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Comments
If you do not have the advance key, the process is:
1) Turn key to accessory position;
2) Depress gas pedal all the way to the floor and release;
3) Depress brake and start engine.
If you have the advanced key, the modified approach is:
1. Prior to touching any pedals, hit start button, this will activate the cars electronics.
2. Press accelerator to the floor once.
3. Hold down brake and press start button again to start car.
Good luck.
Kevin
Thanks, I will give it try. Love the car, but the problem is so frustrating.
John206
If you have the 4.2, I suggest getting the cover replaced. BTW, do you have a new A6 or the previous (or older) generation? My response is based on the new A6.
Make sure you find out the manufacturer of your calipers, either Lucas or Bosch, before ordering. Also, replace the pads at the same time using "mintex" for lower front brake dust residual. Makes for cleaner wheels. Remember about the 4-pad "HP" system, (8pads total) instead of the normal 2-pad system. Also ask for pads w/sensor, believe the 4.2 has the same setup as the 2.7T.
What changes after the reset?
Mileage on the car is about 32K, mechanical condition is good, and no detectable electrical problems with radio or other power accessories. Asking price is $19,988, which is reasonable. The car is from a reputable local Lexus dealer here in Florida, so it's trustworthy to a certain degree. But I will be taking it to an independent certified mechanic for a thorough inspection should I choose to proceed with the purchase based on your feedback.
What I would love to find out from those in this forum who owns a 2001 A6 2.8:
1) Is the rumor that the A6 is a mechanical maintenance nightmare true, and is it really a headache to maintain?
2) What are some of the typical major mechanical problems that would be expected with the '01 A6 2.8 (For example, the 2.7 Turbo had issues with the turbo charger needing to be replaced at higher mileage. Any known major engine, transmission, or suspension problems)?
3) Any major electrical problems? (For example, I know some A4s needed to have their ABS computer modules replaced which costed thousands)
And finally, the A6 is really an attractive car. I would love to own it, but I'm just a little concerned about its long-term reliability, especially since I am not buying a new one. So if you have any beef with the car or know of any major known issues that would have me think otherwise, I would like to hear about it before it's too late!
Thanks!
An Audi dealer will tell you to have it fixed at a cost of about $1K. Thing is, you likely won't see or smell any evidence of the leak, and you're not likely to get an idiot light either. If you do smell it, it's likely only to be when the car is oriented a certain way (e.g., at a particular pitch or roll allowing the very slow leak to drip onto a hot engine).
An independent mechanic would likely tell you not to worry about it--as long as you're careful about checking and changing your oil, and take care of it if you DO see/smell some (major) evidence or an idiot light, it won't ever be a problem. When I pushed my dealer, they told me the same thing (they alert me to the leak every time I bring the car in, and they always say "but you also know it's not a big deal right now"). If you choose, you can fix it when you've got something else going on in the front end of the car (e.g., belts).
Other than that, my 2.8 engine has been perfectly reliable and a real pleasure to drive. I can't speak to the rest of the A6, as I have it in an A4, so I'll leave that to the rest.
If there is anyone else in this forum who can give advice to this soon-to-be 2001 A6 2.8 owner, then please refer to message #221 and answer some of my questions!
Thanks again everyone!
.new lower tie rods
.new front rotors, pads, tires (all around)
.driver's window track replaced
.heater fan blower motor
.climate control assembly
.electrical module for turn signals
.secondary cooling fan motor
.driver's door lock assembly
.maint. items like wiper blades, air, oil
filters,spark plugs,brake fluid changes
alignment, wheel balancing
2.) No engine, transmission, or suspension problems besides a small valve cover oil "seep" leak that shouldn't be an issue for quite a while.
No problems with turbos, but do use mobil 1 0w-40 synthetic oil every 5,000 miles.
3.) Most all of these problems were repaired (except maint./wear items) under the factory warranty or extended service plan (after 50,000 miles) w/ $100 deductible. $2300 for 3 years/50000 extra miles.
The bottom line is that the 2.7T is much more car than the 2.8 and you can purchase for about the same price on the used market but wouldn't buy either model preowned w/o verified pampered service history and reliable extended warranty w/o many exclusions plus an inspection from an independent mechanic.
Unless you are buying from an enthusiast private party with all books, service records,synthetic oil changes,etc, and given a complete briefing of every aspect of the vehicle, you need to avoid yourself grief by doing all of the above before purchasing!
It sounds to me like you've had quite a few non-maintenance/wear problems with the vehicle, is that considered the norm for an A6? Things like lower tie rods, fans, door lock assemblies, and climate control assemblies shouldn't fail and need to be replaced (i.e. most Japanese cars I've owned in the past rarely have these components failing). Even with a good warranty that pays for these repairs, they are still headaches in terms of diagnostic time and frequent shop visits...
So my next question is, if the '01 A6 is kept up with its regular maintenance and be driven with care, would I still expect the list of problems you have outlined to creep up when it gets to higher mileages, say 71000 miles in your example?
I love the A6 and would really want to buy it, and hearing about these problems are a real shame since it really is a nicely engineered car. If someone else has any other feedback, please help me out!
Thanks again!
Other than that, the car is a pleasure to drive and the Quattro set up is perfect now driving through the snow and ice we're having here in the Washington DC area. The car just goes in whatever direction you want, without hesitation. You can't even feel some of the technologies at work. I can attest to the difference by driving my other FWD Dodge and Chrysler. There's no comparison. If you can feel assured of its history and buy a good extended warranty and the price is right, go for it.
I'd bargain hard for it though, use Edmunds' wholesale value, be relentless and brutal to find any flaws with the car and subtract them from your offer. Stick to your guns and if your timing is right and your salesman/dealer needs to make a sales quota, they'll deal. Don't settle for sticker. I've used Edmunds to sucessfully purchase cars, for myself, family and friends for much less than sticker. You can too.
In other words, I didn't step up from the 3.2 to the 4.2 in my new car. But I'd step up from the 2.8 to the 2.7T any day.
It sounds to me this car almost has to have extended warranty in order to be maintained affordably.
1) Any owners out there that have experienced hefty repair bills post warranty?
2) What kind of mechanic would I look for if Audi dealers were not used? Currently I take my Mazda to a reliable mechanic from a Midas joint, but I assume that would not be appropriate for an A6...
The Audi is a much more "complicated" vehicle, and tons more fun to drive! The TOY is something to get from point A to point B, reliable, but dull to drive.
Would never buy a 2.8 after driving the 2.7T, especially since the used price is very close. Wouldn't buy a used 2.7T UNLESS it was enthusiast owned and documented from day 1, (like mine), or going through the steps mentioned in my previous post.
So if I get this right, what you're saying is that the A6 is a great car for driving fun (which I am very eager to enjoy should I really buy it), but "complicated" repairs will be expected and is a cost for the non-dull driving... In a way, it's too bad that reliability is sacrificed for advanced engineering and performance. If only the A6 is as trouble-free as your Camry.
We've always had Audis-- going back to before the "sudden acceleration" bad rap. (None have been turbos since mechanics say the turbo can be a problem, plus I don't like turbo lag.)
We owned a 2000 A6 but traded it for the 2001 which had more power. Most of our Audis were sold before the warranty expired so the bumper to bumper warranty covered various minor problems.
All have been dealer maintained.
The only serious problem was with a '98 or '99 that we bought used from the dealer since it a "Factory Rep" car. One year used but had about 20,000 miles
Just after the warranty expired (then 30,000 miles I think)the serpentine belt broke while my wife was driving. Like most modern cars there's only one belt now and it runs everything. When that breaks the car stops dead. Fortunately she wasn't in the middle of an intersection or doing 60 on the hiway.
Pieces of the belt flew into the timing belt which then flew apart resulting in major engine damage --to the tune of $2000. Since we were only about 500 miles out of warranty Audi covered it without a fight -- which was appreciated.
The service manager said even though a serpentine belt may not have visible wear, they should probably be replaced at 30,000 miles even though Audi recommends 50,000.
Summary: I'd try to get the dealer to replace the belt as part of deal. An extended warranty might be a good idea since German cars in general are expensive to repair. I think Audi also has a record of all repairs made to car through dealers so you should be able to get a copy of that if it was dealer maintained.
PS. We're considering the new A6 for this year, even though I hate the grill, but my wife says it OK and she'll be the one driving it so . . .
Some are better than others but they are very much problem prone. Nice cars to drive though!
Then there is the loud whistling noise from the dash during the first few minutes of driving every time after the car was parked outside under winter weather (I live in Toronto). I took the car to the dealership but they said they could not find anything wrong.
Just wondered if any other owners experience similar problems?
Car has just spent its second day at the dealership and they apparently have been dealing with Audi International to fix it...Tried resetting the battery indicator, which was not successful, so tomorrow we are on to replacing the "brain", which I take to be more than just the battery indicator programming...
Anyone heard of this? Any insight would be great. We have always hesitated to buy a car in its first model year, and now I am wondering....
The first was the replacement of the CAM adjuster seals. This cost $1,350. I was told that this repair is very common to A6’s. (It might be common to other Audi models, but I did not specifically ask about that).
Because I was nearing 90K miles, I also had them replace the timing belt. This service cost $1,280. In all of the cars that I have owner, the timing belt never cost this much.
Both were flat rate service charges. I verified the service cost with two non-affiliated Audi dealers prior to starting the work. I was told the CAM seals were 7 hours of labor and the timing belt 5 hours of service. At $92.50/hour labor, that’s a total of $1,100 and parts were $900 so they gauged me for an additional $630 beyond time and materials.
The point I want to make here is that if you own or purchase an A6, you are going to be hit with these rather large service bills after the warranty period has expired. Make sure you are ready for it.
Audi Hit with Recall
The Audi division of Volkswagen is recalling nearly 173,000 vehicles sold in the United States because of potential fires in the driver's-side instrument panel, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Tuesday. The recall comes a week after the NHTSA said it was investigating complaints that A6 sedans are prone to 'sudden acceleration" in cold, sub-freezing temperatures. An advisory on the Web site of the agency said the problem, caused by an electrical short, stemmed from a component that was interfering with the headlight switch wiring harness. The Audi A6, S6 and allroad quattros from 1998 to 2004 will be recalled for a fix. -Jim Burt
However, buy it from a dealer that will certify it as "audi assured". It is well worth the additional money to gain the extended warranty.
Bought a used (off lease) 2.7T from the local dealer (my 3rd mid sized audi) and it has paid itself back many times. It is an expensive car to maintain and except for an oil change, nothing is inexpensive. Have had everything from seat motors - window motors - turbos - drive shaft - and other components replaced with only a $50 charge. Yes, there have been failures, but it is the cost of running a powerful and finely tuned machine.
I have had my 2000 A6 2.7T in the shop, um, like a jillion times in the YEAR that I've owned it. I know, it's (was) 4 yrs old, yadda yadda. But after reading the innumerable posts here about what a sham the Audi product / service is, I'm BENT. I've been back and forth and back and forth and (repeat) to the dealer(S) - plural!!! for the EPC light from hell. I've had the "frozen condensation" problem fixed (to the tune of like $400 bucks. I've had the O2 sensor(s) replaced (to the tune of $600 bucks). I've had the blasted ECM module replaced not once, not twice, but THREE TIMES (in FOUR MONTHS) and STILL the EPC light will not stay off.
If you and anyone else want to get together and light a fire under someone's butt via the legal system I will be the first to sign up, and I'll do whatever I can to facilitate this process because frankly, unless you WORK at a dealership, no matter how cheap or how expensive your automobile is, NO ONE should be spending THIS much time in a dealership. At this point, I think AOM might owe me some kind of pain and suffering bonus, or a few days' pay for the time I've spent in their dealerships. HORRENDUS!!!!!!!! Run, don't walk, to either another manufacturer, or to a store where you can buy VAG-COM, certification as an Audi mechanic and a slew of mechanic friends, becuase if you have an Audi, you're gonnna NEED THEM.
reach me at fern_west@yahoo.com.
I'm SO not kidding. This car is breaking my heart and worse, my wallet......
I am new to this site. I took delivery of 3.0TDi Quattro last week. As I was leaving the dealership I noted the airbag warning was illuminated. It was agreed I could take car for weekend. What a machine - I just love it.
Unfortunately the following day the ESP warning sounded. I checked manual and followed the reset which did nothing. I had noticed a faint unusual smell shortly after the ESP went. On the second day all the other warnings went off indicating problems with ABS, Parking Brake, Oil Pressure etc.
Car went into work shop on Monday and it took three days to find problem. It seems a steering sensor was either a dud or badly fitted and it shorted out. It seems Audi in Germany who got involved in finding the problem (they did a patch of some sort over a modem) have some new diagnostic equipment on the way to Irish and UK dealers which would have identified the problem in minutes. I gather this is a first for an Irish dealer.
So by way of heads up to anyone who suffers a complete overload of warnings (audio and visual), keep my experience in mind. All is now well I am pleased to report. Very frustrating though - but the dealership have been fantastic in dealing with the issue - not that one should expect any less of them.
Sorry you've had some problems. I have to chuckle when I see you listing Acura and BMW in the same sentence in regards to reliability. I certainly wouldn't consider BMW any different to Audi's in terms of reliability or service to customers. I think both treat the customer better than the Acura dealerships, though one cannot argue that Acura's won't be in the dealerships nearly as often...
The car was shuddering a bit and on the verge of stalling on the day I got it. Since then the actual stalls have occurred just after starting the car. Does anyone else see a problem with stalling?
The seats are supposed to go into the correct position depending on which key is used to unlock the car. My wife and I both use the car and most of the time this feature works but about 4 times out of 5 the seat goes into the wrong position. Has anyone else seen a problem with the seat memory?
On the second day I got a warning light saying the Xenon lights were malfunctioning. The light went out after a day and a half.
I am waiting to see what my dealer Barrier Audi in Bellevue Washington (I am working with Amanda Wood) can do about these problems. The car has been back to them but they can't reproduce any of the problems. Can anyone advise me about what I can expect in this situation? It does not seem reasonable to spend > $50,000 on a new car and have so many faults.
Thank you.
Good luck.
Thanks