trying to figure out the issue with this 2002 A4 3.0 with these codes p1296, p0340,p0300,p0301,p0302,p0303. Recently changed out the Timing belt and waterpump. To test the sensor for code p0340 I switched sensors to see if a code would appear for a different location. l also swapped coil packs from passenger side to drivers side but get the same exact codes. Any ideas? the one thing that was suggested to me was to replace the sensor connector ... the car only seems to chug while in idle or reverse.

As I Understand the codes
p1296 temp sensor - should this have been resolved with the waterpump?
p0340 - camshaft position sensor A circuit bank 1 - this code should have moved with the sensor as it moved, but didn't.
p0300,multiple random misfires, - p0301, p0302, p0303 are misfire in cylinders 1, 2, 3 respectively which are also on the passenger side, same as the p0340 code.

Also is it harmful to drive with these codes...

 

hmm have u inspected the wires to the coils? maybe they a exposed ? Also check the cam sensor at the front of the motor and inspect the wires also. . Its under the timing belt cover. mine was fried and it caused the car to run really rough.

 

Sorry, but the 4 cam sensors are located at the rear of the engine. And have been ruled out of the equation. The coils packs -all 6 have also been ruled out. The wiring may be looked at again but if it were the coil packs it would be a constant thing not only at idle... Wouldn't it?

 

didnt read your in a 3.0. different then the 1.8 motor for sure. any trouble on starting up the car?

 

No trouble starting the car fires right up ... drives fine but then at an idle or in reverse is when it really stutters feels like its going to stall.
I swapped the coil packs around
I swapped the sensors around
but still not difference - if it were those I would expect the codes to change to reflect the new location.

 

might be a leak in the vac system. try unplugging your maf while at idle and see if it smoothes out.