C2986 Volkswagen 181 Diagnostic Trouble Code

C2986 Volkswagen 181 code definition:
C2986 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic C-Chassis Diagnostic Trouble Code for Volkswagen 181.

C2986 Volkswagen 181 is defined as Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit Low. This means the CMP (camshaft position) sensor circuit on engine bank 1 sends an irregular reading. As you drive and when specific conditions are slowly met, the vapors will gradually purge from the charcoal canister and will get burned within your engine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a C2986 Volkswagen 181 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Misfire
Misfire
The light may stay on or light intermittently as the DPF regenerates. The engine will be sluggish on acceleration.
Hesitation upon acceleration

Possible Causes :

A plugged converter will cause of host of driveability problems as well as set this code. A severely plugged converter will result in the inability to increase rpm when under load. Look for a code such as P0421 -- catalytic converter efficiency below threshold if the converter indicating a faulty converter.
Dirty air cleaner element Damaged DPF
An air leak forward of the DPF will change the sensor readings resulting in the code

Common Misdiagnoses

Exhaust Gas Recirculation System Valve 1 Problem
BBV Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Problem
Transmission Engaged At High Throttle Angle Problem
Cruise Inhibit Control Circuit Problem
TFP Valve Position Switch-Drive Without Drive Ratio Problem

Repair Processes :

If the scan tool has that capability, and the scan tool can operate the IMRC valves, then the problem is either resolved and a simple code clearing is all that's left or a new PCM would be called for. Look for damage to the tank indicating impact that may have damaged the fuel pump or sender.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code C2986 Volkswagen 181 is not difficult to diagnose and repair. Thus, it always pays to have a qualified technician to look after your vehicle should this error code arise.

Diagnosing this code requires the engine to be in good running shape, without unmetered air entering the engine. If other codes that relates to misfiring condition, lean running or air entering the engine is present, then you must first fix those error codes before C2986 Volkswagen 181.

Fortunately, C2986 Volkswagen 181 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.