Dealing with fault codes can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to diagnose issues on a performance vehicle like the 03 Gti 1.8t. Recently, a user on our forum encountered a situation familiar to many VW enthusiasts: chasing down engine codes and trying to get their turbocharged machine running smoothly again. Let’s dive into their experience and see what we can learn about troubleshooting common issues on the 03 GTI 1.8T.
The user started by addressing some initial concerns, clearing existing codes and even disconnecting the battery to reset the system. Thinking a faulty Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) or Boost sensor might be the culprit, they took a proactive step and replaced it with a new factory sensor. Ground connections, often a source of electrical gremlins in older vehicles, were also cleaned to ensure a solid electrical foundation for the car’s systems.
To get a clear picture of the vehicle’s health after these initial fixes, a VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) scan was performed. This scan provides detailed insights into the various electronic control units within the 03 GTI 1.8T. Here are the scan results:
Friday,05,February,2016,17:41:43:54350 VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 7 x64 VCDS Version: 15.7.3.0 (x64) Data version: 20151216 <a href="http://www.Ross-Tech.com" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" target="_blank">www.Ross-Tech.com</a> VIN: 9BWDE61J834042657 License Plate: Mileage: 201650km-125299mi Repair Order: after replace MAP & clean grounds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chassis Type: 1J (1J - VW Golf/Bora IV (1998 > 2006)) Scan: 01 02 03 08 15 16 17 19 22 29 35 36 37 39 46 47 55 56 57 75 76 VIN: 9BWDE61J834042657 Mileage: 201650km-125299miles ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 01: Engine Labels: 06A-906-032-AWP.lbl Part No: 06A 906 032 LP Component: 1.8L R4/5VT G 0005 Coding: 07500 Shop #: WSC 00000 VCID: 77F3E30D55190A8640-515A 9BWDE61J834042657 VWZ7Z0B5992535 1 Fault Found: 16727 - Camshaft Position Sensor (G40) P0343 - 35-10 - Signal too High - Intermittent Readiness: 0110 1101 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 1C0-907-37x-ESP-F.lbl Part No: 1C0 907 379 M Component: ESP FRONT MK60 0102 Coding: 0019970 Shop #: WSC 00000 785 00200 VCID: 3469140154EF219EA5-5178 No fault code found. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 15: Airbags Labels: 6Q0-909-605-VW5.lbl Part No: 1C0 909 605 F Component: 08 AIRBAG VW61 0202 0001 Coding: 12344 Shop #: WSC 00000 VCID: 2753F34DC5395A0610-513C No fault code found. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 17: Instruments Labels: 1J0-920-xx5-17.lbl Part No: 1J0 920 906 J Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRSP VDO V07 Coding: 07232 Shop #: WSC 55390 VCID: 2F631B6DEDC90246D8-513C 9BWDE61J834042657 VWZ7Z0B5992535 1 Fault Found: 01304 - Radio 49-00 - No Communications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 19: CAN Gateway Labels: 6N0-909-901-19.lbl Part No: 6N0 909 901 Component: Gateway KCAN 0001 Coding: 00006 Shop #: WSC 00000 VCID: 70E1D81130775DBE81-513C 1 Fault Found: 01304 - Radio 49-00 - No Communications ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address 46: Central Conv. Labels: 1C0-959-799.lbl Part No: 1C0 959 799 C Component: 8B Komfortgerát HLO 0003 Coding: 00064 Shop #: WSC 00000 VCID: 3773230D1599CA8680-4B18 Subsystem 1 - Part No: 1C1959801A Component: 8B Tõrsteuer.FS KLO 0002 Subsystem 2 - Part No: 1C1959802A Component: 8B Tõrsteuer.BF KLO 0002 No fault code found. End-------------------------(Elapsed Time: 04:30)--------------------------Interestingly, after replacing the MAP sensor, the scan revealed only one remaining engine fault code: 16727 – Camshaft Position Sensor (G40) P0343 – Signal too High – Intermittent. This pointed towards a potential issue with the Camshaft Position Sensor on this 03 GTI 1.8T.
The user rightly questioned whether both sensors (MAP and Camshaft) could have failed, or if there was a relationship between their failures. It’s a valid point, especially considering they might share power or ground circuits. While less common, the possibility of an ECU (Engine Control Unit) issue causing sensor failures was also raised.
The next logical step for our user, and a recommended one for anyone facing this code on their 03 GTI 1.8T, is to replace the Camshaft Position Sensor. They planned to source a new sensor and install it, followed by clearing the codes again to see if the fault returns.
Troubleshooting automotive issues, particularly on models like the 03 GTI 1.8T, often involves a process of elimination and careful diagnostics. Starting with basic checks like grounds and sensor replacements, and utilizing diagnostic tools like VCDS, are crucial steps in pinpointing the root cause of problems and getting your VW back on the road. We’ll be following this user’s journey to see if a new Camshaft Position Sensor resolves the issue and keeps this 03 GTI 1.8T running in top shape.
