Evening all.

[Andy3681]

team
New to forum having escaped from the TT lads and bought an A4 tdi 177 allroad.
However a week in need advice.
The mpg is very poor in my opinion but I think 35 is a bit pants yes i know its subjective but my 2.2 santa fe does 37/8 on the same commute.
Now the biggy the car looks like its doing a litre of oil every 300miles.It does not smoke and its not dripping out the bottom. I have told the dealer I am going to reject the car he wants to change the dipstick sensor.
Thoughts please?
Andy

 

[spartacus68]

What's the year and mileage? These cars rarely use oil, certainly not a litre ever 300 miles. I'm running a 12 plate Allroad, and have taken it from 30-60k. Granted it gets a comfortable life as a second car, but I haul a RIB so it works when it has too.

You're coming from a TT with Haldex to permanent 4WD with quattro. The Allroad is no lightweight and to be honest I got better fuel consumption on my old A4 B5 V6 quattro at 44mpg. I think it hovers around 40mpg. That said, it's light years ahead in terms of refinement.

Get the car scanned with VCDS as that may reveal more. I think you're right to reject it, something isn't right.

 

[Andy3681]

Thanks for the reply.
Its a 2012 face lift B8.5 ?
177 auto

 

[Andy3681]

PS 85,000

 

[spartacus68]

It's an auto, so that will add a little to your fuel consumption compared to a 6-speed manual.

When I service it, it takes 4 litres of Castrol Edge 5w30 and doesn't need a drop until the next service. The danger on relying on the auto-sensor is you could be adding more oil when there's enough in there already? As mentioned, a scan with VCDS might throw up a clue. Not aware of a dipstick retro-fit, although I know it's possible on petrol models I think.

Part number is 04L907660A, around £80, plus new oil and filter or course. If the sensor was faulty - you should get a warning, which sometimes suggests broken wiring, etc.

Let us know how you get on.

 

[Andy3681]

Spoke to the garage over the weekend unfortunatley they are miles away. They are sending me a new sensor as they suspect that to. It is a bit erratic in the reading but the trend is down all the time. Have agreed to change it and see how it goes. Did wonder about stat as it sometimes drops below 90 on a long decent I have noticed. Stat looks to be in a plastic housing front nearside of engine not sure where temp sensor is. Need to find someone to local with vag com etc as want to change fuel filter as well.
Anyone near stoke?
Ta
Andy

 

[Sandra]

Spoke to the garage over the weekend unfortunatley they are miles away. They are sending me a new sensor as they suspect that to. It is a bit erratic in the reading but the trend is down all the time. Have agreed to change it and see how it goes. Did wonder about stat as it sometimes drops below 90 on a long decent I have noticed. Stat looks to be in a plastic housing front nearside of engine not sure where temp sensor is. Need to find someone to local with vag com etc as want to change fuel filter as well.
Anyone near stoke?
Ta
Andy

Andy, Closest members with vcds are @RobinA3 @dt-tdi

 

[RobinA3]

I would probably speak to Votex in Congleton who are a VW/Audi specialist for their opinion, to me the oil consumption is a massive concern!

 

[spartacus68]

Should be straight forward to change - haven't changed a sensor myself. Just make sure wiring clips in securely and sump is nice and dry before you seat it. I'm assuming gasket is built in.

For fuel filter, yes you need VCDS. Filter is an absolute pain. Located under driver's side behind plastic chassis protection. No fuel loss when you remove pipes, but have a cover down if you're changing it on the drive. Run pump for 30 seconds 2-3 times. Start car with plastic still off so you can see there's no drips and all tight.

 

[Andy3681]

Thanks I know votex. However only had the thing 2 weeks so dont want to pay more out for diagnosis if its going back. Oil level sensor turned up today so going to change that tonight. If that cures the oil level issue going to start on the mpg. Think fuel filter is place to start seems to be conflicting advice some say use vcds to purge others say just change it. What if I prefill the new filter?

 

[spartacus68]

Thanks I know votex. However only had the thing 2 weeks so dont want to pay more out for diagnosis if its going back. Oil level sensor turned up today so going to change that tonight. If that cures the oil level issue going to start on the mpg. Think fuel filter is place to start seems to be conflicting advice some say use vcds to purge others say just change it. What if I prefill the new filter?

Regards the fuel filter, before you change the old one, get a can of Forte diesel conditioner when you're down to about a 1/4 tank. Add it straight to the fuel. On fuel filters in the engine bay you could add directly to the filter. Drive the car hard in low gears from a standing start and it'll smoke like an old WW2 minesweeper! This is short-term. Not many fuel additives I'd use, but Forte is good for injectors. Top up with fresh fuel and push the boat out and add premium diesel.

Back to the fuel filter. You can't top it up as it sits horizontal. Fit it, then run VCDS to prime it. You might have got away without software before by topping up the filter, but honestly would you rather buy a new Bosch fuel pump because it's run dry?

I'd also look at the tyres regards fuel. I'm running Michelin Cross Climate on 18" rims. Very quiet, good in snow. Has air conditioning been serviced recently too?

 

[Andy3681]

Dealer had put a set of sunnys on it!
Was going to swop them out but have decided to reject the vehicle. Not got the inclination or time to sort it out. Pity as its a nice car but dont need the grief had years of landrover for that.
Thanks for all the help.
Andy

 

[Andy3681]

Update. Told dealer was rejecting the vehicle. Says cant afford to refund me yet will i give him one chance to fix it.
Agreed to let him have it back for one chance probably a mistake but see how we go.
Will keep the thread updated.
Should be able to get fuel filter and thermostat done at the same time.

 

[Andy3681]

So its gone back to the dealer. Managed to get my breakdown recovery to ship it. Saved me driving up to Lancaster through the lockdown tomorrow.

 

[Andy3681]

Last update.
Probably needs engine replacement or rebuild. Dealer refunding however he says he is putting it through the block so some other poor ****** going to end up with it.
So what to buy now???
Thanks
Andy