Check engine light code is "PO 012 camshaft over retarted." (could be wrong, going by memory)for 2002 Beetle 1.8T
1st shop said need new timing belt for $715.
2nd shop said related to oil and oil filter; never got back to me for new appointment after check engine light returned.
3rd shop thoroughly checked things out, did some fixes, but dang light returned after driving to reset engine and computer codes. Shop said it could need a valve job (est.$2,000).
Before I go that direction, I'm taking it to the dealer for their diagnosis. What do you think? Am I on the right track? Any advice is appreciated. It's put a damper on my holiday plans.
Do you have anything really going on with the car? I had a similar code thrown once after I stalled the car out to change my fuel filter. Cleared the code and its never returned. Have you tried clearing it?
How many miles on the car and has the timing belt been changed?
Thanks for the code info link. The latest mechanic says the camshaft over-retarded code keeps coming back. I'll have to ask him if that has been addressed other than speculating that it may be related to the valves.
I think the code has been cleared by the past two shops. They worked on something, cleared it, let me drive it, and then the check engine light comes back on.
Nothing really going on with the car. The knock which may be the valves is barely perceptible. It drives fine, other than having the check engine light on. I bought it about 4 months ago and now regret it. For an '02, it only has 64,000 miles on it, which makes me suspicious of its history. I should've done a CarFax. I may just drive it with the light on if the valves aren't a serious issue.
The 1st was not; 2nd was "European Sports Car" garage; 3rd and present is advertised as "German and Japanese" car specialists. That's why I've scheduled an appointment with a VW dealer for Wednesday. I'll probably cancel tomorrow with the German car specialist until I get more information because he just wants to remove the valve cover to look inside.
Sounds like the Cam chain tensioner is toast and needs to be replaced. Not too difficult to replace. Just a tad pricey.
I would recommend doing the timing belt, water pump, belt tensioner, pulley etc. at the same time. 64k miles isn't too bad but the years are a problem. Timing belts are rubber and they do wear out. Make sure they are not just replacing the timing belt but everything that goes with it as well. Dealerships are especially prone to doing minimalisitc jobs. That way they have you coming back on a regular basis. Besides they charge a rediculous price. For a 1.8 engine they usually charge upwards of $1700 bucks to do the timing belt service. Where you can get it done for around 800 Bucks at a reputable VW Type shop.
Here is a list of cam chain tensioners. The Genuine VW ones are a tad pricey. You should be fine with the aftermarket units.
You don't have to APH engine so you have to order the other type not APH.
Also here is everything needed to do the timing belt service.
(not including the Cam Chain Tensioner which is a separate issue)
This is the kit I used and it had everything you need. If you are handy you can do the work yourself in about 4 to 6 hours. Or if you are like me 3 days I just wanted to make sure I didn't screw up and it was the first time doing it. A shop can do it in 4 to 5 hours so if you get it done somewhere don't let them overcharge you for labor.