Just bought a "53" plate A3 2.0 TDi Sport and it was supposed to have been serviced and had MOT. The car has done 106,000. Warning light for coolant came on followed shortly after by "Turn off engine" sign. Coolant level seems fine. Any suggestions as to cause?
Coolant warning then "Turn off engine"
- Thread starter sanddancer55
- Start date
Take it back to where you got it from and get them to investigate (if they gave you warranty).
My old A3 (59plate) did this on the M25 and it turned out it was due to the coolant level.
My old A3 (59plate) did this on the M25 and it turned out it was due to the coolant level.
Take it straight back and get them to sort it!
Loads of possibilities but lets hope it's as simple as low coolant level.
There has already been a thread on this mate.
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/new-a3-s3-sportback-8p-chassis/148090-coolant-alarm-cold-weather.html
My Golf does this too (got a 170 A3 too) but only when the ambient temp is cold. If he coolant level looks fine it is probably your header tank having corroded sensor contacts. New bottle costs £12 on ebay, just need to repace the water and antifreeze too.
If you start the car from cold and get this alarm, let the engine run for a minute or two and switch it off. Restart he engine and the alarm should have disappered.
Hopefully thats your problem!
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/new-a3-s3-sportback-8p-chassis/148090-coolant-alarm-cold-weather.html
My Golf does this too (got a 170 A3 too) but only when the ambient temp is cold. If he coolant level looks fine it is probably your header tank having corroded sensor contacts. New bottle costs £12 on ebay, just need to repace the water and antifreeze too.
If you start the car from cold and get this alarm, let the engine run for a minute or two and switch it off. Restart he engine and the alarm should have disappered.
Hopefully thats your problem!
Scrape the 2 prongs inside the water bottle with a flat long screwdriver, see if this cures it, has done for a few members & some I've looked at 
3DTDi
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devonmikeyboy
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Update on coolant,it appears there is a leak but I don't know where from. Noticed a couple of spots of coolant on the ground this morning. I doubt very much that this car has had either a service or an MOT. I will do battle tomorrow with the garage. I got a 1 month warranty so I am ever hopeful!
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The Governor
Registered User
Just on the issue of warranty, what the garage offer you as a warranty doesn't affect your statutory rights. According to the Sale of Gods Act any fault found within 6 months is considered to have been present at the point of sale and therefore the onus is on the seller to prove it wasn't and as such they are liable to fix it.
This applies to slipping clutches, anything really. Of course they will fight but the S0GA is absolutely on your side in the first 6 months.
I've got a link somewhere, I'll see if I can dig it out.
[Edit] Found you some links
Frequently Asked Questions | Honest John
And
The car you bought is faulty
This applies to slipping clutches, anything really. Of course they will fight but the S0GA is absolutely on your side in the first 6 months.
I've got a link somewhere, I'll see if I can dig it out.
[Edit] Found you some links
Frequently Asked Questions | Honest John
And
The car you bought is faulty
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The saga continues; coolant level still dropping and now trouble with ignition. Switched on and dead as a door nail. Tried again after a few second and it fires up. The info display also goes back to zero so it sounds electrical. Rear offside light is off too! This just gets better and better. I will take it back to garage and hopefully they will not argue with me.
The Governor
Registered User
Hm, sounds like a pain. The thing to do is to get clear in your head what your rights are, the dealer will always try to push the issue elsewhere (at least usually!).
I'm not sure how long you;'ve had the car but you may still be within the time period you can threaten to reject the car, it's probably worth getting a few form letters from around the 'net ready, just on the off chance.
Depending on how it goes, I would consider doing a letter that clearly states the main facts, when you got the car, how long after the issues became apparent, what those issues are, when you notified the dealer and what you expect them to do about it.
You may be lucky and they take ownership of it, I guess it's a "prepare for the worst, hope for the best" situation.
I've rejected a car once, it was stressful I won't lie, this was from a main dealer and they squirmed as much as they possibly could, despite BMW's much-vaunted "1000 mile return policy". the key thing is (I think) is to make sure they know you're not going to be fobbed off and go away.
Good luck with it, post back how you get on? the main thing to bear in mind is, the law is on your side at this stage of the game, so use it to best effect, go to citizens advice if need be, but don't allow the dealer to delay things.
I'm not sure how long you;'ve had the car but you may still be within the time period you can threaten to reject the car, it's probably worth getting a few form letters from around the 'net ready, just on the off chance.
Depending on how it goes, I would consider doing a letter that clearly states the main facts, when you got the car, how long after the issues became apparent, what those issues are, when you notified the dealer and what you expect them to do about it.
You may be lucky and they take ownership of it, I guess it's a "prepare for the worst, hope for the best" situation.
I've rejected a car once, it was stressful I won't lie, this was from a main dealer and they squirmed as much as they possibly could, despite BMW's much-vaunted "1000 mile return policy". the key thing is (I think) is to make sure they know you're not going to be fobbed off and go away.
Good luck with it, post back how you get on? the main thing to bear in mind is, the law is on your side at this stage of the game, so use it to best effect, go to citizens advice if need be, but don't allow the dealer to delay things.
I only bought the car last week so still well within the 1 month warranty period. The salesman at the garage has been ok and said to take it to the workshops and they will look at the problems. I am concerned that the coolant problem is something serious and they do a temporary repair until the warranty period is out. I am somewhat reassured by your post regarding SOGA of which I was unaware. Cheers for that I will keep you posted.
Got car back after 2 days! The mechanic said he had checked all the hoses and tightened a couple of clips. He had also added "Radweld" to the radiator although he wasn't sure if there had been a leak in it. I expressed my concern at his "belt and braces" approach but he merely looked blankly at me. The car still has to go back in next week for an auto electrician to sort out the problem with the ignition and the clocks re-setting. Today there is a small puddle of coolant under the engine. I really wish I hadn't bought this car! Should I be asking for a replacement car?
Take back to the selling garage & tell them the car still isnt fixed, either repair it fully or refund me, please.
The Governor
Registered User
What NHN said, but probably without the "please" on the end. Don't listen to any guff about 1 month warranties or any other diversionary tactic, don't even acknowledge it, unless of course to headbutt the lad a couple of times.
SoGA gives you 6 months, however, if you're going to reject you need to get serious, stop driving it, send them a letter recorded delivery listing out the issues and when you notified them, plus the fact you've given them opportunity to fix it but have lost faith in their ability.
I would offer them two options in writing, refund or authorise you in writing to take it to an Audi dealer for a full going over and rectification of any faults found properly.
I'm not sure how much you paid but you may also need to make noises about going to the Small Claims court (if it's under £5k)?
Fingers crossed for you.
SoGA gives you 6 months, however, if you're going to reject you need to get serious, stop driving it, send them a letter recorded delivery listing out the issues and when you notified them, plus the fact you've given them opportunity to fix it but have lost faith in their ability.
I would offer them two options in writing, refund or authorise you in writing to take it to an Audi dealer for a full going over and rectification of any faults found properly.
I'm not sure how much you paid but you may also need to make noises about going to the Small Claims court (if it's under £5k)?
Fingers crossed for you.
Here we go again! Had the car in the garage again last week ( 7 days out of 28!) This time they changed the ERG valve and fitted a new starter motor. Just been outside and there are 3 small puddles of coolant under the car. The garage have never refused to take responsibility for the the repairs but they just seem to take the car in and keep it for 2-3 days without anything being done. I had hoped this ERG valve would do the trick but apparently not! Am I right the next probable solution would be the water pump? Would it be worth taking it to another garage and asking for a diagnostic check to take back to Aspect to point them in the right direction?
You MUST take it to a VAG dealer or independent specialist. They will scan for faults and (hopefully) understand the results !
Ask them for a print out of the diagnostics to show Aspect and give you a price.
Then go back and give them the choice of paying for a proper job at a specialist or getting your money back.
Ask them for a print out of the diagnostics to show Aspect and give you a price.
Then go back and give them the choice of paying for a proper job at a specialist or getting your money back.
The Governor
Registered User
I don't get it, why don't they just look where the coolant is dripping from and replace that part?
I really don't know what their game is. I thought buying from a garage using Autotrader would be half decent but I feel they actually have no idea about the mechanics of a car. I have said they are not refusing to repair the car but they seem hell bent on wearing me down with the time they keep the car and do nothing!
Farhan
Registered User
I also cant understand why they cant simply fault diagnose overnight if need be, follow the trail, its obviously a very small leak that needs time to stand to show its evil head, even find some colorant to stick in the water so the trail is obvious.
For me, give them 1 more chance then demand your money back, as its getting to be a joke now.
Hi back again! Diesel fuel leak now! Took the garage owner to task and he PROMISED all the repairs would be done at one time and we could have a courtesy car. He PROMISED he would ring within 2 days to arrange the date. That was a week ago and not a squeak from him! I have written the letters to reject the car but nowhere does it say what to do with the car other than "stop using it". Do I take it to the garage and leave it with them or do I park it up and take a note of the mileage (inform the garage of mileage). Does anyone have any idea? Has anyone done this?
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Hi
It sounds to me like they are hoping you will forget about it and go elsewhere and pay for it to be mended out of your own pocket. Any respected repairer would not be putting rad weld into a vehicle that is simply a bodge. In my opinion you have given them ample chances to mend the car PROPERLY i would simply return the car to them and tell them you want a refund as the vehicle is not fit for purpose. If they will not have the vehicle back then simply start legal proceedings YOU WILL WIN and they will have to then more then likely compensate you and cover costs so its cheaper for them to just have it back. Your next car i would buy from a site like this where cars are known and at least you know you will not get shafted
It sounds to me like they are hoping you will forget about it and go elsewhere and pay for it to be mended out of your own pocket. Any respected repairer would not be putting rad weld into a vehicle that is simply a bodge. In my opinion you have given them ample chances to mend the car PROPERLY i would simply return the car to them and tell them you want a refund as the vehicle is not fit for purpose. If they will not have the vehicle back then simply start legal proceedings YOU WILL WIN and they will have to then more then likely compensate you and cover costs so its cheaper for them to just have it back. Your next car i would buy from a site like this where cars are known and at least you know you will not get shafted
Radweld in the coolant as a repair from a garage ... and they admitted it ... I am surprised they didn't try an egg first ... it's a NO from me ...
Hope you get it sorted with your letter ...
Martin
Hope you get it sorted with your letter ...
Martin
Aspect Garage are a piece of work. They rang when they got the letter of rejection and said they would collect the car and leave a courtesy car. We told them it had gone too far for repairs and we wanted our money back! 2 weeks later and 15-20 telephone calls and they said the car had been repaired and we would get it back on Monday afternoon. It finally arrived on Tuesday afternoon. While all the repairs had been done the rear seat belt is still broken and we have been quoted £140 to fix it. Does anyone know where we can get replacement seatbelt from. The car is an Oct 2003 A3 TDi Sport 3 dr. Not sure if that makes it an 8P or an 8L, any ideas. Going to bite the bullet and pay to have fixed. I will however, make it my mission to let as many people as possible know not to buy from Aspect Garage Ryhope Road Sunderland as they are robbing B******
The seat belt pulls forward and locks once but then if pulled even slightly it keeps coming and won't retract. With a bit of fiddling it eventually retracts but then does it all over again. Luckily we put my 4 year old grandson on the other side of the rear seat or I wouldn't like to think what might have happened in an accident.
I know what you mean because when I put the kiddy seat in my car you can pull the seat belt gently to fix it and it doesn't lock.
It only locks solid when you give it a good 'jerk' to tighten the belt.
Try giving it a good old 'yank' and see what happens. Without wishing to encourage any sleazy comments, pulling quickly backwards and forwards often gets results !!!
Edit : sorry ,that last sentence reads very badly ! What I really mean to say is the belt is designed not to lock with 'gentle' use but only locks on sudden, violent, changes of inertia.
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dont accept the car back..... you want just your money back. tell them they can park the car up their ****.
have you bought the car off ebay for £500? no you havent! youve paid good money for a supposedly good car.
my advice to you is to get angry........
as other posters pointed out, who on earth puts radweld in a 53 plate car? and then actually tells the customer!?
have you bought the car off ebay for £500? no you havent! youve paid good money for a supposedly good car.
my advice to you is to get angry........
as other posters pointed out, who on earth puts radweld in a 53 plate car? and then actually tells the customer!?
Its there problem get them to mend it or they supply the part and you fit it why the hell are you paying for it out of your own pocket YOU HAVE RIGHTS so use them. It really annoys me how garages try it on with people and seatbelts are the most important part of any car so they should not of sold the vehicle if it had a defective seatbelt as the have a duty of care. They messed you around long enough so annoy them like they have you and exercise your rights as a consumer and let them foot the bill.
Don't take this wrong but the car sounds a dog take it back and get your money back as its bound to bite you
Don't take this wrong but the car sounds a dog take it back and get your money back as its bound to bite you
