help please epc light fault code 17961/cambelt

[justin@justinwa]

hi the we have a problem with a golf 1.6 azd 2001 its showing a fault code 17961 mainfold sensor/altidude and epc light coming on when reved passed 3000 running rough .I have changed throttle body still the same coil packs.But the cambelt looks a bit loose to me is it possible for this to jump a tooth and still run, the cambelt looks ok but just a tad loose on the front side leading edge towards front car.i just remember reading somthing about this before that the belt and timming putting epc light on any help would be great thanks again

[towcestervag]

is it a 1.6 16valve engine?
if so look at the timing belt idlers as the lower idler can fall apart and cause issues

[justin@justinwa]

hi yes its a 1.6 16valve with the nightmere azd engine code its strange the lower casing had worn threw from the inside

[towcestervag]

sounds and looks like the good old lower tensioner let go of plastic roller
this is so common you are lucky to catch it before letting go and bending valves
my freinds one let go at 3.5 yrs 22000mls VW wouldnt even contribute to the repair they said it wasnt a common fault

[justin@justinwa]

i wonder if this is why this epc light comes on when its reved up

[towcestervag]

i would say yes as you will get valve overlap and back pressure in the inlet manifold