8E0 909 559 E
Component and/or Version: 3.0L V6/5V G 0003
Software Coding: 0016584
Work Shop Code: WSC 00672
3 Faults Found:

19757 - Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor Bank 1 (G300): Open or Short to Plus
P3301 - 001 - Upper Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
18404 - Friction too High; Intake Cam Adjustement Bank 1
P1996 - 008 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
18406 - Friction too High; Intake Cam Adjustement Bank 2
P1998 - 008 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent

Any ideas? Is replacing the cam sensor a good place to start, or do I have another problem that I should be looking at? The "friction too high" kind of freaks me out. I have cleared the codes but they will come back in a couple days. Any help is appreciated

[Ill 3.0]

Did you use the exhaust cam timing reset tool? The thing that has two tabs that fits over the cam bolt? If there were no codes for three months sounds like the sensor could be going bad. I'm not sure if "open or short to plus" means an electrical issue or not. I'm sure someone will have a better idea.

[A4Mike]

Did you use the exhaust cam timing reset tool? The thing that has two tabs that fits over the cam bolt? If there were no codes for three months sounds like the sensor could be going bad. I'm not sure if "open or short to plus" means an electrical issue or not. I'm sure someone will have a better idea.

Thanks for the reply. Yes I did use the reset tool. I think I'm going to start with the sensor, its only about $35 and maybe check the wiring to the cam sensors.

[ct-esq]

I am looking at a P3301 code, with multiple, intermittent misfires at idle, etc.

Any update?

[old guy]

You might want to look into the TSB concerning this issue. It is TSB # 15 08 09 2005587/5. Basically the problem stems from internal oil leaks around the camshaft adjusters. The TSB outlines the parts and procedures required to fix the problem.

[ct-esq]

i don't have the friction errors, just random misfires - and I dont have any oil consumption.

[call_me_diamond]

i had a problem with the cm shaft positioning sensor as well. here's my thread, affinitive dropped tons of good info in it.
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=301566

[old guy]

i don't have the friction errors, just random misfires - and I dont have any oil consumption.

Sorry, my comment about TSB # 15 08 09 2005587/5 was toward the P1996 and P1998 that A4Mike was experiencing. And the internal leak is not about oil consumption, it's about how the cam positioners operate. as to the code P3301, it's most likely a defective sensor.

[ct-esq]

i replaced bank 2 cam pos sensor about 30 days ago; last week, shudder, crappy performance, etc. CEL, now i've replaced bank 1 cam pos sensor.

hopefully, this sorts it out. but based on the link above re minor sludge, no more waiting until 6k for oil change, i'll get it done at 5k!

[dpatel]

What oil have you been using and how long did it take you to put 6K on the car for each oil change?

[ct-esq]

I've been getting oil changes at the dealership since 2005. and i i'll do 6k in 3 months

[dpatel]

You should ask them what type of oil they used. Some dealerships are NOT using synthetic oil and doing 10K changes.