Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

rowlandj · January 2008

I would suggest changing the entire part. Most of these vehicles now are made in such a way that components come out relatively easily without major disassembly. I suggest you do a web search for a do-it-yourself on this particular repair as there are some good sites out there where folks share, often with pictures of the work and/or parts diagrams.

sandar · January 2008

The windshield wipers on my 98 A4 had a sudden decriment in performance only in the intermittent and slow settings. They stutter and barely get across the windshield. They perform fine in the fast setting. Is this a computer chip problem or something wrong with the motors? Comments appreciated.

mwehba1 · January 2008

Hi;
I have 2001 Audi A4 Quattro. I had this code P0403 Cylinder 4 misfire. I do not know what is the best way to fix this problem. If anyone had similar experience or know how to fix it, please advise.

Thanks;
Mark

Mr_Shiftright · January 2008

Are you sure that's not 304?

mwehba1 · January 2008

I think you are right. It is P0304.

Mr_Shiftright · January 2008

Here's what one website says:

16688/P0304/000772 - Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected
Possible Causes

* Ignition system
* Fuel injectors
* Fuel pressure
* Running out of fuel
* EVAP canister purge valve
* Evaporative emission system
* Low compression
* Base engine problems
* Controle Module damaged

With an Audi, one would always suspect the coil pak.

audianon · January 2008

I have an A4 1.8 quattro, 2002 w/47,000 miles on it. At 21,000 (under warranty)I had an episode where I lost power steering for about 15 minutes and then it normalized. Same thing @ 31,000 (under warranty.) Both times the dealer checked and noted "no leak detected at this time.) Since then, I've had to stop by the dealer and have my power steering fluid topped up--at first once every 2 mos, then about 1/month and lately about every 3 weeks. I had it in last week and was told the power steering rack is failing ($1600+tax). The car only has <48K and my thought is this has been failing for some time. Is this unusual, and do I have a "lemon" stance on this since I noted it twice while still under warranty? Same car has had numerous other failures including fuel pump, muffler, brakes, and multiple little electrical bugs.

rowlandj · January 2008

If they don't take care of that under the warranty umbrella I would take it up with Audi of America directly. It should be obvious to anyone that this condition existed for a long time and you did bring it to their attention during the warranty period. It is basic incompetence on the part of the dealer.

As long as you have all the records you should be able to prove your case. You may also want to consider bringing it to another dealer to see what may happen as the one your dealing with seems pretty useless.

Good luck.

audianon · January 2008

Thank you, Rowlandj. I think it's obvious that the rack was probably not good to begin with but I didn't know if my first two episodes supported that or not. And at the time it happened I didn't know enough to question it--I had no idea what a rack was or that what I was seeing could indicate such a serious problem. Everytime something goes wrong on this car, I ask the dealer, "is it normal for this to need repair this soon??" and would just get "it happens." as an answer. Not very reassuring. So I guess I need to take it up with the service manager. I've started looking for a new (not Audi) car, and this is definitely hampering my bargaining power ( :lemon: !). Oh, and yesterday the Malfunction Indicator Light came on...what next??? :mad:

andrea218 · January 2008

I recently had my Audi A4 1.8T engine rebuilt on Audi (total engine loss due to the oil sludge problem). 3 days after it was rebuilt, coolant warning light would come on at start-up, then go off. Took it in, they said they topped off coolant and tightened clamps. 1 week later, while driving 60mph on a bridge, the coolant hose burst, the engine overheated as a result (I couldn't stop in time - no shoulder) and now I'm told I need a new cylinder head. The dealership says there was no way they could have detected a defective hose when they checked the coolant system, so they aren't responsible. Is this true? Isn't it possible to visually (or physically, by squeezing) check the hoses to see if they're ok? I'm told it's very unusual for a hose to burst, that it could have been due to cyliner head leak. I'm also wondering if they didn't properly tighten the clamps. In any case, it seems like too much of a coincidence that this hose just happened to burst ..

dip2001 · January 2008

Hi Guys,

I am a troubled owner of a 2001 A4 AUDI 1.8T QUATTRO. I had my car worked on almost 4-5 times over the past two years on the "CHECK ENGINE" light issue. They first replaced like 100 parts in the engine. On my second visit, they found a problem with the Knocing Sensor and had it replaced. But still did not work. The third time they thought it was the ECU, had it replaced. Did'nt work. Finally, they replced the whole engine and installed a re-manufactured one. This was MARCH-APRIL last year. Things were fine until yesterday. The check engine light is back again. It was really cold the last couple of days and I can sense the Engine is idling very heavily at the start. The check light flashes till the idling is normal and stays put while driving. I have had enough of this. Any suggestions? I mean they worked for 2 yrs, replaced my engine and still this haunts me. I will be very pleased if I can hear any favourable remarks. Thanks guys.

conall · January 2008

I had a hose burst under warranty on my GTI when it was new, but luckily there was no head damage.
In your case, the head damage may have been due to a defective part.
Was that part under warranty or was it just old?
If it was under warranty, I'd get a lawyer or at least threaten legal action.

flyersfan · January 2008

Hi,
I've noticed when travelling at high speed, I've noticed when turning the wheel to the right, a low pitch humming sound (fairly loud). I'mm thinking maybe a bearing has gone bad. I think it may be coming from the back, but it's hard to tell. Either way, does anyone have an estimate of what this repair should cost? It's a 2000 A4, 1.8 Liter.
Thanks
Chris

jeypower · February 2008

any1 know how to set the timing chain on the camshafts in a 2003 a4 fsi??

engine code:AWA

theres no setting mark on one of the cams

bobwash · February 2008

My wife has a new Audi with 3,000 miles. It has used oil from the get go at a quart every 2,000 miles. We had it in to the Audi dealer and the report I received was "the car is operating to manuf. specs. It is normal for 1 quart per 1,000 miles and this only went through 1.5 quart per 2,700 miles. This is normal for new engine break in. The car will go through some oil but will get better with time as parts start sealing."
I have owned a lot of cars but never have they used oil. Has anyone had this issue or have thoughts on the situation?

mdstoloff · February 2008

I have a 2006 A4 Avant with sport package and 3.2L engine. Recently my check engine light came on then shortly after the Traction light came on for no reason. The engine is powering down and does not allow the car to acceterate. Car has been at the dealership for 2 weeks now and they can't seem to find the issue. Light comes on at complete stop and will not let the engine work as it should. They replaced the high pressure fuel compressor and some connectors but the issue still persists. Please any ideas? :sick: I want my car back

jkse · February 2008

I just started hearing exactly what you've expained. If I start the car in Neutral I don't hear it. But once I engage the trany it starts to hum. Reverse, forward, idle - humming. Did you figure this out?

utahjake · February 2008

I purchased my 2007 A4 3.2 in Dec 2006. I had 21,000 problem free miles until Dec 13, 2007. The engine light came on. Dealer said it was random misfire codes and they rebooted software. Dec 26 engine light came on. There was an internal short in coil 2 and 3 cylinders and ignition coil replaced. Dec 27, car died and Roadside Assistance thought it was acceptable to leave me stranded for 2 hours in a dangerous location. Diagnosed with internal short in low fuel pressure sender and that was replaced. Jan 2 engine light came on. Car was at the dealer for 12 days. Per a recall notice from Audi, exhaust valves replaced. Jan 24 engine light came on. Car has been at the dealer since then. Now oil, which was replaced, clogging fuel injectors which have been replaced. I was told by "expert" Audi tech brought in to diagnose car that only 1 other A4 in the country identified with same problems. No guarantee that problem is fixed. Next step is to replace the heads if check engine light comes on again. Dealer has been excellent! Best dealer I have ever dealt with on a car purchase or car problem. I believe, however, Audi corporation has sold me a lemon in this car. Anyone else with this problem? Any suggestions? Thanks.

utahjake · February 2008

See my problem in message #1727. Need suggestions.

Mr_Shiftright · February 2008

This situation doesn't look great. Hope they can sort the car out, but if I were you, I'd start gathering up all the lemon law information relevant to your state. Your list of failures borders on the dismal. This is not acceptable for a new car.

Visiting Host

utahjake · February 2008

Thanks. My state's lemon law is one of the worst in the nation. It only covers problems up to 12,000 miles or 1 year.

chelle4 · February 2008

Your dealership is not great. They are lying to you. Audi has had a problem with oil sludge in their engines and they supposedly fixed the problem. If you go online you will find over 1,000 people who are either suing Audi or fighting with them to get their vehicles fixed. My car is older than yours, but I have the 2002 A4 and Audi had to replace my engine because of the oil sludge. They knew that there was a problem, but tried to make me feel that I had done something wrong until I found the information for myself online. I absolutely love my car, however Audi does not stand behind their product and like other car makers they will say what they need to say to you to get past the recall time so that you as the consumer bear the cost of the repairs. I can honestly say that I don't know specifics regarding the 2007, but I will also say that I doubt your dealership is that wonderful. Do some research on your own about your specific make and model.

shipo · February 2008

chelle4, while it is unfortunate that you suffered from the oil sludging issue with your 2002 A4 (I'm betting with the 1.8T engine), your comments have no bearing on the issues that utahjake is dealing with. The car in question has a 3.2 liter V6, an engine that is not known for sludging what-so-ever (unless the owner drives a HUGE number of miles without an oil change).

utahjake, contrary to what chelle4 is telling you, it sounds like your dealer is doing what they can to make you whole. Given the recent history of your car's troubles, it sounds like you're probably a candidate for a Lemon Law action (depending upon the rules in your state), however, if your dealer is still working in good faith to solve the issue, and has escalated it up to Audi corporate, I might be inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt and let them follow whatever next steps they have identified. You might also use your current troubles as a lever to get them to grant you an extended warranty (something that isn't at all unheard of in these instances).

Keep us posted on how you make out.

Best Regards,
Shipo

utahjake · February 2008

Thanks for the info. My lemon law is the worst in the nation - covers up to 12,000 miles or 1 year whichever comes first. My research did show that the oil sludge problem is with the turbo engine. I'm still willing to work with the dealer. I have also contacted corporate.

Mr_Shiftright · February 2008

Well give it a bit more time but if this onslaught of problems continues, get yourself an attorney and start "communicating" with Audi.

amand · February 2008

I have a 02 Audi A4 3.0 quattro - sports suspension 120k miles in Sacto. Took it to Tahoe over New Years weekend and soon after it developed a vibration. Vibration is strongest at 40 - 60 mph when accelerating and when climbing hills. Vibration is not on the steering wheel. At first it felt like it was coming from the left side but it may be from the right. Feels like a off balance tire but is not - checked it twice now. When yanking the wheel shaft the right side makes a sound (knocking like the shaft is loose). Lifted each side and ran the wheels.. when the right side is up and wheels are running a strong vibration comes from the wheels - does not happen on the left side. Boot seems to be fine. Almost certainly points to the wheel shaft - anyone had this problem before? My mechanic thinks this can be serviced? anyone has any luck with this? cant find the replacement part anywhere but the dealer $250. Help :sick:

Mr_Shiftright · February 2008

Service an axle you mean? Well by the time you busted it apart and checked it out you might as well just replace it for all that labor.

utahjake · February 2008

See my post at #1727 for the full story - briefly, within approximately 6 weeks, I've had 5 repairs to my engine, with 21,000 miles on it, from replacing exhaust valves to fuel injectors, spark plugs etc. I am told that the next repair when the check engine light comes on will be the heads. I contacted Audi customer service. They have offered me one car payment for my inconvenience. They have refused an extended warranty for the engine. When I told the rep that one car payment did not equal the seriousness of this problem and to explain why I should remain an Audi customer, she said if I was going to change brands, then the offer of one car payment was off the table. Unbelievable. My state lemon law does not cover this situation since it is only applicable for up to 1 year or 12,000 miles. I am afraid to drive this car. My jobs takes me many places. Roadside Assistance already left me for 2 hours in a dangerous neighborhood. Suggestions?

shipo · February 2008

I'm thinking that it's time to talk to a lawyer.

Best Regards,
Shipo

hauschild · February 2008

Guys,

Last nite, I didn't pull my car far enough into the garage and the closing door hinge caught a small portion of my rear bumper, making a slight scratch (no paint loss) and an area about the size of a dime paint completely scratched off.

My car color is white and the paint-less area is now black.

Question is I know it'll probably cost 500 bucks to repaint the bumper because either they'll paint it or they'll have problems matching the color which means a new bumper.

Is it perfectly acceptable - visually - to purchase a paint pen over the net and touch-it-up in that manner???

It doesn't need to look perfect, unless making it anything other than perfect will make it look worse than it does now.

604doc · February 2008

Take a look in the phone book for those "paintless" dent repair guys. A lot of times they also do touch up paint pretty cheaply. Usually they just mask off the area around the bumper and paint it. I know a lot of car dealers use these guys to touch up used cars. May be worth a call.

Mr_Shiftright · February 2008

Those mobile paint guys did a good job on my bumper if you don't look too TOO closely at it.

I think anything is better than a black blotch on a white bumper.

crazyh2182 · February 2008

I'm looking at a few 80-110 K or so.. any thoughts on 2.8 v. 1.8? Thinking maybe 4 cyl turbo has more to break on it than the v6 for the older mileage ones.. don't know the engines that well tho. any thoughts on longevity/maintenance for these past120K?

thanks

davida2 · February 2008

Crazy,
I have a 99 A4 V6 winter package. I bought it when it had 101k miles and now it's at 131k. I have spent close to $3 on maintenance so far, but then again I bought mine for about $7500, so it's not a bad deal. Unless you get a deal like I did, you may want to pass on Audi. Things I have done so far: T-belt, front suspension, valve cover gaskets (oil leaked on spark plug well, causing the misfire), replaced broken Exhaust recirc tubing, oil leaks.
Now smoking from the engine. The engine itself is burning 1-1/2 quarts per oil change (every 3k miles).

Sorry Audi owners but you know how it is... :sick:

d

rascal99 · February 2008

The fact you had trouble with a '99 model is not surprising; but, Audi's have come a long way since '99. The newer platforms are more reliable. To extrapolate one bad experience to the entire brand is not really fair.

wayne1984 · February 2008

I've had an '08 A4 for about 5 weeks, just hit 2115 miles and the car died. ( yes, that's 2 thousand miles) Oil pressure light came on then it sputtered and stalled. Audi Care came, (after 2 hrs) and towed it to the local dealership. they were great and promptly go me into a loaner, an '07 A4. There was a specialist at the dealership who immediately said it was going to be a major repair. They took a week to find out that it threw a cam, ( and to rule out it was anything I might have done), the entire engine has to be rebuilt. It's been 4 weeks now, ( parts are on back order) and could be an additional 2 or more til it's done. Problem is I don't want it back.

I bought a NEW car and expect a NEW car, not a rebuilt one. For the price I'm paying it should be a no brainer. I could have saved a lot of money buying a "lesser" car, but I mistaken thought Audi meant quality. :mad: Audi of America has been terrible to deal with, stringing me along, not returning calls, finally I got word today, that they want to waive 2 months payments for my inconvenience, and repair, but not replace the car, I said no way.
I've written to the president of Audi of America, the director of Customer relations, and even my state's newspaper's consumer advocate columnist.

Hopefully something good will come out of this, I love the car, and all I want is what I've paid for, a NEW car, in working order that is. I may contact my lawyer as well. Problem is I bought it out of state, and have to check that state's lemon laws if any.

I'd love to hear if you've had any recent luck resolving your problems.

utahjake · February 2008

The first thing I did was to write to the Exec VP for Audi of America, Johan de Nysschen. Of course, no response. I contacted customer service. They offered to make one car payment as a good will gesture! I then called the Executive Office at the Auburn Hills MI corporate office and left serveral messages. Finally, a person called me back, said he would look into it, and 2 days later offered me 2 car payments and to extend the warranty to 62,000 miles. I told him that I had driven my BMWs for over 100,000 miles without engine problems and wanted a 100,000 warranty. He said no, this case did not warrant that action and that was their final offer. I am shocked that you weren't even offered the additional 12,000 miles of a warranty since you have a 2008 with low mileage!

I am now suing Audi. Like you, I bought a car I thought I could drive for 100,000 dependable miles. If I have to travel a long distance for work, I now rent a car. You should qualify under any state's lemon law since the car is so new. You should also qualify to have the car replaced. Go to a law firm that does this type of work on a regular basis because otherwise, your lawyer will have to stumble through and learn the process. You can search on the internet and find dozens of law firms that specialize in these type of cases. I am suing under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act and that federal law requires the automotive company to pay the attorneys' fees so you will not be responsible for fees, just possibly $200-400 in costs.

It is nice to know that Audi does NOT stand behind their product. I am definitely getting rid of this car ASAP. Good luck and let me know what happens. Let me know if you need any other info on finding a lawyer. :lemon:

wayne1984 · February 2008

jake,

Thank you for the response. I already sent out my letters yesterday, one to the exec VP, and one to the attention of the head of their customer service, I really don't expect much response from them, but you never know . . .

I contacted a friend who is a lawyer, as well as a service that specializes in Lemon Law, I'm going to hear both of them out, but I think this is probably the way to go.

This experience has really soured me on Audi, I really liked the car, but not if this is how you get treated with a major problem. I really thought they'd stand behind their product, boy was I wrong.

If I can't get into a new replacement vehicle, I want out of my lease. There are plenty of other great cars out there to choose from.

I stopped by the repairing dealership today to clean out my car, they had the entire front end disassembled as well as the engine stripped down to the block. Parts were strewn everywhere. I absolutely don't want it back now. the parts are still on back order, what a joke.

I wish you luck with your fight as well, have you made any progress with the lawsuit?

Wayne

utahjake · February 2008

Wayne,

I am even more shocked by your treatment by Audi when I see that you leased the car. I was told that if I was leasing my car, that Audi would have just switched it out but because I am purchasing it, their offer could only be the two car payments. Since you are under a lease, it is actually still their car. This makes your story even worse.

The process for the lawsuit is the firm sends a letter and all of the documents and the mediation/arbitration department reviews it and in most cases I am told, makes an offer to settle. If the offer isn't enough, then the lawsuit is filed. I'm told I'm about a week away from hearing any settlement offer.

I, too, enjoyed the car. But there are plenty of other cars out there that I'm sure I will enjoy driving.

Good luck!

Jake

225hello · February 2008

I have had problem after problem with my '06 A4 2.0T quattro with a non-audi extended warranty. I've had an authorized audi mechanic run all my diagnostic tests and twice the computer said it was due to clogged FUEL INJECTORS, they did the service ($385 which was considered wear and tear) and 2 weeks later engine light comes on and ran the test again... now it's an air leak in the INTAKE, another $300 also not covered. I've also had to change the COILS once.

On the otherhand, it's handling is great. But the car is for those who don't mind paying $$$ in a few thousand miles. Or maybe I'm one of the 'lucky' and got myself a lemon.
What am I gonna do now??? Im selling this pain in the .... and getting a Nissan 350Z. Good ol' asian import might last me a bit longer.

Thank you for listening, I feel much better now

bigpapaluke · March 2008

Hey Everyone,

Minor issue to report and wanted to see if anyone else has experienced it. I have an 06 A4 2.0T Quattro 6MT, with adaptive xenon headlights. When I turned on my car Friday night and was leaving dinner, I noticed the headlights were flicking on and off as I was backing out of my parking space. This was really prevelant when I was making a U-turn, keeping in mind the car was only running for about a minute and the temperature was about 50+ degrees. Anyone else experience this minor item? I have my lights set to Auto, so the lights are always setting themselves when the car turns on, so not sure if that is the problem.

Thanks,
Luke

Mr_Shiftright · March 2008

That's sounds like a headlight relay issue.

bigpapaluke · March 2008

Thanks for your feedback. Does that mean there is a possible problem with the wiring?

nuclrxn · March 2008

Luke,

I have an '06 2.0T as well that bought in 2005. I only started having a problem with the flickering headlights after some a-holes stole the adaptive headlights and fogs while I was in a wedding rehearsal. Warning: Stay away from Takoma Park, Maryland!!! The flickering was so sporadic that I couldn't nail down a consistent temperature or speed. It would definitely happen on hard accelerations and abrupt braking. Sometimes the headlamps would lockup--the "dip" warning light would come on as well. The dip light is yellow and looks like a headlight with its beams pointed downwards.

It turns out that the wiring harness was muffed up and frayed. Also, some of the other modules weren't working properly because they were damaged during the theft. The repair shop at MileOne didn't replace them when my car was in for repairs. Good job! Trust me, record the flickering with a video camera. That's what I did since Audi refused to believe me and warranty the repair unless they saw the flickering firsthand. Good luck proving that in broad daylight!!!!

I had to setup my Canon GL2 in manual mode (shutter speed and aperture set by me) mounted on my sturdy Bogen in the backseat to capture the flicker at night. Oh, DO NOT shut off your car if you start experiencing the problem; the car will reset itself and you might not get it to do it again. Murphy's Law is always against us.

I still have the "dip" light issue. Ah, can't win them all. I've gotta get a good extended warranty.

NUCLRXN

Mr_Shiftright · March 2008

No, I meant with the relay itself---unless the wire push-ons that attach to the relay are loose. A relay is nothing more than a big switch. So flickering suggests a switch that can't make up its mind to be on or off.

carsrart · March 2008

My son has a 2001 Audi A4 1.8T with 107000 miles(don't worry I didn't buy it for him). While home working on spring break his car has an engine knocking sound much like I was reading on your site before joining it today. He uses Mobil 1 oil every 2000 miles and had the timing belt replaced at 95000. The engine makes the noise when started and at idle and goes away with increased rpms. My trusted mechanic has dropped the oil pan and inspected the screen filter and found 2 small pea size plastic pieces that look like they've been in there for a while. Also found was a very small 1/32 " rod shaped piece of metal. The timing belt looks ok but feels the cam shaft belt tensioner is broken. There was sludge build up. He wants to replace the oil pump and cam shaft tensioner but is unsure if this is the problem. At $ 1300-1500 to fix I want my kid to spend his money wisely. Thanks, proud Dad Any advice is very much appreciated.

Mr_Shiftright · March 2008

I think the cams run off a chain and yep it sounds like that's what the problem is. These engine are notorious for that, so I think he guess is right. Those sound like tensioner parts to me. The belt tensioner couldn't get into the engine oil---that belt doesn't run in oil, but the cam chain does.

audiman5 · March 2008

I have a 99 A4 6v Quattro. When I run the car for a while, and engine gets hot, if I shut it off, the car won't start again. I need to wait about an hour before I can restart it. My dad tells me it's the fuel pump but I disagree. If the pump malfunctions while hot, then it would shut down on me and turn the car off, but that does not happen. Only When I turn it off, then it's a problem restarting. Need your help.

D

toolshed1 · March 2008

I have a 96 Audi A4 2.8L. I have a ck engine light on for a coolant temp sensor. I have replaced the coolant temp sensor and erased the code, well the code came back on, same code for temp sensor so I checked all wiring for temp sensor and wiring seems to be ok. I also noticed that the temp guage takes a while to warm up. I was wondering if a thermostat could cause this code to come on. Please help.

jcallan2000 · March 2008

Today my keyless entry system died on my A4. Thought it was my battery so I tried my backup key and THAT didn't work. The small red LED light comes on on both keys when I press it. Could my system be immobilized for some reason?

Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles