2001 a3 fluctuating idling

[JamieT_a3]

Hello guys,

I've got a 2001 a3 1.8T and suddenly I've been having fluctuated idling like it's trying to stop the car from stalling , also the car stalled twice in 3rd doing roughly 30mph for no reason but the weird thing being one day the car will drive absolutely fine with no problem but then the car can feel sluggish in 2nd/3rd on another day ?

Anyone had similar problems or any one know what it might be ?

Not the most technical with cars but any advice would be great.

details on the car is 1.8T
2001
56000 miles

cheers ,

Jamie

 

[Sandra]

Hi Jamie, welcome to audi-sport.net. Have a read through the faqs thread at top of this section. Enjoy the forum. x

 

[<tuffty/>]

Sounds like an air leak... check for split pipes etc around the inlet manifold...

Ideally get the car scanned for fault codes using VCDS...

Have a read of this for info on VCDS and fault code scanning...
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-...-help-please-read-before-posting-updated.html

You can also look in the VCDS section of ASN to see if there is anyone local to you who will scan the car
VCDS (formerly VAG-COM) forum

<tuffty/>

 

[JamieT_a3]

Cheers for the reply!

Is there a easy way of checking for leaks ? Or is it just best to get it plugged in ?

 

[<tuffty/>]

Smoke test is the best way although not many garages seem to have the kit to do it... visual checks for splits etc... oily areas are usually a sign as oil is supposed to be on the inside of the engine not the outside...

If it looks 'wet' then its most likely got there from a leaky pipe

<tuffty/>

 

[JamieT_a3]

Got my car checked out and had a servo hose with splits all in it , that's been replaced but still having the same problem
When I put my foot down...
Car through up a few codes

My mechanic have me the following codes

P1297
P1137 - intake leak / d.v valve

Any ideas why these codes are being thrown up or where the intake is common for leaking ?

Any help would be great !

 

[willh92]

the dv is a cheap and easy replacement. just done mine - £36 from Audi and ten mins to swap it over.

have you checked all the vac lines under the inlet manifold? there is one that runs from a nipple at the bottom of the inlet to the left hand side. Check all the pipes that come off the TIP also, as these can be prone to leak/split.

 

[JamieT_a3]

the dv is a cheap and easy replacement. just done mine - £36 from Audi and ten mins to swap it over.

have you checked all the vac lines under the inlet manifold? there is one that runs from a nipple at the bottom of the inlet to the left hand side. Check all the pipes that come off the TIP also, as these can be prone to leak/split.

Thanks for the reply and i popped the hood earlier and I could hear a little hiss by the manifold so I think that May be the problem , also do you think it could be the MAF Sensor ? I'm not the most technical with engines so it's going back to a garage in the next few days , also is it safe to drive or will I do further damage ?

 

[epox]

unplug the maf and see if it runs better ot the same
mark

 

[JamieT_a3]

unplug the maf and see if it runs better ot the same
mark

Cheers for the reply ! And if it was a faulty sensor would taking the electrical connection off make it run properly on idle ?

 

[JudderMan]

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-...de-how-fit-catch-can-simplify-pcv-system.html

As Tufty said, my betting is the PCV pipes especially if you're hearing a hissing sound.

 

[epox]

I believe the car defaults to preset maps, worth a try, mine went and idle was crap. Nothing to loose by giving it a try. Does sound like a split hose though

 

[JamieT_a3]

Hello guys ,

had a thorough look on the vac pipes and joints and could not find a thing , so after my drive home from work today I decided to unplug the MAF sensor whilst the car was still running and the idle didn't change one bit.

is the idle supposed to change or the engine cut out ? Is the sensor not working ?

Any advice or help would be appreciated !

 

[matt blowen]

If i unplug my maf while the car is running it cuts out?

 

[Marshall878]

If you unplugged the MAF and there was no change in the idle, it suggests the MAF is shot.

 

[JamieT_a3]

If you unplugged the MAF and there was no change in the idle, it suggests the MAF is shot.

New maf sensor it is then, anyone got the part code to hand ?

cheers all