My car appears to be in LIMP mode, but is only throwing a "Camshaft Position Sensor: Short or Open to Plus" code in VAG-Com... Would a bad CPS normally cause limp mode? I am awaiting the arrival of the "special order only" part from the VW/Audi Dealer, but I am worried it might be something more...

 

No it won't cause limp mode, but it will probably run like *** which would make it seem like its in limp mode.

 

Definately running like ***, don't know if the car is truly in LIMP mode, because I am not getting a MIL... but it appears to not allow boost and accelleration is horrible.

 

Well if the ECM doesn't know exactly when to fire the plugs its not gonna develop any boost.
Give the wiring a quick visual and make sure the connector to the sensor isn't messed up. If it looks ok replace the sensor. Un-less you did a timing belt recently?

 

No timing belt job done recently... I did a valve cover gasket, two days before the problem appeared.

 

Well the cam sensor is right on the front of the cylinder head next to the valve cover gasket. You might have gotten a little oil on the sensor, im not sure if that would mess it up for certain, but i would take it off and clean it just to try it. Spray some brake cleaner on it.

 

Already took it off and cleaned it and no change... The new one should be here today and I will get it on this evening.

What are the chances that the car could've jumped time? Would that cause a MIL?

 

Yep there is a possiblity, and thats actually a better chance than the sensor being bad. The last 3 people i helped with cam sensor fault codes happened to be a loose timing belt. So pop off the upper cover and see if there is any slack in the belt. The rule of thumb is you shouldn't be able to twist the belt 90*, pretty tight.

 

Well, if the sensor doesn't fix it, then I guess I will be doing a timing belt and suspension at the same time this weekend.

Wouldn't that cause a MIL though?

 

If the timing belt is off yes it will trigger a cam allocation fault, or out of time.