How to Replace an Audi G28 Engine Speed Sensor
In this video Charles the humble mechanic demonstrates how to replace the G28 engine speed sensor. The sensor is located on the outside of the transmission, above the flywheel gear. It transmits a signal to the ECU via the grey wire T55/49 and then to the tachometer on the instrument cluster.
1. Engine Speed Sensor
The grey wire is situated on the outside of the transmission, above the flywheel ring. The sensor transmits signals through the grey wire to pin T55/49. The ECU then utilizes this information to regulate the flow of fuel, timig and boost. It also sends an indication to the G5 tachometer inside the instrument cluster.
The sensor serves as a reference to correlate with the G40 Camshaft Position Sensor. The ecu must know when the crankshaft is TDC and the location of the camshaft so it can start spark and injectors according to the situation.
If this sensor fails to function, the ECU will display a P00160 error code. This means that the Crank Shaft is not in sync with the Intake Camshaft. It could also be a sign of the possibility of a chain stretch or jumpy chain link in the upper chain. The code won't appear without the additional information provided by other sensors (G4 or G40).
It can be a bit difficult to test because there are several pins on the connector and each one has different functions. The best way to do it is by measuring the resistance between the ECU and the sensor. If the sensor is operational, it should read about 1000 ohms. Examine for signs of coolant, or oil in the connector bay if you are experiencing problems with this part.
2. Injectors
Yesterday, when i was accelerating to the fullest speed from highway paytoll, I experienced an abrupt drop in power like the engine is running out of gas or the injectors are not firing anymore. I pulled out the spark plugs this morning, three were soaked in gasoline, and the fourth was dry. I placed a tissue over each injector hole, and when i turn the engine on without sparks, the three with gazoline jump out. The 4th one remains closed. I inspected the ground connection on ECU pins 14/55, 30/55 and 48/55. I got zero ohm. I'm assuming the issue is somewhere else.
I also tried to reset the PID with no success. The car will start when the G28 is unplugged, and it works fine when the G28 plugged in. However, the intermittent misfire problem continues to occur at higher RPM. The coolant sensor (G62) even when it is unplugged, shows temperatures of -49c. I also noticed that the oil gauge in the cockpit shows 2 bars but the actual pressure is zero.
I don't know what to do. I believe that I've ruled everything else out. I'm worried that i might have missed something. If anyone has suggestions, please chime in! TIA!
3. Fuel Pump
The fuel pump of the g28 receives signals from the RPM sensor. The GM-style sender is identical to the G4 and both function in the 80, 100, 200, UrS and RS2 cars which is why you can easily locate one at a wrecking yard or in a local parts store. It is simple to test them by putting your DMM in resistance mode and measure between pins 1 (with the bump on the connector end up) and 2 (2nd from the left on the black connector's end). They should be infinite Ohms.
4. ECU

The ECU of our 20vt turbo (3B AAN ABY) engines must be aware of the position and speed of the crankshaft to make decisions regarding timing of fuel injectors, etc. It makes use of a Crank Position Sensor G4 and an Engine Speed Sensor G28 to achieve this. If you have a problem with either of these sensors, the diagnostic scanner will display codes that could lead to an engine shutdown.
A malfunctioning G28 sensor could result in an inaccurate speed counter for your gearbox and a gearbox which shifts faster than normal, and/or a misfire in the gear. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is most likely that your sensor is failing and requires replacement. The good news is they are very affordable and readily available, especially in the case of the Bosch model, which is what we have. Alternately, the GM version of this component is also a good option.
5. Tachometer
A failing engine sensor could cause a myriad of issues in your car. It's a vital component of the Audi's transmission as it sends information to the ECU about how fast or slow the car's crankshaft is turning. When this sensor fails, it will cause problems for the transmission as well as the other car's components.
The G5 engine speed sensor is located on the outside of the transmission, above the flywheel ring gear. It sends a signal to the ECU at pin T55/49 through a grey wire. The ECU utilizes this signal to control fuel and boost, and also timig. It also transmits it to the G5 Tachometer inside the instrument cluster. You can test the sensor for failure by checking continuity between it and the tachometer, between ECU pin T55/49 and the instrument cluster connection on pin T6a/1 (trace [79]) as well as between T6a/1, and the instrument cluster pin T26a/12. You should observe around 1000 ohms of resistance between these two points. This is a common feature across the Audi 80-100-200-RS2 model, ranging from the 1985 MC all the way up to the 1997 UrS An and 1995 RS2 DU You may also find them in wrecking yards.