Mk5 1.4 TSI Wagon - Second Stretched Timing Chain?

[mcam]

In July 2015, I had my Golf repaired due to stretched timing chain. It was a VW "pro rata" repair, meaning they covered 60% labour, and 100% of the parts.

Now, exactly two years and 25000km, the EML came on, and the code "Incorrect Correlation P0016/628" error apparently indicates timing chain stretch.

I'm interested in the general opinion on this. I'm thinking a timing chain should last considerably longer than two years/25k ?

[Umai Naa!!]

It could also be a tensioner failure and guide wear.

[mcam]

Tensioners and guides were replaced at the same time. I guessing I need to take it back to the dealer, and see what they'll do.

I think it's fair to assume the repair should last longer than two years

[Splashalot]

VW dealer told me all genuine parts are guaranteed for two years. Not sure how or if that applies to "wear and tear" items, but one would expect they would honour that.

[mcam]

Well, I had the problem diagnosed by the local dealer. Cam Variator? needs replacing. A whole list of parts and 12 hours labour. Total cost: $4267.

No thanks. It isn't worth the repair. Time for a new vehicle, and won't be another VW

[JustCruisn]

Wow.
So let us know if the dealer now makes some low ball offer to purchase the car from you.

I've seen this before with a BMW dealer on the Gold Coast, comes up with a load of defects and a huge bill, owner sells car to dealer and buys a new model.
Dealer spends 1/4 of quoted amount fixing car and sells for massive profit.

[mcam]

Wow.
So let us know if the dealer now makes some low ball offer to purchase the car from you.

I've seen this before with a BMW dealer on the Gold Coast, comes up with a load of defects and a huge bill, owner sells car to dealer and buys a new model.
Dealer spends 1/4 of quoted amount fixing car and sells for massive profit.

LOL, that sure as h*** wouldn't happen. There is no way I will be buying another watercooled VW, thats for sure

[Passat my07]

Maybe you should get a quote from a vw specialist. They might be able to fit a second hand one so you can at lest sell it as a running car.

[mcam]

That's a good suggestion. What's weird, is that I can't seem to find much at all on these components, and their failure in the mk5 golf. The dealer note that the vehicle was ok to drive, but I have no idea for how long. They were really vague about it when I asked.

[mcam]

Does anyone know what the part number is for this camshaft variator? 1.4 TSI, 2008/2009. I can't help but think the dealer is gouging. They quoted me $630 for an evap purge valve and charcoal canister, yet a local technician quoted me $175....

[mcam]

Well, an update on this. I took it to a VW specialist, who did a scan. He said there was nothing in the history to suggest a faulty camshaft variator, and that I should drive the car and see if the error comes back. He did say that it showed a failed o2 sensor, but the dealer never picked that up. As of today, the error has not returned. It was suggested to me that the dealer has a lot inexperienced staff who don’t know enough about diagnostics. I could have stumped up over 4K for nothing. That’s pretty scary. I wonder how many other people have paid for something that doesn’t need to be done...