Low coolant

[robby]

Car is a 2006 2.0TDi140, 44k

When i test drove the car 4 weeks ago the coolant was low so i mentioned the possible head problems and the salesman said it would be sorted. When i picked the car up a week later the coolant was above max? and when i asked what had been done he said everything was sorted

Now 350 miles later i've just had a look and the coolant was at the min mark so obviously there is still a problem. there is no mayo on the oil filler cap or on the dipstick, no leak on the floor nor anywhere else i can see.
Could it be the cracked head problem without showing any of these signs or would i see mayo for definate?

Dealer is 90 miles away but i have an AA gold warranty which i was told i can use at the local main dealers?

 

[Sarah's A3]

Sounds like cylinder head to me. I also had the 2.0tdi 140 in an A6 and mine went. (mine had same symptoms as yours) Audi didnt want to know as mine was just out or warranty!!! £2k later and it was repaired, There has been loads about this engine having cylinder head problems that Audi have tried to keep quiet. There was a run of the engines with 'possible' porous heads but Audi did do some repairs under warranty for ones with full Audi Service History! but generally on low mileage ones. My advice is to take it back as this is an issue you have already brought to their attention. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[robby]

Little update - topped level to MAX last night and ran it to work this morning (8 miles), parked it up for the day and walking upto it tonight i noticed a damp puddle under the N/S headlight area. I couldn't see any dripping for the undercovers but the level had dropped apporx 1" so i guess with such a quick loss it wont be the HG?
Phoned dealer i bought it from who said i need to book 2 weeks in advance for a loan car? they're 90 miles away and i need a car to get to work for 6.15am (no busses) so i've now dropped it off at my local Audi dealers who have loaned me a fantastic A3 s-line with all the extras
I've been told it could be monday before it's looked at due to their workload but the stinger is the crap AA warranty will only pay £35ph labour and Audi is £105

I'll update when i find out the problem but for now the loan car is great (so much smoother/ nippier than the old bus)

 

[smythey1]

Hi mate mine was the same only its got wrose over the xmas... found out today that its my radiatior but i bought a repair kit for it an sorted it this morning and all is well

 

[robby]

Hi mate mine was the same only its got wrose over the xmas... found out today that its my radiatior but i bought a repair kit for it an sorted it this morning and all is well

Hoping mine is just the radiator or a hose - did you have a puddle/ damp patch under the n/s healight area?

I know the mk5 Golfs have a problem with the radiators corroding at the bottom corners - didn't know A3s inherited the same

Every late model VAG i've had (quite a few) have had problems, Ford was ok except for rattles, Landrover ok, Vauxhall ok, Subaru ok, BMW ok - and i thought Audi was a prestige brand?

 

[robby]

Another update - Garage have found it's the radiator leaking should be ready next week when they get the part in

Might ignore the phone calls so i keep the loan car (it's a Black edition )

 

[Sarah's A3]

hey thats pretty good! Would be a nightmare if it had been a cracked head!

 

[robby]

Yep rad is better than the head but still a big bill looming which i have to pay then spend weeks chasing the warranty co to claim it back

 

[Sarah's A3]

Well good luck with it mate.