A3 3.2 Engine Problems

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Dave90

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Hello im a new member, ive just bought my first Audi after having a mk5 GTI for a couple of years...

I only Bought the car yesterday its a 2005 Audi A3 3.2 Quattro, its done 73k miles so far and has full upto date service history etc although a service is due in 3 weeks time.

The problem im having is the car wont sit at 2k revs at all it just bounces above and below, it stutters a bit at 2k revs while driving also. Theres no engine lights on or anything, Ive had it plugged into vag com which through up these error codes:

001089 - EVAP Emission Control Sys

P0441 - Incorrect Flow

Also to add the guy i bought it off said the owner before him had a remap on the car.

Would any of these 3 things relate to the stuttering at 2k revs or am i suffering the dreaded timing chain stretch?

Any helps appreciated as i have no idea about engines
 
Hi, welcome to the forum.
I have read lots about these since buying one last year. There are a few things to check before worrying about timing chain stretch.
Has the car been having longlife services...? They are not the best for these engines and they benefit from regular oil changes, some will say every 5k miles but, certainly, not much more than 8k miles.
Have you checked if the car has any warranty work outstanding...? The coil packs are subject to a replacement by Audi, under warranty.
Lastly, there is an update to the ECU. Audi won't let on about this unless you go in and harass them to do it. They will probably want to charge for this but, some of the guys on here have had it done for free during garage visits for other work.
I would bet the ECU upgrade will cure your problems.

Check these before you get in a panic about timing chains.

:icon thumright:
 
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Cheers buddy you've put my mind at ease a bit :)

The car has been serviced more or less every 10k but used longlife oil on most from what i can see in the service book, it was 12k on one occasion and has done 5k (i think) since the last service although in 3 weeks its been a year so i will be getting a service then too but will now avoid a longlife service :icon thumright:

I didnt know about the coilpack recall but just had a look through the receipts (theres a lot) and theres no receipt or notes about it so it might not have been done, as regards to a software update ive just had a quick look on google and the problems people are reporting are pretty much exactly what im experiences so i think (or hope :laugh:) you could be right on that one!

Thanks again i will report back soon with a cure hopefully :D

Also is it normal to be able to hear the timing chain? Its not overly loud and not really noticable unless youre looking for it but the noise is definatly there a bit?
 
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If you phone Audi UK Customer Service, 0800 699888, they will tell you what your car has had done and what it requires to be do be done.
This is the point at which they will body swerve all knowledge of an ECU upgrade, (I only learned about that on here).
It doesn't sound from what you describe, that your chain is making too much noise. Regular oil changes are the best maintenance for the timing chains.
;)
 
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Cheers again buddy ive just booked the car in at Stockport Audi, its having the coilpack recall done and the update next friday, the only thing is i need to know if this info i have given them is accurate if you or anyone else can help?

I found this info via google on pistonheads:

Software Version: 8035
TPL Procedure: 2005748/4
Internal Message Code: 8P01A005
Update CD Number: 4F0 906,961 N

Is this the correct update for my car?

It was first registered March 2005.

Thanks again hopefully this will sort my issues once and for all, youve been a lifesaver :icon thumright:
 
I've booked my one in to Highland Audi for the coils and ecu upgrade, so I'll see how it behaves after that.
The 2k revs thing is definitely a problem but otherwise, it runs well.
;)
 
Im new to this but im thinking of buying an A3 3.2, it has an issue at tick over. Ticks over perfect until the temp gets to 80c, it starts to surge up. If you rev it a few times, it will clear for a little while. This happens a number of times. Have you heard of this before ?
Cheers
 
Coil and ecu upgrade might help but it’s also symptoms of a failed PCV valve. On the 3.2 it’s a right pain in the backside to get to to check or change (unlike the 2.0 tfsi which is under the engine cover). Could also be your evap canister is blocked too. See how you get on after the software update but bear the above in mind
 
Cheers. Why is it when I speak to garages they steer me in the direction of the timing chain ? Is £2000 normal for a replacement ?
 
Colin mazzone said:
Cheers. Why is it when I speak to garages they steer me in the direction of the timing chain ? Is £2000 normal for a replacement ?
Click to expand...

And the rest! It’s a massively expensive job that requires engine or gearbox out. Can you hear your chain? At the right side of the engine as you look at it. Sounds like marbles swirling around a metal tin if it’s loose. They are an issue usually pre 2006 before audi changed the design of the chain so it’s less likely to stretch (removing the embossed audi symbol from the links). The tensioner is also a weak point as that causes the chain to tap.

If it’s the chain you would definitely hear it, have a listen. You may even have fault codes relating to engine timing. I think your issue is more likely to do with the pcv valve or software upgrade though
 
There is no chain noise, it's very quiet. I'm in the process if checking with Audi. Will keep you updated.
Cheers
 
An Autoscan is a good starting point if you have a cable , if not check out the Vcd's map as a member might be just around the corner from you .
 
TBH if you have any doubts whatsoever walk away. A 3.2 with issues will cost you a small fortune and because of their age now they are simply not worth repairing most of the time.
 
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paddy said:
TBH if you have any doubts whatsoever walk away. A 3.2 with issues will cost you a small fortune and because of their age now they are simply not worth repairing most of the time.
Click to expand...

He already owns the car
 
Sorry but when he said "Im new to this but im thinking of buying an A3 3.2," i thought he was thinking of buying an A3 3.2....silly me.
 
Ah crossed wires, I’m talking about the chap who started the thread, not colin
 
Ha ha yes that was 2015, he probably sold it again by now :)
 
Colin mazzone said:
There is no chain noise, it's very quiet. I'm in the process if checking with Audi. Will keep you updated.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Lawyers in Australia and the USA are examining claims against Audi that several of their cars have been fitted with defective timing chains and tensioners, resulting in early engine failure and unsafe vehicles. Is anything being pursued in the UK about this issue?

Vehicles affected are so far: 2008 - 2012 A3, A4, A5, Q3, Q5, TT

My granddaughter’s A3 timing chain slipped and wrecked the engine at 88,000 miles.

Please let me know what Audi say. Many thanks in anticipation.
 
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