VW Timing Belt Replacement
Imagine picking up your VW after a cambelt replacement, only to discover it no longer runs as smoothly as before.
That was the problem Mrs K experienced with her VW Golf GTE.
Following a timing belt replacement carried out by another garage, her vehicle, which once drove perfectly, began to struggle on start-up and idle unevenly, clear indicators that something wasn’t right.
Unable to drive her vehicle and concerned about the risk of further engine damage, Mrs K contacted our VW experts at RS Autotechnik, Dursley, for help.
Our team were confident they could diagnose the cause and get her VW Golf GTE running correctly again.
Our Initial Evaluation of the VW P0016 Fault
At our local garage, every accurate diagnosis begins with listening to the driver’s experience.
When Mrs K contacted RS Autotechnik, Dursley, she explained that her VW Golf GTE had become difficult to start and wouldn’t idle smoothly after a recent cambelt replacement at another garage.
Driving with a suspected timing issue can cause serious internal engine damage if left unchecked. We advised Mrs K to avoid driving her vehicle and arranged for Mrs K’s Golf GTE to be transported to our garage for a comprehensive inspection.
Before the vehicle arrived, we contacted the previous repairer to ask what tools had been used, but no information was provided to us.
Understanding how the earlier repair was performed helps us confirm whether Volkswagen’s official procedures and tools were followed. This insight is key when identifying whether a fault may have been caused by the previous timing belt replacement.
Once Mrs K’s Golf GTE arrived at our garage, our VW experts began a detailed initial evaluation. This included:
- A visual inspection: Looking for disturbed wiring, loose fittings, or signs of previous work that could be causing an issue.
- System scan: Using advanced dealership-level scan tools to identify any stored or current fault codes.
- Technical data check: Comparing the results with Volkswagen’s official technical data.
- Baseline observation: Monitoring how the vehicle performed during controlled start-up tests.
The scan uncovered a P0016 fault code, suggesting that both the camshaft and crankshaft were out of sync.
In other words, the valve timing and crankshaft rotation were out of sync. Even a slight degree of misalignment can cause poor starting, uneven running, or long-term (and costly) damage if left unaddressed.
If you’re unsure how a timing belt works, take a look at our VW Timing Belt Guide for a clear overview.
In hybrid vehicles like the VW Golf GTE, precision is essential; both power units (petrol and electric) rely on synchronised timing to maintain performance and protect vital components.
With the first stage complete, our next step was to conduct a detailed investigation to uncover the cause of the VW P0016 fault.
Finding the Cause of the P0016 Error
Once the P0016 fault code had been confirmed, our focus was on discovering why the camshaft and crankshaft were no longer correctly aligned.
Since another garage had recently replaced the vehicle’s timing belt, our expert technicians began by checking the engine’s mechanical timing to ensure the crankshaft and camshaft rotated together exactly as Volkswagen intended.
This seemed the most likely cause of the fault, but we hadn’t excluded other potential issues, such as faulty sensors or component misalignment. Those remained on our list until the mechanical timing could be checked thoroughly.
Even a slight inaccuracy in valve timing can throw the entire engine off balance, leading to difficult starts, rough idling, or, if left unchecked, serious internal damage… Which can cost thousands to fix.
Working from Volkswagen’s official data and using genuine timing equipment, the same type used by main dealers, our technicians carried out a detailed inspection to identify the cause of the VW Golf GTE P0016 fault.
- Crankshaft secured: The crankshaft was locked in its Top Dead Centre (TDC) position using Volkswagen’s approved locking fixture.
- Camshaft alignment verified: The camshaft position was measured against Volkswagen’s technical data to identify any variation.
- Precision measured: The VAS611007 micro-adjustment gauge was used to record the exact camshaft alignment.
The results left no doubt. The camshaft timing was approximately 30 degrees out of phase, far exceeding Volkswagen’s acceptable limits. This explained the hard starting, uneven idle, and warning light, which had caused Mrs K to bring her vehicle to us.
When valve timing becomes misaligned, pistons and valves begin to move out of sequence. As these components operate within extremely fine tolerances, even a slight offset can cause interference and damage if not corrected.
With the cause identified as incorrect valve timing from the previous cambelt installation, the only fix was to dismantle the system and rebuild it according to Volkswagen’s exact specifications.
Fixing the VW Golf GTE Timing Fault – Restoring Precision
With the cause of the timing issue confirmed, our technicians called Mrs K to discuss the results and agree on the next step. At RS Autotechnik, we believe in complete transparency, so repairs only begin once you’ve approved the work. You stay in complete control of the situation from start to finish.
Once Mrs K agreed to our recommendations, our VW experts began the VW Golf GTE engine repair.
The engine was fully re-timed from the ground up, ensuring each component, including the crankshaft, camshaft, belt, and tensioner, was set precisely to Volkswagen’s specification. This precision is crucial for resolving any VW Golf GTE engine timing issue, particularly in hybrid systems that rely on precise coordination between power sources.
Working through Volkswagen’s timing belt replacement process step by step, our team used VW-approved locking fixtures and the VAS611007 micro-adjustment gauge to calibrate both the camshaft and crankshaft to the exact tolerances specified in Volkswagen’s technical specifications.
Every stretch bolt in the timing assembly was replaced. These bolts are engineered for single use, stretching once to reach the required torque. Reusing them risks movement or loosening over time, and it appeared they had not been replaced during the previous VW timing belt replacement.
By installing new stretch bolts and tightening them correctly, we ensured complete stability throughout the timing system.
Once the new belt was fitted and the engine rebuilt, every measurement was double-checked against Volkswagen’s official data. The outcome was a precisely aligned engine with smooth starting, even running, and seamless hybrid operation.
Validating the VW Golf GTE Timing Belt Repair
After the repair was completed, our VW experts moved on to the final stage of the repair process: validation.
This process ensures that every vehicle leaving RS Autotechnik, Dursley, performs exactly as the manufacturer intended with a proven fix.
Our validation included three detailed checks:
- Manual verification: The crankshaft was turned several complete rotations by hand to confirm all timing marks lined up perfectly, with no tight or uneven movement.
- System scan: Using advanced dealer-level diagnostic tools, we confirmed that the VW P0016 fault code had cleared and that all timing data was correctly synchronised.
- Controlled test drive: The VW Golf GTE was driven under varied conditions to confirm smooth hybrid operation, consistent power delivery, and fault-free performance.
Every stage verified that the VW Golf GTE engine repair was successful. The timing was exact, the hybrid system operated seamlessly, and the vehicle was ready for Mrs K to collect.
Result – Engine Timing Restored and Confidence Rebuilt
When Mrs K arrived at our garage, our VW experts took the time to explain how the issue had been found and repaired. Through a structured repair process, we traced the root cause of the problem and corrected it properly the first time around.
The outcome of the repair spoke for itself.
The engine ran flawlessly, the warning light had cleared, and the hybrid system worked seamlessly once more. Our technicians reinstated confidence in Mrs K, and she was pleased to see that the repair had been completed the first time around.
She left our garage assured that her Golf GTE was running exactly as intended, with no lingering risk of severe and costly damage.
For the technicians at RS Autotechnik, Dursley, this case demonstrated how VW expertise and careful testing can resolve even the most complex VW Golf GTE engine timing faults.
Need a VW Timing Belt Replacement? Visit RS Autotechnik Today
If your Volkswagen is showing a P0016 fault code, struggling to start, or running roughly after a timing belt replacement, it’s time to have it checked by experts you can rely on.
At RS Autotechnik, Dursley, our technicians use official Volkswagen repair data and dealer-level equipment to perform every VW Golf GTE engine repair and VW timing belt replacement with total precision.
Why Drivers Across Dursley Choose Us
VW owners across Dursley, Bristol, Tetbury, Gloucester and the surrounding areas choose our experts because:
- 12-month parts and labour guarantee for complete peace of mind.
- Repairs carried out using Volkswagen-approved tools and procedures.
- Courtesy cars are available so you can stay mobile.
- Trusted VW experts with years of experience.
Join the {{review-count}} drivers who’ve rated us {{average-rating}} stars on Google for expertise, value, and service you can trust.
If your VW is displaying a Golf GTE P0016 fault or signs of a timing belt issue, call RS Autotechnik, Dursley, today on 01453 796345.
Our VW experts will identify the root cause of the problem, make the necessary repairs, and have you back on the road in no time.
