Audi Repair: 1998 a4 Audi 2.8, crankshaft position sensor, crankshaft sensor

Question
Jan,
 I am having the same problem that the 2.8 A4 was having on the 13th. SAME EXACT THING. To get the (driveshaft/crankshaft?)sensor checked, can i do that, or do i need to bring it to a shop? Is 10 years the typical life for that sensor? THanks for your help.

Answer
The crankshaft position sensor gives out pulses when the crankshaft turns.  You will need an oscilloscope to check it.  Usually easier to get this checked out by an import specialist, or if this is too expensive, replace it with a known good one.  It normally is held in by one bolt on the back of the bellhousing, and it looks at the flywheel.  There may be two sensors on there, this depends on the model engine you have.