2005 A3 3.2 V6 DSG engine issue

[Stev_A3]

Hi everyone, I have had my A3 3.2 V6 fDSG or a faultless four years covering over 30k. It has been serviced every year with Audi. Just recently the EML has been on and on journeys the car switches off everytime I come to stop. The car does switch back on but switches off again at the next stop.

Audi have said it is the alternator, I had this changed by a independent dealer and the car ran like a dream for 3 weeks. This garage was reluctant to change it at first because 'if you have a faulty alternator the car wont start etc' I contacted the independent dealer and said the problem was back, they changed the air mass flow sensor, the problem was back. I am hoping you guys know the answers (car wont be driven until repaired)

thank you

 

[audismart]

Not sure if the 3.2 V6 has a idle control valve or not? if it has that could be one thing to look at, if not could be plugs or coil pack, you need to get a vcds check to see what fault codes are coming up 1st.

 

[mookster]

You need the Audi ecu upgrade (presuming your car is an earlier one) and have you checked it's had the coil pack recall done? Do a quick search on 3.2 upgrade, there's plenty of threads with details

Also, a VCDS scan and fault clear will remove the issue for the meantime.

 

[Stev_A3]

Thanks for the replies. The vcd brings up air mass fault but Audi diagnosed weak alternator so that was replaced. Problem continued with air mass fault so air mass sensor has been changed. Each time resetting the computer temporarily solves the issues but then returns. Coil pack recall done at Audi 3 years ago.

It is the 55 reg S-line Facelift version. I don't want to keep getting the reset done and then the issue coming back. The independent dealer is a volkswagen audi specialist.

 

[-Ju-]

Have you checked the earth strap to the front chassis?
When I had my first A3 3.2, that would cut out at junctions. Audi said it was a bad earth at the front, never happened again.
Worth checking?

 

[Jake 61]

I had the very same on my one. took the MAF out and sprayed it with MAF cleaner. (Not the same as brake cleaner). Do not touch the MAF sensor, just let it dry naturally.
Also took the throttle body off and cleaned it with what was left of the MAF spray, let it all dry, and wiped it down with some clean kitchen roll.
ECU upgraded to later part after my local Dealer fried it doing the update and the coil packs changed under warranty.
The car has not missed a beat since.
All you need is a set of long hex keys and half an hour.

 

[Stev_A3]

Hi guys, just a quick update so further to the cutting out at junctions I had the alternator replaced at a cost of £400. Car was fine for about 3 weeks before problem kicked it again.

The fault that registered was the air mass meter. Back to the garage and this was replaced at £115.

Car fine for 2 days before the problem kicked it yet again. Same air mass meter fault on ecu. Garage have diagnosed breather fault and want to change the cam cover (requiring removal of inlet manifold). Part is £180+vat and 4 hours labour it's another nearly £500.

They reckon it's the breather fault which is triggering the air mass meter fault to log on the ecu. I'm a little sceptical to hand over £500 to a garage where I've spent £500 for no reason. Does this sound like it could be the reason for cutting out or is there a way to test the pcv fault myself?

Sorry for the long post - any help is much appreciated.

 

[Major_S3]

Not sure if this helps, my mate runs a mk5 r32 around 70k miles and was having exactly the same problems as you it would have a slightly rough idle/ cut out at junctions, plugged it into vcds and came up with air mass fault and and o2 sensor fault, changed both the MAF and the pre-cat lambda sensor on one of the exhaust banks and that didn't help either. After that he took it to The Phirm who pulled the air intake to get to the throttle body and thoroughly cleaned it, put it back together and the problem went and hasn't been back for over a year now. I'd suggest have a go at this link: http://www.r32oc.com/topic/43434-throttle-body-clean-guide-easy-method/ definitely worth giving a go yourself before you take it back to a garage.

 

[london jay]

Hi mate, my 3.2 has just started doing the exact same thing!
So far had a new maf sensor fitted and cleaned the throttle body. Drove it home from garage fine but the next day the cut outs when you stop have returned. How was yours solved please?
Many thanks.
Jay.

 

[Chillout]

Changing your cam cover can been done on the ground it's quite simple intake removed throttle body cleaned ,I would think if the pcv was faulty you would hear it .

You could try TB adaption with vcds also log your airflow ,I take it your air box and filter are good.

 

[london jay]

Hi mate. The TB has been adapted when it was cleaned.
I've taken it to another VAG specialist after losing all faith in the one I originally took it to.
He has since told me that the other place put a 'made in China special' maf sensor on! He's put a Bosch one on plus found a fault on the ECT sensor which he's going to replace on Tuesday.
I'm getting the crap maf sensor back off of him and taking it back to the other place where I'll be asking for my £100 back!

 

[Chillout]

I had to replace my ect as is was sporadic

 

[Whodafunk]

Sounds like they're just throwing parts at it instead of actually trying to diagnose the fault. Hopefully the new genuine MAF sensor fixes it but they should be checking measuring blocks and looking for anything amiss, not just changing random parts. Where does it stop?

I'd definitely be back there for a refund on the cheap MAF and alternator and even the labour costs you have paid them. I'd be contacting Trading Standards if you don't get anywhere with them.

 

[Marek196c]

Hi everyone, I have had my A3 3.2 V6 fDSG or a faultless four years covering over 30k. It has been serviced every year with Audi. Just recently the EML has been on and on journeys the car switches off everytime I come to stop. The car does switch back on but switches off again at the next stop.

Audi have said it is the alternator, I had this changed by a independent dealer and the car ran like a dream for 3 weeks. This garage was reluctant to change it at first because 'if you have a faulty alternator the car wont start etc' I contacted the independent dealer and said the problem was back, they changed the air mass flow sensor, the problem was back. I am hoping you guys know the answers (car wont be driven until repaired)

thank you

If it was alternator, it wouldn't start again as the power from battery was drained, as well check if throttle body got any play in it, my dad on his a6 got the first tooth of T.B. damaged, so sometimes got it cutted on junctions as yours. Check also for ecu remap recall as wrote before. ECU could be a problem. then some seafoam or some other intake cleaner won't kill it and cost around 30£ (better than 500£) as well would tell that mechanic to pay you back as he ripped you off cause of his wrong estimation of fault.