Coolant Pump

[dstev]

Hi, my partner has had her 2009 A3 TDI 140 for about 5 weeks and the dreaded engine management light came on. I expected it to be a DPF issue but it actually turns out to be a Coolant Pump (which I am assuming is a water pump) fault. Two questions:

The cambelt was changed by Audi 13 months ago, do you think they would have changed the water pump and would it be acceptable for it to be faulty after 13 months?

Secondly, a local VAG specialist has quoted £172 to have a new water pump fitted, is this reasonable?

Thanks in advance.
David.

 

[mike foster]

Firstly, the 140 does not have a DPF as standard, only the 170 has.

Secondly, if the previous owner did not specify a water pump change then Audi will not have done it with the cambelt ! It is common sense to have the water pump replaced at the same time as the belt and Audi should have suggested it but if the owner did not want to pay the extra £40 ish then they wouldn't do it. You can check with Audi if it was done or not by giving the VIN or reg number. 13 months is not a reasonable length of time for a water pump to last and if they did replace it then it should be replaced again under warranty !

The figure you have been quoted seems reasonable to me, I assume the specialist has diagnosed the pump rather than you just asking them for a price to replace ?

P.S. welcome to the forum !!!

 

[dstev]

Thanks Mike!

The diagnosis of the problem is £30 on top. As for the water pump being changed by Audi, I shall check.

How do I know if my car definitely does have a DPF or not?

 

[mike foster]

Depends on which engine it is. If it's a BKD engine code then it does not have a DPF.

If the engine code is CBAB then it is the later Common Rail engine which does have a DPF (apparently) !

Just a thought but the car is either still in or just out of manufacturers warranty. Take it to Audi and explain and you will most likely get a good will gesture from them, particularly if it's got Audi service history !

 

[A3Kent]

Hi.

I have a 2009 170 TDI and had the same problem as you. It was the EGR coolant pump apparently which they changed under Audi's used car warranty as i'd only had in 4 months. Your car must have done a fair few miles to have already had the cambelt done?

 

[dstev]

Hi.

I have a 2009 170 TDI and had the same problem as you. It was the EGR coolant pump apparently which they changed under Audi's used car warranty as i'd only had in 4 months. Your car must have done a fair few miles to have already had the cambelt done?

It's done 100k, but has full Audi service history. It's definitely the newer common rail engine so I guess it's got a DPF. You got me excited for a minute thinking it didn't have a DPF. I'll ask the garage to have a look when it goes in for the pump.