P130A: How to Diagnose & Fix — Cylinder Disabling / Hide Cylinder (Injector Shut-Off Due to Misfire)
2 vehicles · 2 makes · $1,500-$4,200 repair
How to diagnose and fix P130A: most-reported vehicles
Ranked by owner reports. Each card gives the symptoms, how to confirm the cause, the fix, parts and sources for that vehicle.
Volkswagen Golf R · 2014–2019
The 2.0 TSI EA888 Gen 3 (CJXC/DJHA engine codes) in the Mk7/Mk7.5 Golf R is prone to timing chain stretch and timing chain tensioner degradation, typically surfacing around 100,000-140,000 km. The plastic-bodied tensioner loses hydraulic tension and the chain develops slack, allowing the chain to skip teeth. In severe cases the timing jumps (owners report a slip of ~1.5 teeth), throwing a crankshaft/camshaft correlation fault and, if it lets go at speed, causing piston-to-valve contact and major internal damage. This is the same chain-drive architecture covered by an Audi TPI for 2015 cars. Symptoms most often start as a metallic rattle on cold start or a sudden loud rattle while driving.
Common Symptoms
- Metallic rattle from front of engine on cold start
- Sudden loud rattle while driving followed by stall
- Check engine light / EPC light
- Rough running or misfire after a chain skip
- Crankshaft/camshaft correlation fault stored
How to Fix
Replace the timing chain, both sprockets, guides and the tensioner with the latest revised OEM tensioner (updated part revision) as a kit; do not replace the tensioner alone. Maintain short oil-change intervals (every 5,000-10,000 km) with the correct VW 504.00 spec oil, since worn/contaminated oil accelerates chain wear. Investigate any cold-start rattle immediately before the chain skips.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
- Genuine VW Golf R timing-chain service kit KIT-01886
matched comprehensive timing-system repair after chain elongation, tensioner, guide or related component failure is proven Fitment/availability: Volkswagen Golf R application shown in the retailer catalog; confirm VIN, market engine code…
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.
Sources for this issue (3)
Audi A4 · 2010–2011
Audi TSB 2033561/2 applies only to CAEB-engine A4/A4 Avant vehicles in these VIN-suffix ranges: 2010 AA121937-AA999999 or AN045790-AN999999; 2011 BA000001-BA128744 or BN000001-BN045180. The supported condition is an engine that shakes with P0300, P0301-P0304 and/or P130A because certain installed Bosch coils may fail prematurely. The bulletin does not establish a 2009-2021 A4-wide failure or a preventive replacement interval.
Common Symptoms
- Engine shakes
- MIL with a supported misfire or cylinder-hiding fault
How to Fix
Confirm CAEB fitment and the exact VIN suffix, then verify the supported misfire faults. Check the installed coil part numbers. If any coil is Bosch 06H905115, 06H905115A or 06H905115B, Audi directs replacement of all four with 07K905715F; clear faults and road-test. If the misfire remains, continue Guided Fault Finding. Outside the exact bulletin scope, diagnose coils, plugs, wiring, fuel and mechanical causes rather than applying this repair.
Sources for this issue (1)
Find P130A by make
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P130A code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P130A mean?
P130A stands for "Cylinder Disabling / Hide Cylinder (Injector Shut-Off Due to Misfire)." On VAG (Volkswagen/Audi/SEAT/Skoda) vehicles, P130A indicates that the Engine Control Module has detected excessive misfiring on a cylinder and has shut off (hidden/disabled) that cylinder's fuel injector to prevent raw fuel from reaching and damaging the catalytic converter. It is a protective response that accompanies misfire detection rather than a standalone sensor fault, so it almost always appears alongside misfire codes (e.g. P0300/P030x). Note this is a manufacturer-specific code; on some other makes (e.g. BMW) the same code string can refer to a different fault, so confirm against the specific vehicle.
What are the most common causes of P130A?
The most common causes of P130A are: Worn or fouled spark plugs causing cylinder misfire, Failing ignition coil pack on the affected cylinder, Faulty or clogged fuel injector, Low compression / mechanical engine fault (valves, rings, head gasket), Vacuum or intake air leak leaning out a cylinder, Wiring/connector faults to the injector or coil. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P130A?
Repair costs for P130A range from $1,500 to $4,200, depending on the vehicle and root cause.
Which vehicles are affected by P130A?
Au7o has documented P130A across 2 vehicle models from 2 manufacturers: Audi, Volkswagen.
Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.