2010 S3 Sportback Traction control query

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RobCrezz

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Hi,

I have put a deposit down on a 2010 S3 sport back, its in brilliant condition and seems great mechanically.

On the test drive, I gave it a lot of throttle in 1st or 2nd and noticed the traction control flicker a little bit. It was a very cold day but dry, im just concerned this isn't normal after reading some threads of people saying the traction control coming on is because the AWD system has failed.

It didnt "feel" typically FWD like the mrs mk2 TT, but just looking for some reassurance that this can be potentially normal really! :)

Cheers
 
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Also, is there any easy way to check if the AWD is working?
 
I'd say that under hard acceleration in low gears,seeing the TC come on is quite OK,and it will flicker on and off as it does so.
 
Thanks, just checking its fine really. The only AWD car ive had in the past was Evo 6, but I know this is a totally different kind of system.
 
Dont suppose anyone else has anything to add before I buy it?

Thanks
 
That was the thread that I had read and concerned me, but I wouldnt say "Lots of wheelspin".

Do you ever see the t/c light come on on your S3 when accellerating hard from low speed?
 
Only if pulling out of a 90 degree right hand junction.
When I say lots, I mean more wheelspin than normal (normal is almost zero, as they do distribute the power pretty efficiently and only really scrabble for traction)
 
Ok ill make sure I check it out to be sure. I didnt really notice the feeling of wheelspin, just that the t/c flickered on a little bit, this was in a straight line though.
 
If there was a problem with the Haldex Clutch Pump, you would certainly know about it; as the traction control light would be coming on pretty much every time you put your foot down in most gears.

My Haldex Clutch Pump needed replacing, and in the 2 to 3 weeks it took me to get it replaced I had managed to completely obliterate my front tyres due to the constant wheel-spinning.

If it was only coming on a little bit, and wasn't a constant issue, I'd be more inclined to think it may have been due to the day in question; as in it was a cold day.

Also, what brand of tyres are on the car - the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A that were the original tyres on my S3 were truly awful; and do the tyres in question have decent tread left?
 
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Ok thats good to know. It certainly didnt come on for long, and not in the higher gears. It was a very cold day.

Its running Michelin Pilot sports practically brand new all round.
 
Is there a good test I can do to be sure?

What If I try hard accelleration with the t/c off? I assume it shouldnt wheelspin hardly at all right?
 
RobCrezz said:
Ok thats good to know. It certainly didnt come on for long, and not in the higher gears. It was a very cold day.

Its running Michelin Pilot sports practically brand new all round.
Click to expand...

I previously had Michelin Pilot Sport 3's fitted to my S3, and I now have Michelin Pilot Super Sports fitted.

They're both excellent, so it won't be your tyres...
 
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Thanks.

Just want to be sure. The car itself is immaculate.

If the pump is broken, is it an easy replacement? Wheres the best place to purchase?
 
RobCrezz said:
Is there a good test I can do to be sure?

What If I try hard accelleration with the t/c off? I assume it shouldnt wheelspin hardly at all right?
Click to expand...

A good test to see if you have a faulty Haldex Clutch Pump?

From my experience, with the TC still enabled, I'd be tempted to drive in a straight line at a modest speed in 2nd gear and try flooring it.

If the Traction Control light flashes constantly for the duration of the the foot-plant, and if you feel the front wheels spinning and notice that you're not progressing forwards as quickly as you should be due to the front wheels spinning, then you could have a fault with the Haldex Clutch Pump.

I would also try the same test in 3rd gear as well, because my car had this exact issue in both 2nd and 3rd gears when I foot-planted from a modest cruising speed.

Good luck...
 
Thanks mate, that puts my mind at rest. :)

When I drove it it was nothing like that. just the tinyest bit of t/c light in 2nd and it hooked up and nothing in 3rd, it defiantly wasnt wheel spinning like crazy.
 
RobCrezz said:
Thanks.

Just want to be sure. The car itself is immaculate.

If the pump is broken, is it an easy replacement? Wheres the best place to purchase?
Click to expand...

My local Audi Dealership actually replaced mine under warranty; despite the car being remapped to Revo Stage 2+ - so I had a small stroke of luck!

So I'm not exactly sure of the cost I'm afraid...
 
RobCrezz said:
Thanks mate, that puts my mind at rest. :)

When I drove it it was nothing like that. just the tinyest bit of t/c light in 2nd and it hooked up and nothing in 3rd, it defiantly wasnt wheel spinning like crazy.
Click to expand...

No worries pal - I guess just to be sure you could phone up Audi with the reg of the car and ask them to quote you for a replacement Haldex Clutch Pump (plus fitting); as a heads-up just in case.

At least then you'll know how much it could set you back if it's on it's way out...
 
Thanks guys! £300 doesnt sound too bad. Would probably have a crack at it my self if its not too bad
 
As you guys guessed, Haldex wasnt working after all, got them to change it.

Now working great, and honestly im very impressed with the Gen4 system. Reading up about it and found its "Pro active" not like the older "Reactive" systems, that would explain it being much improved over the system in the mk1 TT.
 
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