Starting Issues - I'm at a dead end

[Dizzymagoo]

I have a 2002 GTI 337 Edition and it won't start on the first try. It will usually start on the second time. Its throwing a code related to the camshaft position sensor(Don't remember the exact code number). First thought: Replace the camshaft position sensor. Replaced it with an Import Direct one, didn't fix the issue. Then the keyway broke and I rebuilt the whole top end. New valves, remachined head, keyway, new timing gear, timing belt, all new pulleys, water pump, clutch, flywheel, and fuel pump. Sure enough... still have the starting issue. Thinking that maybe it was related to the fact that I didn't replace the CPS with a true VW one, I went with a Bosch one and it still didn't solve it.

Do you guys/gals have any suggestions as to what it might be at this point? Bad ECU? Bad wiring?

Extra details:
It currently has the APR Stage 1 flash on it.
Sometimes it won't start on the second try and it will struggle like the car is killing the spark half the time.
When it wants to start, it fires right up.

[dallas257]

Is the camshaft code the only one its throwing, and what is the exact code? Is it cold a cold start thing or does it happen every time you turn it off then turn it back on? No sputtering at all?

My guess would have been maybe your coolant temp sensor was bad if it was just a cold start thing, but it doesn't seem like thats the case from what you described. I think its more likely in some way related to the timing belt since you have replaced your cps twice, and it still has the code. Thats my uneducated guess...

[Dizzymagoo]

The only other code it throws is the Checksum because of the APR. Its not a cold starting thing. It happens every time the car starts. Sometimes it will sputter when trying to start, but most the time it fires up instantly on the second time. I know for a fact the timing is spot on.

[BSA Tuning]

Re-trace your steps and double check all of your work, it's probable something simple that your overlooking. A good place to start is the timing belt, timing chain.

[Dizzymagoo]

I had this issue before I redid all the timing and everything. I even had someone else look over the timing and they said it was spot on.

EDIT: Just pulled it a part again and looked at it. Timing is dead on, still it won't fire on the first try but will usually start up like a champ on the second.

[Dizzymagoo]

Thought I would give this a little bump. And I finally got around to looking at what exactly the error code is....

P0341: Camshaft Position Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance(Bank 1 or Single Sensor)

Any addition information would be greatly appreciated!

[2001Jettagls]

I had the exact same problem on a 2003 Jetta 1.8 last year. Same code too.

No start on the first try. Fired right up on the second crank.

The plastic on the cam position sensor was cracked. I was able to glue it back together and the problem went away. Here's a few ideas........

Did you reinstall the tone ring on the end of the intake camshaft?

If you've been through a couple of sensors already, it's time for you to trace the wire harness. Check for continuity between the cam position sensor and the ECM. Look for any exposed wires which may have been chaffed of broken.

Do you know anyone with the same car? You could also swap sensors with them to rule out the sensor itself, even though you already tried a few replacements.