Signs of Timing Chain Failure in Volkswagen Nowadays, we are finding a number of people interested in buying an affordable luxury car. Due to this, it is not at all surprising to find the growing affinity of the common folks towards the various Volkswagen models available in the market. Your Volkswagen consists of various components which function intricately for the smooth running of the vehicle. If any of these components malfunction, then it affects the performance of your Volkswagen. Moreover, out of all these components, there are some components that play a vital role in the overall performance, handling and safety of the car. One such component in your Volkswagen is the timing chain or timing belt which is located in the front of the motor and is attached to a set of gears and pulleys that power multiple mechanical components including the crankshaf and camshaf. For the proper functioning of the engine, it is imperative for the timing chain to smoothly rotate around the gears. However, the timing chain in Volkswagen is one of the most common parts that are prone to failure. Here are the signs that will indicate that the timing chain of your Volkswagen has malfunctioned.
Poor running of the engine One of the most common signs of timing chain failure that you will observe in your Volkswagen is the poor running condition of the engine. Moreover, there are two ways to ways to achieve valve timing in a combustion engine and the timing chain method is one of the common methods in consumer vehicles and highperformance cars like Volkswagen. However, in due course of time, the timing chain can stretch which can lead to the chain skipping a gear on the cam or crankshaft. This leads to the engine timing failing out of calibration and results in a misfire or poor running of the engine. Whenever this occurs it means that the timing chain in your Volkswagen has malfunctioned.
Metal shavings in the oil It is a known fact that all automotive manufacturers advise their clients to change the engine oil and filter after completion of every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. The same thing also holds true for Volkswagen and this is because in due course of time oil begins to separate as it heats up and is exposed to natural solvents found in gasoline. Consequently, when the timing chain begins to wear out, the small metal pieces can break off the chain and find their way into the oil pan. While in the process of changing the engine oil if the technician informs you that there are small pieces of metal inside the oil or in the filter, then it indicates that the timing chain has started to fail. However, it is also common for metal shavings to appear in the engine oil whenever there is extensive wear of the cylinder head valves. You must immediately take your Volkswagen to an automobile repair shop to diagnose and fix the issue.
Starting issues in the engine If the timing chain in your Volkswagen has broken or malfunctioned, then it will lead to starting issues in your car. If the timing chain is already broken, then the engine will not have enough compression to start and if it breaks or jumps while driving, the pistons will get damaged from coming in contact with the valves. On the other hand, the valves themselves might break or bend and damage the engine. Furthermore, if the timing chain is jumping because it is loose, then it will also fail around and damage the other components of the engine. Whenever you encounter any starting issues with your engine, then the malfunctioning timing chain
might be the reason behind it.
Illumination of the check engine light The check engine light in your Volkswagen can illuminate for a variety of reasons and one of these could be related to the failing timing chain. Your Volkswagen's computer will display warning lights which must be inspected and scanned for trouble codes to determine the source of the issue. The check engine light will illuminate whenever the onboard computer detects anything wrong with the emission system and engine operation. Whenever the timing chain fails it leads to poor engine operation and increased emissions which lead to the illumination of the check engine light.
Finally The above-mentioned signs of timing chain failure in your Volkswagen must be inspected by a certified technician and repaired accordingly. The best way to avoid this kind of issues is to go for preventive maintenance as it will increase the life span of any component.