How to Deal with Intake Camshaft Position Fluctuation in Roewe 350?
3 Answers
Install a dial indicator in the thrust direction at the front end of the camshaft to measure whether the axial end clearance indicated by the dial when the camshaft moves forward and backward (axially) is normal. The limit value for camshaft end clearance is 0.1~0.2mm. If it exceeds this value, you can reduce the thickness of the spacer ring or replace the thrust collar. For fluctuations caused by a faulty camshaft position sensor, simply replace it with a new one. Check if the timing chain is loose, as a loose chain can cause gear misalignment, leading to camshaft fluctuation.
As someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I've encountered the Roewe 350 reporting an intake camshaft position fluctuation fault several times. It's often a sign of either a faulty camshaft position sensor or a loose timing chain. The sensor monitors the camshaft's rotation, and any position inaccuracy will trigger a fluctuation warning. My usual approach is to first check if the sensor connector is loose or oxidized—sometimes just cleaning it can resolve the issue. If that doesn't work, I unplug the sensor for testing or try replacing it with a new one. However, if the car shakes noticeably while driving or the engine sounds abnormal, the timing chain could be the culprit. Over time, the chain can wear out and shift, and if not addressed promptly, it may damage the engine and cause fuel consumption to skyrocket. In any case, don't hesitate—drive to a professional repair shop for a proper diagnosis with the right equipment. DIY fixes are too risky. After my last repair, the car ran much smoother, and replacing the sensor cost just over a hundred yuan.
As an average car owner, I was quite anxious when my Roewe 350 showed this camshaft position sensor alert. But later I found it doesn't necessarily require expensive solutions. First, check if the camshaft position sensor connector in the engine bay is loose or dirty - wiping it with a cloth and reconnecting often helps. Even if the sensor is truly faulty, it's not expensive - buying a new one and replacing it yourself costs just 20-30 yuan. However, if the car has difficulty starting or lacks power during acceleration, immediately pull over, turn off the engine, and call a tow truck to have the timing system checked at a shop. Timing chain issues are time-consuming and costly to repair, so I regularly change engine oil and maintain timing components to prevent this. Last time my car had issues, it was the chain problem - cost me a few hundred yuan but saved me from major repairs later.
