Volkswagen Golf GTE Cambelt
When you take your car to the garage for a specific repair, you expect that the problem will be fixed. But not all garages are equal, and not all have the same expertise.
A recent client of our Macclesfield garage found this out the hard way.
They took their 2015 VW Golf GTE to another garage to have their cambelt replaced after the Engine Management Light came on. As they had taken their VW for servicing on several occasions before, they had expected a high standard of service and expertise. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case.
Having searched Google for local Macclesfield VW specialists, the client found us and called right away to schedule a diagnostic appointment. As soon as the VW arrived at our garage, the client talked us through their VW’s issues and their experience with the other garage, and we knew we could help.
The VW Golf GTE Issues
Since picking up their VW Golf, the client had trouble starting the car. Even if it started, it didn’t run properly..
We began the appointment by checking the previous work that had been completed (the cambelt replacement) and downloading the data which generated an error code.
This was the VW error code that was displayed:
P0016 – Camshaft/Crankshaft position.
Digging a Little Deeper
Having replaced the cambelt, our VW technicians explained to the client that a special tool was required to correct the timing. As the client was unsure if this had been done previously, we were given the authority to contact the other garage directly.
After a brief conversation with the garage, we asked what tools they had used on the VW Golf cambelt replacement since the car had now been brought to us with an issue. Sadly, the garage staff had no knowledge of it, which gave us our starting point for fixing this VW engine. Starting from scratch!
Since the garage did not know anything about it, we checked the timings. As a result, we locked the crankshaft in place and used a VAS611007 micro-fine adjustment tool to check the timing. By manually checking the timing, we measured a 30-degree shift from the camshafts in accordance with VW’s recommendation.
This was a bigger job than we imagined. Not only was the cam timing off, but the entire mechanical timing had to be reset. Following the visual inspection, we knew what to do next.
Completing the VW Golf GTE Cambelt Repair
First, our technicians removed the current belt from the VW Golf GTE. After we got back to basics, we were able to re-time the engine and begin rebuilding.
We started by replacing the VW stretch bolts after noticing they had not been changed previously. We were then able to properly reinstall the cambelt and crankshaft. Having completed this complex but essential step, we were happy with the VW engine’s mechanical timing.
The next step we took was to utilise the VAS611007 tool to set the cam timing. In addition to setting the correct engine timing, our VW technicians could also set the tricky camshaft timing. As a result, the VW Golf was working well once again. The customers were happy and they were back to doing what they love – enjoying driving their pride and joy around once again.
By completing this complex work to a high standard, we avoided further engine damage. Had the fix not been carried out properly, a full engine rebuild would have been required, costing the client unnecessary expense.
Links Automotive are Here to Help
With our expert VW technicians, we are able to provide outstanding service to our clients regardless of the VW model.
Whether you have questions about your VW or would like to book an appointment, please call 01625 402262 and one of the team will be happy to assist you.
