CETE Valve control issues - anyone else?

1

123Quattro

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I've had a CETE control on my RS3 for a couple of months now, it seem to have deleted an issue in that the valves no longer open and close with the ESC button, or drive select and it no longer remembers the start-stop setting. All wiring and the ground is fine, so it seems the control has failed.

Has anyone else had issues with their controller? I will need to remove in tomorrow and make sure the value still function without it... disappointed. Hopefully they are good with a warranty replacement, as €400 was a lot to spend on it to go bad so quickly. :(
 
Did you try to turn the unit OFF and ON by pressing the "Start&Stop" Button for around 5 seconds?
Looks like your unit is turned off.
 
Yes I did, 1st thing I tried. No difference at all. Strangly, I parked the car for about 30 min and went out and now it's working again! Second time this has happened.

I can only think it's a defective unit?
 
No issues with mine so far fingers crossed!

let us know how you get on as I agree it’s not a cheap unit which should be built to last.
 
No issue with mine, but keep us posted. For the price they are I'd expect either faultless performance or an excellent warranty (if it comes to that). Good luck.
 
CETE got back to me, they haven't heard of such a problem before, and said it sounded like the unit was deactivated and to reset by holding the stop-start for 5 min. But I had already tried this. They also said that 5 minutes with ignition off would power down the unit, which it sounds like that happened when I came back after 30 min to find it working again. They have no idea what the issue is/was/. Fair enough I guess. Hopefully it will work normally now. No mention of warranty replacement by them, but hope they will if I have any further problem. Will update if I have any more issues as I know quite a few here have the CETE controller.
 
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So, I was able to replicate the error tonight. I made a quick stop to drop off some post, and when I jumped back in the car I started the car without 1st pushing the button to turn the car on/put in accessory mode, before pushing it again to start...

It seems the valve controller didn't initialise (again) for some reason and 2 minutes down the road I noticed the to-start button hadn't remembered its off position, and changing modes, the value wern't closing (they were stuck open), and manually open/closing with the ESC button, or trying to turn on/off the controller wasn't working with the stop-start button. Same as before.

So I pulled over, shut off and locked the car for 40 seconds or so, and when I restarted the so-start memory was working again, as was the controller.

Weird, but at least I narrowed down the error (unless of course this is normal).

Would anyone else with a CETE controlled please try this for me. Try a start without going into accessory mode and see if you stop-start memory remembers it is off, and see if the controller is functioning for you?

I've reported to CETE, and will see if they can offer further insight.
 
Sorry not sure I know what accessory mode is?

Ive never had an issue but generally just jump in the car, foot on the brake and press start button, has always remembered the last start/stop function and valves working as they should with being fully open in dynamic and off in comfort mode.

The only time I do anything different is if I’m starting early morning and will just press the start button without the brake thus not starting the car but then scrolling the drive select button to comfort then starting the car with valves fully closed = happy neighbours.
 
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Riko0073 said:
Sorry not sure I know what accessory mode is?
The only time I do anything different is if I’m starting early morning and will just press the start button without the brake thus not starting the car but then scrolling the drive select button to comfort then starting the car with valves fully closed = happy neighbours.
Click to expand...

I think accessory mode is when you do just that - button press with foot off the brake. It turns ignition on, and thus the accessories, but not the engine.
 
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Accessory mode is when you turn on the car without starting it. If I do this before starting the engine the controller works fine.

If I just jump in and foot on the brake and start the car it seems I get this issue intermittently. Sounds like yours is fine, but if you could try a few start ups without going accessory mode first for me and tell me if it always remembers start-stop ideally appreciate it.

I'm pretty sure my controller is defective or there's something else wrong... just want to rule it out :)
 
123Quattro said:
Accessory mode is when you turn on the car without starting it. If I do this before starting the engine the controller works fine.

If I just jump in and foot on the brake and start the car it seems I get this issue intermittently. Sounds like yours is fine, but if you could try a few start ups without going accessory mode first for me and tell me if it always remembers start-stop ideally appreciate it.

I'm pretty sure my controller is defective or there's something else wrong... just want to rule it out :)
Click to expand...
Well I mostly always start the car straight away, foot on brake etc and have not yet had any issues with the car remembering the auto start/stop or valve issue.

Will keep an eye on it but all seems fine with my module so far.

Keep us informed of CETE’s response please.
 
OK thanks mate. CETE is slow to reply and poor English unfortunately. I'm going to push for a replacement.
 
Still having issues with the controller, and have had no reply after DAYS from CETE asking for any help. I've now asked for a replacement. Hopefully they can be bothered replying to me. For now I'd recommend caution in dealing with this company. Will keep this thread updated.
 
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Ferdi just told me you need to resend your email to them.

I’ve told him he needs to sort this issue out for you.

I think the language issue doesn’t help, although I’ve told him his product won’t sell much if customer service is rubbish.



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Riko0073 said:
No issues with mine so far fingers crossed!

let us know how you get on as I agree it’s not a cheap unit which should be built to last.
Click to expand...
Same with mine, nothing other than awesome.

TX.

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123Quattro said:
Still having issues with the controller, and have had no reply after DAYS from CETE asking for any help. I've now asked for a replacement. Hopefully they can be bothered replying to me. For now I'd recommend caution in dealing with this company. Will keep this thread updated.
Click to expand...
Imho that is a bit "off" as no one else I know has had any issues with Cete.

TX.

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terminator x said:
Imho that is a bit "off" as no one else I know has had any issues with Cete.

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

They need to acknowledge they are sorting the issue though John, wouldn’t you agree ?
Can’t just ignore emails and leave someone to it, not knowing if they are on the case.

Customer service is king.


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T-1000 said:
They need to acknowledge they are sorting the issue though John, wouldn’t you agree ?
Can’t just ignore emails and leave someone to it, not knowing if they are on the case.

Customer service is king.


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Click to expand...
I don't think "anger" at a company should be vented online especially if all other customers seem to be fine no problems. Business can be destroyed unnecessarily by customer comments is all. Explore all avenues before naming and shaming imho.

*rant mode off*

TX.

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terminator x said:
I don't think "anger" at a company should be vented online especially if all other customers seem to be fine no problems. Business can be destroyed unnecessarily by customer comments is all. Explore all avenues before naming and shaming imho.

*rant mode off*

TX.

Sent from my BBB100-2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Go go go John.......


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T-1000 said:
Ferdi just told me you need to resend your email to them.

I’ve told him he needs to sort this issue out for you.

I think the language issue doesn’t help, although I’ve told him his product won’t sell much if customer service is rubbish.



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Click to expand...

I've sent 2 emails now and no reply and not even an acknowledgement email. There is no way they've not received them, as my initial email asking for guidance got a response (after 2 days, and amounted to "turn it off and back on again"). Yet nothing when I asked about a replacement.

Forums are exactly how you hold companies to account for poor customer service, and I am giving them every opportunity to make it right. But I can't even get a reply. If/when they resolve this I'll be happy to let forums know, and if they don't. you better believe I'll name and shame.

My controller worked great - until it didn't. Now they need to sort it.
 
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Either due to T-1000 (thanks pal) or this thread I finally got a reply and after some back and forth about sending it back for testing they’ve now agreed to replace it.

Happy days
 
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Glad you've got a good result. With virtually no faulty units I would have expected the manufacturer would want it back for a good look to understand the issue..
 
123Quattro said:
Either due to T-1000 (thanks pal) or this thread I finally got a reply and after some back and forth about sending it back for testing they’ve now agreed to replace it.

Happy days
Click to expand...
Good result
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3c4124daa2688fd73ff4d56a066e4719.jpg


c6556ae7ebbcc045d9ea8585ebfae5a2.jpg



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The guy isn’t too happy about being told his company gave poor customer service!
 
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Happy or not it took that to get a reply and resolution as I'd heard absolutely nothing for 3 (working) days which would have been 4 if they had not got back late this afternoon. Their reply was almost immediate after T-1000 intervened (thanks again mate).

I run a busy small business too and I'd never let a customer inquiry, let alone a complaint for a defect go for that long unanswered, so I don't think I was being impatient? In any case they are free to run their business however they like, but forums and social media are always the best way to get results and hold companies accountable. If any company cares about their customers they will be eager to resolve things and protect their reputation. Which CETE has now done and I thank them very much for doing so.

I'm very happy they are going to resolve things now, and certainly cannot fault that as they say they will ship a new one out tomorrow.

I thank we can leave it at that. The controllers are an excellent product, I seem to be a rare case of defect, and the company is resolving this. So other than slow replies to email inquiries there is nothing more to say on mater.

To summarise my issue for anyone else reading this thread in future:

-After an engine start without first turning the car to accessory (Foot and brake and start the car) the controller did not come on
-I noticed this as it did not remember the stop-start function
-Valves would then not open or close by selecting a drive mode or by hitting the esc button twice
-Holding stop-start to turn off/on the controller did nothing
-Restarting the car did not fit it unless I left it for about 2 minutes then it would come on normally
-Problem is completely intermittent.
-Ask T-1000 to handle your warranty - he gets things done! :)
 
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123Quattro said:
Happy or not it took that to get a reply and resolution as I'd heard absolutely nothing for 3 (working) days which would have been 4 if they had not got back late this afternoon. Their reply was almost immediate after T-1000 intervened (thanks again mate).

I run a busy small business too and I'd never let a customer inquiry, let alone a complaint for a defect go for that long unanswered, so I don't think I was being impatient? In any case they are free to run their business however they like, but forums and social media are always the best way to get results and hold companies accountable. If any company cares about their customers they will be eager to resolve things and protect their reputation. Which CETE has now done and I thank them very much for doing so.

I'm very happy they are going to resolve things now, and certainly cannot fault that as they say they will ship a new one out tomorrow.

I thank we can leave it at that. The controllers are an excellent product, I seem to be a rare case of defect, and the company is resolving this. So other than slow replies to email inquiries there is nothing more to say on mater.

To summarise my issue for anyone else reading this thread in future:

-After an engine start without first turning the car to accessory (Foot and brake and start the car) the controller did not come on
-I noticed this as it did not remember the stop-start function
-Valves would then not open or close by selecting a drive mode or by hitting the esc button twice
-Holding stop-start to turn off/on the controller did nothing
-Restarting the car did not fit it unless I left it for about 2 minutes then it would come on normally
-Problem is completely intermittent.
-Ask T-1000 to handle your warranty - he gets things done! :)
Click to expand...

As you say, when having a business of your own you appreciate what customer service means.......

I’ve recently had an issue with a product for the business, cost ££££’s in delays and remakes.


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Mine actually had a hiccup the other day. Got back in to the car after a quick stop (5 min) and the controller appeared to not work at all. Auto Stop/start setting had been forgotten, drive mode went to default, ESC button did not control flaps, and could not initiate up unit by holding stop/start button for 10 seconds.

The next time a drove the car it was all back to normal and it hasn't done it again since. Fingers crossed it's a once off!
 
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******** said:
Any update on this? Did a new controller sort your issues? I had a strange thing happen the other day closing the valve at idle with the esc button in individual mode and the boost gauge crept slowly up to full (definitely want making boost at idle). Hasn't happened since or effected performance but was odd. Anything like that happen to you @123Quattro?
Click to expand...

Been about a week now, and everything is now working perfectly since replacing the controller (which arrived in a few days from CETE). No more quirks or strange issues to report, so the controller was definitely defective. Hopefully that's me sorted now. I didn't have anything like what you described with the boost gauge mate. I'm not sure how the controller could effect that, but mine did some strange things with my MMI, so it's possible I suppose.

TRANC3 said:
Mine actually had a hiccup the other day. Got back in to the car after a quick stop (5 min) and the controller appeared to not work at all. Auto Stop/start setting had been forgotten, drive mode went to default, ESC button did not control flaps, and could not initiate up unit by holding stop/start button for 10 seconds.

The next time a drove the car it was all back to normal and it hasn't done it again since. Fingers crossed it's a once off!
Click to expand...

Thats exactly what was happening to me mate. 100% exactly. If it happens again turn the car off and lock it for about 40 seconds. Restart the car and it'll likely come back as normal. Quick re-starts after shut down seem to either cause, or sustain the error when it has gone wonky. Seems to me the controller may not be initialising when the start button is pressed for some odd reason. It was totally intermittent as well, and unable to replicate it, but it happened on 4 separate occasions over the course of 2-3 weeks. I'd say if it happens again you should ask for a replacement from CETE. Given the identical nature of our errors I think this should be establish that is is a possible fault with some of the devices.
 
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Appreciate the response @123Quattro and it's good advice. Will keep an eye on it and definitely communicate with CETE should there be a re-occurance.
 
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You're welcome mate. Keep us posted if you have any further issues. :)
 
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I fitted my Cete valve controller to my 19 RS3 saturday & wow, what a pleasant surprise, the sound of the car comes alive right from start up, i am so pleased with it, mind you for £330 i should be :rockwoot:
 
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JM 772 said:
I fitted my Cete valve controller to my 19 RS3 saturday & wow, what a pleasant surprise, the sound of the car comes alive right from start up, i am so pleased with it, mind you for £330 i should be :rockwoot:
Click to expand...
I’ve been thinking about this after it being recommended by another member on here, I was worried that it might not make enough difference though for the money... you seem happy enough so I’m very tempted! Did you find it easy enough to install?
 
Russrs3 said:
I’ve been thinking about this after it being recommended by another member on here, I was worried that it might not make enough difference though for the money... you seem happy enough so I’m very tempted! Did you find it easy enough to install?
Click to expand...

Hi Russ,
Yes it was soooo easy to install, took me 20 mins from start to finish, it has made a huge difference, I love it & do recommend it :icon thumright:
 
JM 772 said:
Hi Russ,
Yes it was soooo easy to install, took me 20 mins from start to finish, it has made a huge difference, I love it & do recommend it :icon thumright:
Click to expand...

‘Hmm this is making me want to do it as well!
 
JM 772 said:
Hi Russ,
Yes it was soooo easy to install, took me 20 mins from start to finish, it has made a huge difference, I love it & do recommend it In
Click to expand...
Sounds great, do you know how it makes such a difference? I assumed that when you put the car into dynamic mode the flaps in the exhaust opened all the time anyway regardless of having this controller?
 
Russrs3 said:
Sounds great, do you know how it makes such a difference? I assumed that when you put the car into dynamic mode the flaps in the exhaust opened all the time anyway regardless of having this controller?
Click to expand...
I believe the flaps are only partially open and only fully open at higher revs, so having the flaps fully open helps with a bit more noise in the low revs, makes a nice difference at idle and low speeds around town etc, at higher speeds I don’t believe any difference.

The controller also helps with those early morning starts in comfort but keeping valves closed, only opening at higher revs to protect the engine.

Added bonus is it also remembers the start/stop function so if you turn it off then it keeps it off!

Worth the money IMO!
 
Riko0073 said:
I believe the flaps are only partially open and only fully open at higher revs, so having the flaps fully open helps with a bit more noise in the low revs, makes a nice difference at idle and low speeds around town etc, at higher speeds I don’t believe any difference.

The controller also helps with those early morning starts in comfort but keeping valves closed, only opening at higher revs to protect the engine.

Added bonus is it also remembers the start/stop function so if you turn it off then it keeps it off!

Worth the money IMO!
Click to expand...
Thanks for explaining, that makes sense if the valves only fully open at higher revs. I’m definitely considering one! I read somewhere that to reset it if required you have to hold the start/stop button, my car doesn’t have the smart key so would this be an issue do you think?
 
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Russrs3 said:
Thanks for explaining, that makes sense if the valves only fully open at higher revs. I’m definitely considering one! I read somewhere that to reset it if required you have to hold the start/stop button, my car doesn’t have the smart key so would this be an issue do you think?
Click to expand...
No mate you press the traction control button to disable etc.
 
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