How to Check your 2.0t TSI Timing Chain Tensioner

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Find out more about Timing Chain Tensioner and Chain Issues for 2.0t TSI VW and Audi Models www.shopdap.com/blog/post/timing-chain-tensioner-and-chain-issued-for-2-0t-tsi-vw-and-audi-models.html

[@francisb4484]

I checked the tensioner on a 2.0T TSI CC today, not a hard thing to do. I was relieved to see it had the updated tensioner, it was manufactured in Germany 05/2012. It had two owners previously but i could not see any evidence that it was ever replaced by them, it looked like the current tensioner installed was the one from the factory. Last week I installed a new tensioner, timing chain, balancer chain and guides in my 2009 2.0T TSI, I hadn't done such an in dept repair/upgrade before , not an easy job but definitely not impossible, having the right tools will make it easier, especially when removing the the engine bracket, have a stubby M12 tripple square will help a lot as the space is tight.

[@sidbrowning2730]

I'm glad to find this and may tackle it myself. I took my Tiguan in for brakes and the dealer, Volkswagen of Salem NJ, quoted almost $10,000 for brakes and timing chain. Refused to even change the oil if we didn't pay for the chain and tensioner replacement.

[@FryChicken]

I don't believe this at all

[@hix9306]

10k is insane

[@gixxerk16]

Thank you for the video. I checked mine on my 2012 Skoda yesterday and it's the new one, cannot see the revision number but it's look the same. I used the same bung as it was perfect after easing it off. Have a spare new one now if anybody needs it! Great peace of mind knowing its the new tensioner!

[@Keepin-it-wheel101]

I am so glad you guys are helping the community on the 2.0 tsi. I changed mine recently and I have no experience working on cars.. it took me 2 days (lol) but the new one is in..

[@lowpez55]

Daniel Medrano hello,where and how did you it. Any place I can see how it’s done I think I can do it I have the tools and some what mechanical do how.

[@johnnyVGtran]

no experience working on cars yet you did a chain tensioner change wow props to yoU mate !

[@Keepin-it-wheel101]

Saigonboi 23 It was challenging but learn a lot during the process...

[@Keepin-it-wheel101]

frank lopez , You will need some tools to make it easy. Engine support go harbor freight, tripple square sockets for engine mount, a tool kit set for crank case dampener and to hold in place the camshafts. Jack.

[@Keepin-it-wheel101]

Frank lopez,, I could not find anything online for complete process. I pull all info and data and piece it out together. The manual helps a lot for torque specs

[@nickbuccola1197]

Are you in the process of making a complete "how to replace your 2.0t TSI Timing Chain Tensioner and/or inspect Chains" video?... you (and HumbleMechanic) make the best VW service videos on the net and this is sorely needed. Please. Please. Please.

[@Super122891]

Video starts at 2:38

[@iCycle086]

Thanks for this video man. I’m incredibly happy to see I have the revised part.

[@fj717]

How's the car holding up though? Planning to get my hands on in a few weeks.

[@tp7278]

I had a 12/11 build date 2012 GTI with the updated tensioner from the factory and I threw a cam position sensor code last week with 134k mostly highway miles. I've owned the car since new and did oil changes with 4k-5k intervals. The timing chain itself was worn and timing was off but the timing chain tensioner did not fail and the internals were not damaged. The dealer ended up replacing everything timing related (guides, chain, tensioner, cam bridge etc.), including the intake camshaft as a recommended precaution since they've seen at least two high mileage TSI engines with worn sprockets. The engine idles and revs extremely smooth now but the thousands spent has me feeling bummed.

[@omarsanchez7599]

I also have a 2012 gti. I plan on checkin to see if I have the updated tensioner and it really sucks knowing the timing could still fail either way..

[@mrcapadonna1]

Hiw much did you spend? Was at vw dealership?

[@vincentlavezzi4646]

Omar Cordero was it fine?

[@Bootlerov]

No info on how to count properly rings on the tensioner to determine a chain stretch? Could you elaborate on this as there is controversial data on the web. Thnx.

[@xavierferland8965]

Is it possible to remove the old version and put the new version in the 2010 model for GTIs

[@lowpez55]

Hello Paul, Will there be a removal and install on this part? Or is there a place I can read or watch how to do it?

[@macrolosses]

What version was installed in the video? It looks like the new one.

[@Rick2577]

Is the 2013 or newer CC 2.0 involved in this, or does it have the newer tensioner/chain?

[@kb65342]

I'm eagerly waiting for "how to" video. Considering how popular this issue is you really should make one ASAP.

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Coming soon

[@V10PDTDI]

Hi Paul I work at a VW and other Euro car repair shop and i can attest that what we see is more the chain stretched issue that a tensioner issue I’m beginning to try to see with VCDS on on value block 091 the actual intake camshaft adaptation in degrés I’m trying to see the amount of offset on low millage car compared to high millage on to see what is the actual limit before it’s too late or at what degré it will throw a fault code I think I saw a specification on a VW repair manual but I don’t seem to find it anymore but it could be that I’m mistaken with specs i saw for a 3.2 VR6 one interesting thing i saw in a Gen 3 TSI repair manual was that if you removed the plug on the lower timing cover and turn the engine in a clockwise fashion until you see the maximum travel of the tensioner piston (maximum extended position) then count the groves that goes past the end of the tensioner body they mentioned that if you count less than 7 groves it still ok meaning that the maximum of grouves is actually 6 but if there was a spec that we would trust about the intake cam adaptation then it would be easy to see if a car really needs a timing chain job.

[@AdemJashari56]

thiiiss

[@marksmith6440]

Great video. Does anyone knows when (month/year) VW started to use the upgraded tensioner? Thanks

[@jardenshafik]

👋🏾 Does this apply to the 1.4 tsi engine? Am having a crankshaft and camshaft position correlation fault code, plus I noticed that at idle before the check engine light Came on, the consumption was at 0.6 liters/ hour now it’s at 0.9l/h. Any advice is highly welcomed

[@dmitryc760]

Hello, i'm looking at 2014 CC with same engine. Can you say that after 2012 tensioner was already revised so i dont have to worry about it? I would greatly appreciate your response. Respectfully, Dmitry.

[@essboo]

We replaced the tensioner w/the new version 2 years ago. The new one is on 7 of 10. When do we need to think about replacing the chain?

[@ZeldaTheMk6]

I have a 2012 mk6 gti with 91k miles should I go ahead and buy the updated timing chain kit and get it installed?

[@killyamomz]

I have a 2013 GLI autobahn and I hear a rattle on idle but it’s not continuous. It’s stops then rattles then stops and repeats. It can be heard pretty clearly from inside the vehicle. Could it be a bad timing chain tensioner?

[@mapetas_0213]

For the plug that needs to be replaced if I take it off to check, where can I get a new one? I don’t want to take it apart until I have a new plug but I’m not sure where to get one

[@carlosbarragan7983]

Where do I check if my chain tensioner has been updated, (85,000 miles) at what time do they start to fail?

[@tommyjakks]

I have a MK6 from 2012 but it was built 3/2012, do you think this has the revised version ?

[@RoadrunGTI]

Great video, very informative. On the subject of chain stretch, can you provide any guidance on how to perform stretch measurements? I've heard rumors that camshaft phase adjustment readings (Block 93) in VCDS can provide an indication on chain stretch, can you confirm this? Thanks!

[@AdemJashari56]

this thi thissss can someone please

[@chewillson914]

Got a question after checking how do u put the cover back?

[@hix9306]

Should I worry about about a 2013 model ?

[@ProjectM97]

So do I need to worry if I have the newest revision? 2013 GTI. Or do I still need to replace the tensioner every X miles as a preventative measure.

[@tomwhit1982]

You should start doing these tees again as more and more owners of these 2008-2012 tsi are swapping hands and seem to be going more and more.

[@alexhatcher8812]

is this same process on the 1.8TSI?

[@mikesanders902]

Outstanding !

[@elijahkeith5766]

Can the stretch of the timing chain be checked in Engine “01” measuring blocks, channels: 91,93, and 94.

[@victorserrano8167]

Muy buena explicacion,tengo un seat y me gustaria poder hacer lo mismo que usted hace,claro con mis limitaciones en mecanica pues lo que se pueda,gracias por sus tutoriales.

[@soupsipper7]

love the videos, makes me work harder to get a VW or Audi one day

[@macrolosses]

Anthony Novelli work really hard so you have money to fix it.

[@sammyshin2352]

@@macrolosses i second this. I bought a volkswagen with no money and now im on youtube looking up how to fix things for cheap

[@neovincibeats]

My shit just fucked up 8000 from Vw to fix

[@DevileInside]

So it looks like this car already had the updated chain tensioner - any ideas why the new one failed?

[@chriscosto2563]

What to be careful the weak spot in the motor I am 51 years old and it's my dreams car , I put REVO stage 1 and after market filter air I don't petal to the metal and I am interesting about your opinion .thanks Chris go far not fast!

[@dnkomos1]

Could you reveal if there is a upgrade for a tensioner for Audi A4 2011 2.0L TFSI engine?

[@mohammadkamran5862]

Does the 2012 Beetle 2.0 Turbo have the same engine? And the same timing issues?

[@ShersGarage]

Yes!

[@User-oj5ds]

So if I have a car manufactured 3/2013 should I be safe?

[@MrMacroJesseSky]

Is this a problem with both the upper and lower tensioner? Or is one more at cause than the other to catastrophically destroy the engine?

[@st33fie]

Very good video ,Just to be safe this is the NEW style tensioner we're looking at right?

[@conspartaco]

Gonna need to do this ASAP on my 2010 GTI. Where can I order a new plug after I've checked it?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Here is the plug www.shopdap.com/06h-115-418-d.html

[@LilBrandonlol]

What was the outcome after checking it?

[@KilaMother]

Was there a call back on this tensioners

[@edmorales8534]

Hi Paul! amazing video.. I'm aware the 1.4 TSI has the same issue therefore I'm wondering about this.. I've just found a Passat 2009 1.4 TSI with 100k miles for 4000$ in Germany, and the timing chain has been changed (I asume the tensioner as well) would you consider it a good/reliable purchase (asuming the service has been done properly and has the checkbook)? on another note, would you spend 2 grand more to get the same model with 25k less miles? thanks for the help bud!

[@xxmunozxx17]

Hello bud, awesome diy videos. Love your videos. Big fan. I have a question What are the symptoms of a chain jumping a tooth or out of time?

[@GENWITE]

I have a 2012. I'm gonna need to check mine... I hope it's the new one because I'm too poor to have that fixed. Lol

[@arcticape445]

Was it the new one?

[@GENWITE]

Nope. I found out because before I could check, it destroyed my engine. Luckily I had an extended warranty and the $5000 dollar repair only cost me a $200 deductible. Thank freaking goodness for that warranty.

[@GENWITE]

Coincidently I am selling the car if anyone wants a great little gti. I'm asking 9k and I live in the Portland, Oregon area. It has 108k miles now, that repair was done at 88k miles. Has not had a single issue since!

[@MrKeeleeer]

Thank you very much for this video. Helped me find out my 09 tigaun which I just recently bought hasn't had the new tensioner installed. Question for you though. We noticed a small amount of oil in the turbo pipe. Is this ok or should I be worried about it?

[@josepeixoto3384]

Small amount of oil is *normal* ( all turbos pass some oil), if there are no other symptoms, like elevated emissions,and,of course,no smoke; your main indication will be a normal oil loss between oil changes, and compared to previous losses.

[@jacobtruelove5332]

Is this a common issue on a 2015 GTI

[@bfunky751]

My gti makes a rattling sound when I let go out the accelerator. Any ideas

[@EcHOx94]

Brett Hinckley same, peeps can anyone let us now asap thanks lol

[@bfunky751]

EcHOx94 I think it's the cam chain getting loose but want some feed back before it costs me alot

[@karoltofik8873]

Most likely turbo wastegate rattle. It will get worse with time and you will start getting CEL - "underboost" fault codes.

[@causwayspeedway]

What does changing the oil has to do with the chain tensioner?

[@OffGridInvestor]

Most tensioners are initially pushed out under spring pressure but ONLY have that slight pressure of the spring while turned off. The tension fully adjusts and increases to proper tension because on the back of them there's a small seal and it aligns with a hole in the block. Oil flows thru this hole and the pressure of the oil pushes the tensioner out, basically a tiny hydraulic arm. So within literally under a second from starting the tensioner comes to full tension. Get sludge from lack of oil changes then it might clog it. Lack of oil changes will also cause a chain to stretch quicker. The ford transit vans are REAL problems for the tensioner taking too long to get to tension once they've got a few years up. So badly that the timing can jump. My mechanic knows another mechanic who done an oil change on one. And it took so long to get to pressure after an oil change that the chain jumped, bent chain sprockets and lost timing. Literally went boom seconds after starting. Destroyed the entire engine with an oil change. So that might be an issue with VWs but I wouldn't know.

[@chriscosto2563]

Hi,Chris from Athens Greece I m fun of your videos .I own from December 2008 a Tiguan 2.0 tsi 4x4 6 gear auto tiptronic and the question is I have done 60.000 km at the vw servis store tell me that my car never need replays AT Floyd only add if needed !!! What do you think? I like to thank you in advance sorry for my poor English

[@jarjarss5123]

Does the 4.2L NA motor in my Audi B8 S5 have a timing belt or chain?

[@macrolosses]

JarJarsS5 chain, and its in the back of the car near the firewall if I'm not mistaken.

[@ashleyevans9363]

Im in the process of changing my chain. It jumped timing. Where can I get Plunger cam adjuster removal tool. So I can take the bridge off. Ive looked everywhere locally. If I order one will take a week or two. Any help Is appreciated. Thanks

[@Deutscheautoparts]

We have one left on hand if you order right away we can send it www.shopdap.com/tsi-n205-valve-tool-t10352.html

[@OLMEQ]

What would be a "ballpark" price for changing the timing chain and tensioner for the 2009 model year. That way if there are stretch issues or old tensioner issues both will be eliminated ? (price = hours for replacement of both)

[@steveparlett2985]

around 489 plus book rate time 7 hours at 110 an hour =1259 give or take dealer markup on parts

[@AllistairTenpenny]

Saeef Bey I was quoted $850 at a reputable German auto repair shop for mine.

[@mrcapadonna1]

@@AllistairTenpenny what state?

[@busterlouie6176]

@@AllistairTenpenny 4 years ago that wasn't bad

[@makaynchealhalibbealkhooo9673]

The dealer should change this for free a lot engines got damaged cuz of that tensioner

[@Deutscheautoparts]

We are going to talk about on AskDAP 137

[@AnubisBK]

why couldn't they just make the inspection port big enough to change the tensioner through!!

[@markmarcelino8901]

Maybe show us step by step mate for someone un experienced like me! Dont even know where to start!!!

[@m6h24]

Anyone out here know to find out the date a VW car was made to the month of production? I got a 2012 GTI but don’t know if I need this replaced

[@OffGridInvestor]

Most cars have them on the compliance plate. I know the exact month of both my ford and hyundai.

[@jama6705]

Mine went at 106k miles then I found this video and wish i found it sooner.

[@CungNguyenify]

What happen when the tensioner fail? Similar to broken timing belt as in grenading your engine? Bent valve/piston head? I’m not even sure if these are interference or non interference engine. What car do you have?

[@david116kool]

Is my 2013 gti Wolfsburg ok then ?

[@OffGridInvestor]

No. Tsi engine has multiple problems. Humble mechanic has a "top 5 problems" video on the engine.

[@jasonritzman9958]

Chains dot stretch they wear so if you have a 200 link chain and each link wears one thousandth of a inch all of the sudden you have a chain that is 200 thousands longer than it used to be

[@802jlm17]

I didn't know this was a problem for my 2012 gti until it was too late... Had to replace the whole engine. Luckily it wasn't too costly cause the dealership granted a goodwill warranty. Which makes me think I should check that tensioner too.

[@ACHILLESR32]

How many miles did you have on your 2012 did it have a new or old style tensioner?

[@802jlm17]

ACHILLESR32 I had about 76000 miles when it went. I believe it was was the old revision. Not sure if the new engine has an updated tensioner. Coincidentally my girlfriend's 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan just had its chain tensioner go last week at 65000 miles.... The dealership didn't treat her to well and now she has to shit out $4500 for a used engine.

[@youngrios]

Jacob M. Fn sucks..I have a 2012 gti ..and I beat on this girl everyday currently 55k miles ..I'm stage 2 also

[@omarsanchez7599]

I have a 2012 gti as well w/ 63k miles and ride it like there is no tomorrow... if I, unfortunately, have an old tensioner it is due for failure.

[@youngrios]

Omar Cordero any obvious symptoms ? Or not sure yet ?

[@stevenyia2778]

What about the 2013 GTI is that with the new tensioner?

[@macrolosses]

steven yia they say yes, but i have heard of 2014 still having old tensioners on them.

[@dwyerkyl]

Thank you Deutsche Auto for your video. What are others' experiences with bringing up the timing chain tensioner issue with Volkswagen? Both my dealership and Volkswagen of America deny that there are any issues with the 2.0T TSI timing chain tensioners, and I own a 2012 GLI model. "VW and NHTSA has not determined a trend for timing chain tensioner concerns at this time. Due to this and that currently your Jetta is not exhibiting symptoms of a concern with the tensioner, our decision remains the same. We cannot at this time provide assistance with the replacement of the timing chain tensioner on your Jetta." That was the response I received when I inquired and as a result I've lost all trust and confidence in Volkswagen as a company.

[@danisfernandez3980]

So I just received a notice from VW. Its a class action settlement regarding the timing chain and tensioner. VW still won't admit fault on this issue. But they did settle on reimbursing owner that have had repairs already done to their vehicle. What sucks is VW won't approve pre-cautionary maintains repairs. VW rep informed me that my GLI timing chain or tensioner needs to fail in order for VW to cover the repairs. At that point I'll have bigger problems. Oh, and there is a chart which breaks down how much they'll pay if you happen to need repairs done after the fact.(Mileage and/or years from date of purchase). So, yes I'm with you on that buddy... "Losing all my trust and confidence on the VW brand" And to think, I'm really digging the 2018 Atlas but with all the issues I've had with my GLI (Coolant inlet line to turbo split, Valve cover gasket fail making my water pump fail too) I think I'll pass.

[@dwyerkyl]

I was reading about the class action lawsuit and a friend of mine also received a notice, his coming from Audi. I inspected the timing chain tensioner on my 2012 GLI and I lucked out - it has the new 06K-109-467-K style tensioner installed. Still, after this vehicle I'm moving on from VW and not looking back.

[@adammraz5469]

How much cost repalece chain tensioner?

[@mitchellmitchell6938]

Ask a shop moron

[@usa5046]

@@mitchellmitchell6938 lmao

[@jor9417]

Hello. I have a question......I have a 2006 Passat thats been sitting in the garage for 2 months because timing belt is broken. I took it all apart with no issues other than the crankshaft pulley bolt won't come out. I tried an impact gun and no luck. Would you have a trick for that?

[@danielfl.9347]

Fantastic video. How do you check on a 1.4 TSI?

[@danielfl.9347]

Its on a 2006 Golf V (euro-spec engine).

[@anthonydavila641]

I just recently purchased a 2013 gti DSG with 45k mi on it. I have read the horror stories on forums and am wondering if I am in the clear of if I should change the timing chain tensioner and the whole entire shabang to play it safe? Most mechanics I’ve spoken to say even if they checked the tensioner and the chains without doing any work it would be about 700 due to the labor of checking? Is this accurate?

[@willrush7293]

Yeah I’ve recently purchased a 2012 cc and you should be able to check it your self if you don’t mind spending a couple hours in the garage, also just make sure your oil is always full. My friend didn’t have any isssues until 89k Miles and he was tuned so it’s honestly pretty random when it does happen.

[@leetwo-nq5ig]

hallo mindenki szeretnek tisztazni valamit #1 2010 2.0 T TSI hasznalja a vezermu lancot vagy a vezermu szijat //timing belt// a ketto nem ugyan az vagy ??? valaszokat szeretnek kapni

[@tomwalma4762]

Did everybody forget about 80's and 90's cars??? American cars and no chain nor tensioners issues to worry about for min. of 200K miles? Sweet times....

[@macrolosses]

tom walma today's cars are built better... so they need to create some kind of weak point to keep the money out of your pockets... it makes you lighter for better fuel economy.

[@OffGridInvestor]

Right hand drive fords in Australia..... we've had many. ZERO timing chain issues. They go and the vehicle suspension dies and rust sets in AFTER they're over 20 years old. And still the timing chain is never touched.

[@mikekiarulff6494]

Anyone know the name of the thin pipe you removed to get a better view in to see the tensioner? My car is still stuck other then a intake and being how thin that pipe is I'm can only assume its restrictive of air for the turbo? And is there aftermarket pipes that's not pancaked like that?

[@Nadnarb_GTI]

You need to buy a Inlet pipe wth a turbo muffler delete kit, it will increase airflow and turbo noise. Vw purposely made these parts to muffle the turbo noise by causing turbulence within the turbo muffler. The "Pancake pipe" is called the noise pipe.

[@macrolosses]

So judging by your video, your vehicle had the new tensioner?

[@MrDutch1e]

So 13+ shouldn't have any tensioner issues ? I have a 13 and have heard a lot about the tensioners...

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Yes should have new. Just check for chain stretch

[@MrDutch1e]

@@Deutscheautoparts do you guys have a video on it ? My car only has 65k km but I drive the crap out of it and just went stage 1.

[@smitherzz001]

First to watch ! First like ! Just wanted to say That !!!!

[@camerong9175]

That is a lot of work just to check

[@amosmorales8738]

True but it’s worth it if it saves your engine from grenadine

[@camerong9175]

Seen dudes with 160000 miles on the stock tensioner it's just a fear people have the what if that people spend the 2000$ at the VW dealer to get it done

[@amosmorales8738]

cameron G yeah agree lol but I feel like it’s worth it for peace of mind

[@patricks5575]

Glad I don’t own a VW, turning owners into mechanics for years lol

[@davidreyes6660]

You’re right, Subaru owners don’t have the know-how to do things themselves.

[@zachwashabaugh3143]

Fuck. You're not wrong.

[@chrisnaidoo8250]

This video was so boring coz of all the talking