Warning lights
I recently bought a 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI with the engine code CBA. Initially, the display flashed up an engine fault and the heater plug light, which I discounted as being due to me driving like a grandad. There were 113,000 miles on it at the time of purchase and the timing belt had been changed at 82,000 miles. The seller claimed it had been serviced and had 11 months’ MOT. I replaced the notorious oil pump drive, oil filter and pollen filter, and freed the front and rear brakes. I have not yet done the fuel filter. I have noticed that the factor gave me 5W-30, although I was under the impression it should be 5W-40.
After owning the car for a while, I get a ‘P0016’ code which only flashes up intermittently. It only occurs when the vehicle is cold and doesn’t reoccur after a drive. The next day it only shows within 100 yards from pulling away. Alastair Frew
The engine code should be a four-digit number and, from the data I have, would be CBAA. The flashing heater plug light is a warning of an engine management fault. The code you have of ‘P0016 Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation Bank 1 Sensor A’ is indicating that the ECU is detecting that the camshaft and crankshaft sensor signals are not synchronised with each other. This may suggest a faulty sensor, but the cause is normally slack in the drivebelt.
For this reason, my first move would be to check the timing belt tension. The pointer on the tensioner pulley should align with the notch in the tensioner backplate. When fitting a new belt, the pointer should be a few millimetres to the right of the notch to allow for initial settling. If the pointer was aligned during installation with the new belt, it may now need to be adjusted. The timing belt replacement interval for this engine is 120,000 miles or 48 months. You do not mention when the belt was last changed, but if it was a while ago then it may be worth considering fitting a new belt.
While the engine covers are off, you should also check for any play in the water pump or guide wheels. If the belt needs to be adjusted, then I would expect this to cure the problem. If it does not need adjustment, then the problem may be a faulty sensor. As the engine is running without problems, the most likely candidate is the cam sensor as a faulty crankshaft sensor would effect the running.
The factor has given you the correct oil and the specified grade is listed as 5W-30 to VW specification 507.00.