Hello. I am new to this forum. I recently bought a 2011 VRS 2.0 petrol with around 95k miles. Since yesterday, I am noticing a noise from the engine and exhaust during cold start. Looks as if the car is struggling to idle. RPM dial fluctuates. Car shakes when this happens. Engine check light on. However, once the engine warms up and reaches its operating temperature, the noise goes away and the car runs absolutely fine. Since I cannot attach big files here, I am adding a drive link to the videos I have from cold starts. 

Please can you have a look and comment if this sounds familiar?

I am going to diagnose this with a reader soon. But thought to share it here to get your expertise as well:)

 

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1BJL4-GsNORHItdi3TLnkrLB4nxyzqsCz

 

Hello again. In case the drive link is difficult to access, I have managed to get compressed videos. Please can someone suggest the root cause?

I have labelled the videos. As I mentioned earlier, the noise goes away when the engine is warmed up.

 

1) Engine side immediately after cold start.

2) Engine side after a few minutes.

3)From exhaust side after cold start.

 

Edited 6 February, 20251 yr by fy1

What is the negine code for this 2.0 petrol?

 

Know your car's engine code Engine code and why it's useful to know - Handy Topics & Guides - BRISKODA

 

A stab in the dark guess - timing chain stretched, If your engine has one.

I think a 2011 2.0TSI VRS will be a EA888 engine, which has a timing chain. @fy1 your engine code can be found as a 4-letter prefix to the engine number on the V5 document.  

That definitely sounds like a stretched chain or failing chain tensioner. A cheap code reader will tell you the code. Anything cam correlation related will be chain out of time. Get it sorted asap before it destroys itself.

@Warrior193first 4 characters of engine code is ccz1

There are three ways to check the timing chain is stretched that I know of. 

 

I will post up tomorrow as I am too tired now.

 

9 hours ago, fy1 said:

@Warrior193first 4 characters of engine code is ccz1

Engine code CCZ ? (4th character = A,B,C,D ?) indicates EA888 Gen2 engine.

Strongly suggest getting the timing chain and tensioner inspected ASAP.

Edited 9 February, 20251 yr by Warrior193
added information

How long ago was vehicle purchased?

Did you research vehicle before purchase?

Dealer or private sale?

Is there a full service record showing regular oil changes with correct grade?

 

The engine bar code and the V5C shows only 3 letters (CCZ) and then digits. But the service documents and HPI report show CCZA. Is this normal?

Vehicle was purchased last week. Part service history. Private seller. We test drove the vehicle, did all kinds of roads and speeds. It was absolutely fine. Cold start is when the issue comes up.

 

An update on my issue. The engine check light suddenly disappeared yesterday. Nevertheless, I did a VCDS scan with the help of my friend. It showed up few error codes. Report attached here. It shows multiple misfire. Nothing related to timing. To be sure, we cleared the codes, took it out for a spin, and then did a scan again. This time, no fault codes at all.

This makes me believe there are no issues when the engine is warm. So spark plug, or ignition coil?

 

Just out of curiosity, what codes am I expecting to see which directs to potential timing chain issues?

VCDS.pdf

Edited 9 February, 20251 yr by fy1

Not sure on the V5 prefix - mine and SWMBOs show all 4 characters. CCZA would be correct for yours.

Four CCZA common problems are high oil use (piston rings) stretched timing chain or faulty chain tensioner, ignition coil pack failures and failing PCV valve.

Definitely need to check the timing chain, that 1st audio file sounds bad.

Does your VCDS scan indicate any misfire count? 

I'm unable to comment on VCDS parameters, but I believe there is a function that gives a readout for timing chain stretch.

See if you can tag one of the members on the VCDS register.

Good luck.

Thank you for this info:).

VCDS shows one multiple/random misfire code. Then 3 separate codes for cylinder 2,3, and 4. Thus, four fault codes in total.

 

I will get the timing chain checked anyways.

Any suggested places to go in the Leicestershire area?

 

Unfortunately, can't advise on places in your area.

Check the plugs as well as the coil packs for cause of misfires.

Do you have the total count for misfires? I think there is a limit for acceptable levels of misfire count, above which, it is flagged. 

Misfire was logged 5 times during three different cold starts.

1.Cylinder 2,3, and multiple misfire codes-8 to 9 counts

2. Cylinder 2- 2 counts

3. Cylinder 4- 6 counts

 

 

As you have VCDS use that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e9imH68urw

 

From the youtubers comments.

- Green zone: newly installed chains and low-mileage cars 0 to -2 deg.

- Yellow zone: -2 to -4 deg. Some sources suggest to be alert even if the value is below -3 deg. and monitor the value almost as often as check your oil level

- Red zone: -4 deg and less. Be ready to replace the chain. Some people complain about chain noise at these levels, some say it is quiet. Cars are driven with the value from -4 to -6 deg, but this is a lottery.

 

There is also an inspection port on the lower timing chain cover where you can remove the bung and can count the number of teeth exposed.

 

A third method to measure timing chain stretch is to remove the timing chain top cover and when at TDC measure the distance between the timing marks on the camshaft ends.

 

Kev.

 

 

 

Thanks @tetley.

We did a VCDS as per this video. The phase angle is -5.6. red zone. So its definitely a timing chain stretch i believe. Got to replace the tensioner and the chain. How expensive of a job will it be? 

@Crasher can probably advise, I have seen estimated prices of £1500 posted on two separate VAG websites. One site was VW Audi Forum (VWAF).

Try googling EA888 camchain replacement price. 

Just an update on the issue. Finally managed to receive a quote for this.

Parts cost roughly £430. Labour cost £630. All excl. VAT.

The mechanic suggested getting timing chain kit from Gates which is apparently a good brand for this engine.

Hello all,

A frustrating update on this issue. Got the whole timing chain kit replaced on the car, including the sprockets. Checked the cam phase angle as per the YouTube video. Its now well within limits (-0.9).

Spent 1100 pounds for this.

The next morning cold start, I am back to where I started. The same cold start noise which disappears after the engine warms up.

Please can someone share their thoughts on what it could be? Videos attached below. With headphones on, you can hear the clanking noise in between:/

That engine appears to be misfiring fairly badly, have the spark plugs and coil packs been tested?

New spark plugs fitted and the cold start issue still exists. Going to try our packs as well now.

Could it be due to a faulty IAF/MAF/Coolant temperature sensor fault?

After timing chain kit and spark plugs, my last resort is at replacing the purge valve. How much does a purge valve from the dealer cost?

My mechanic couldn't find one from outside