Parts for your 2013 Audi Q5-Camshaft sensor

2013 Audi Q5 Camshaft Sensor

Factory technical sources confirm the 2013 Audi Q5 does use camshaft position sensors. Audi ErWin/ElsaPro repair information for the 8R Q5 and the ETKA parts catalogue list Hall‑effect camshaft sensors across all engines of that year—2.0 TFSI EA888, 3.0 TFSI V6, and 2.0/3.0 TDI. Component designations include G40/G163, with common Audi part numbers such as 06H 905 163 B/C (EA888) and 06E 905 163 (V6). That makes the camshaft sensor absolutely relevant to this model.

On a 2013 Q5, the camshaft sensor keeps the engine management on the same page as the crank sensor. It tells the ECU exactly where the cam(s) sit, so the car can run sequential fuel injection, fire the coils at the right moment, and control variable valve timing properly. When it’s healthy, starting is crisp, idle is smooth, fuel economy stays on point, and emissions are tidy.

It’s not a routine “replace by kilometres” service item, but it does benefit from attention during regular servicing. A quick visual once-over under the bonnet goes a long way—check the sensor connector for oil intrusion, brittle wiring, or broken locking tabs, and look for weeping rocker cover gaskets that can contaminate the sensor. If there’s a check engine light with cam/crank correlation or cam sensor codes (e.g., P0340–P0344 range), proper diagnosis with a scan tool—and ideally an oscilloscope waveform check—is the go before parts get thrown at it.

Replacement is straightforward for most engines: disconnect the battery, unplug the sensor, remove the retaining fastener, swap the O‑ring if supplied, and refit. On V6 models there can be more than one sensor (bank 1 and bank 2), so correct bank identification matters. Using a quality OEM or OE‑equivalent sensor avoids nuisance faults. After installation, clearing codes and performing a short drive cycle helps the ECU relearn cam timing characteristics.

Common signs it’s time to sort the camshaft sensor include:

• Hard starting or stalling once warm
• Rough idle, flat spots, or limp‑home behaviour
• Poor fuel economy and an illuminated MIL

Left unresolved, the ECU may default timing strategies that dull performance and can stress the catalytic converter. A tidy sensor circuit keeps the Q5 running sweet and saves dramas down the track.

Popular questions about 2013 Audi Q5 camshaft sensors

Where is the camshaft sensor on a 2013 Q5?
On the 2.0 TFSI EA888 it’s typically at the front of the cylinder head near the timing cover. On the 3.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI V6 engines there are sensors on each bank, mounted near the front of the heads. Access varies a bit with engine covers and intake ducting.

Can a dirty or oily sensor be cleaned, or should it be replaced?
If light oil contamination on the connector is the issue, cleaning and fixing the leak may restore reliability. If the sensor’s internal Hall element is failing or the O‑ring is perished, replacement is the reliable fix. Always address wiring damage or oil leaks at the same time.

Is it safe to keep driving with a camshaft sensor fault?
The car may still run, but starting can be hit‑and‑miss and performance can drop. Prolonged driving with mis-timed events can increase emissions and risk catalyst damage, so it’s best to diagnose and repair sooner rather than later.