P1285 Volkswagen Caddy 3 Diagnostic Trouble Code

P1285 Volkswagen Caddy 3 code definition:
P1285 is a kind of OBD-II Diagnostic P-Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code for Volkswagen Caddy 3.

P1285 Volkswagen Caddy 3 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. Other symptoms that may indicate this problem are when the Check Engine Light illuminates and when there is a visible lack of engine power.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a P1285 Volkswagen Caddy 3 diagnostic trouble code may include:

Faulty O2 Sensor
Lack of power
If the DPF is not cleared the ECU will revert to the "Limp Home Mode" until the situation is corrected
The engine oil will exhibit dilution from the ECUs attempts to increase engine temperature. Some vehicles advance the fuel injection timing slightly after top center to afterburn a small amount of fuel to increase exhaust temperatures. Some of this fuel enters the crankcase. When the ECU determines the necessity to regenerate the DPF, the service life of the oil be shortened significantly

Possible Causes :

Defective ECU strategies or components will prevent proper regeneration
The Mass Airflow sensor is a hot wire that senses the volume of air entering the intake manifold. The computer uses this information to control fuel mixture.
Fuel with a large percentage of sulfur will clog the DPF quickly

Common Misdiagnoses

Vehicle Speed Output Circuit Problem
Cruise Control Servo Indicates Low Problem
A/C System High Pressure High Temperature Problem
PCM Stack Overrun Problem
Transmission Control Module Reprogrammable Memory Problem

Repair Processes :

With the valve disconnected, the red voltmeter lead should be attached to the IMRC valve power wire and the black voltmeter lead connected to ground. Once located, visually inspect the connectors and wiring. Look for rubbing, scraping, bare wires, worn spots or melted plastic connectors. If the engine displays a miss and there wasn't a code, determine which cylinder is misfiring. If the exhaust manifold is visible, spay or pour a small amount of water on each cylinder exhaust port. Water will evaporate immediately on good cylinders and slowly on the missing cylinder. If this can't be accomplished pull the plugs and check the condition.

Process Tips

Diagnostic trouble code P1285 Volkswagen Caddy 3 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 P1285 Volkswagen Caddy 3.

Fortunately, P1285 Volkswagen Caddy 3 is a fairly common OBD code, meaning that it applies to all makes and models of vehicles made after 1996.