VW Beetle Stalling: Bad Camshaft Sensor Alert

Had similar issues with a 2015 VW Golf TSI. The symptoms matched exactly, rough starts, engine stalling at idle, and persistent check engine light. The problem was indeed related to camshaft position sensor failure, but the root cause was actually a defective encoder wheel on the camshaft. When the encoder wheel deteriorates, it sends incorrect signals about camshaft position, causing the engine control unit to miscalculate ignition timing. The repair involved replacing both the encoder wheel and sensor assembly. This is a serious issue that needs professional attention since incorrect camshaft position data can lead to engine misfires and potential engine damage if left unaddressed. The job requires precise timing belt alignment and specialized VW diagnostic tools to verify proper sensor operation after replacement. These symptoms should not be ignored, as they typically worsen over time and can leave you stranded. Based on the mileage and symptoms described, this matches the typical failure pattern for these components. Recommend having a certified technician perform proper diagnostics to confirm the exact cause before replacing parts.

Thanks for sharing your Golf experience. I went through something really similar with my 2017 Beetle last winter. The engine misfire and stalling issues were super frustrating, especially during cold starts. The camshaft sensor replacement definitely solved my problems, though it took my mechanic a while to properly diagnose since the check engine light codes were a bit misleading at first. Would you mind sharing what the repair ended up costing you? Also curious if youve had any related issues pop up since the fix? My Beetle has been running smooth for the past 8 months, but always good to know what to watch out for.

Yes, the camshaft position sensor and encoder wheel repair on my Golf ended up costing 695€ total. The mechanic found the same misleading engine control codes initially, but correctly identified the defective encoder wheel as the root issue. Since fixing both components, the engine has run perfectly with no misfires or stalling for over a year now. The repair was worth every cent considering how the faulty camshaft sensor was affecting engine performance. Regular maintenance and keeping an eye on engine performance helps catch these issues before they cause bigger problems. The crankshaft sensor usually works together with the camshaft sensor, so having both checked during service is good practice. Great to hear your Beetle is running smoothly after the fix. These VW engines are really reliable once the sensor systems are working correctly.

After dealing with those frustrating stalling issues, I finally took my Beetle to a new mechanic last week. The total repair came to 780€, which included replacing both the camshaft sensor and encoder wheel. The mechanic actually showed me the old parts, the encoder wheel was pretty worn out. The diagnostic process was thorough. He first did complete sensor testing to confirm it was actually a camshaft sensor failure causing the check engine light and stalling. Much better experience than my previous mechanic who just wanted to replace unusual parts. The car runs perfectly now, no more stalling at idle or rough starts. Really glad I got it fixed before any serious engine damage occurred. Will definitely keep up with regular maintenance to catch any future sensor issues early.