KNOWN FAULTS · Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf V (1K) 1.4 TSI (EA111) common problems.

2003–2008 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

EA111 TSI chain and tensionerValve timing

Engine / equipment: 1.2 / 1.4 TSI-TFSI EA111 (Polo, Golf V/VI, Ibiza, Fabia, Octavia, Audi A1, Yeti, Touran…)
Period mentioned: 2006–2014
Symptoms: Rattle on a cold start, engine light for timing deviation; if the chain jumps, the engine cranks but won't start.
Possible cause described: A narrow chain and a hydraulic tensioner that loses pressure: the chain stretches, often between 60,000 and 100,000 km. VW revised the chain, guides, tensioner and camshaft.
Check for the garage: Listen to a cold start and read the timing deviation values with VCDS. Ask for an invoice showing the revised kit was fitted.
Cost cited in the source: €800–1,500A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 60,000–100,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the air conditioning system described.

A/C not cooling: N280 valveClimate control

Engine / equipment: Air conditioning with clutchless compressor and N280 regulating valve (combustion VW, Audi, Seat, Cupra and Skoda from 2006)
Period mentioned: 2006–2026
Symptoms: The air does not cool or cools intermittently (for example only at motorway speed), and sometimes the compressor rattles with the A/C on. Codes 01232 (N280 valve), P2612 or 00898.
Possible cause described: The compressor regulates its output with the N280 solenoid valve, its most common failure point. Audi issued technical bulletins over a manufacturing fault in this valve on Sanden compressors. Its connector can also become brittle and corrode (especially without the engine undertray), or the wiring fails.
Check for the garage: Read the codes and N280 control current with VCDS or ODIS, measure its resistance (about 10 ohms) and check the connector and wiring before replacing parts. If the valve or compressor is replaced, the whole circuit must be flushed.
Cost cited in the source: N280 valve: a cheap part (about 30 dollars) where sold separately; new compressor with circuit flush: considerably moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.