Hopefully it's something they can adjust. I'm heading there tomorrow morning to meet the Master (technician).
TFSI 140 COD: vibrations in 2-cyl mode
- Thread starter LuisM
- Start date
That's interesting because I've only ever filled up with V-Power or Tesco Momentum (for the extra cleaning agents and not for power!) and I have no vibrations whatsoever - and I am VERY aware of strange noises etc. With my car there is no way you can detect the change from 4 to 2 cylinders and back to 4 again.
If only! Apparently it's normal the technician said - he mentioned actuators but said they can't adjust the throttle response. Oh well.
Probably just down to the gearbox then, I have driven cars with s-tronic gearboxes and found them quite laggy, not turbo lag just a poor resonse from the box..
Wait your car runs fine with V-Power?? After the software update I put V-Power in for the same reason as you and all the car did was jolt and vibrate, as soon as I put the normal back in it was fine. Wont touch it now, maybe yours is used to it...
Been a long time since a post, in fact a long time since I came on this site.
Anybody know if there is another update yet for the COD again? I'm debating on wether or not to service mine next month... It'll be one year old but i've done 4,500 miles. Hardly worth it, if an update is available though i'd be tempted to take it in.
Anybody know if there is another update yet for the COD again? I'm debating on wether or not to service mine next month... It'll be one year old but i've done 4,500 miles. Hardly worth it, if an update is available though i'd be tempted to take it in.
Hello, first, sorry for my English. 
My car will celebrate its first birthday, and I am also a victim of vibrations. Audi has updated the software (TPI 2037323/3), but I have not seen improvement.
Is there an update to the gearbox (manual)? If so, would it be useful?
Meanwhile, I will try with other fuels (Total 98 and / or 98 Shell) ...
Thank you.
My car will celebrate its first birthday, and I am also a victim of vibrations. Audi has updated the software (TPI 2037323/3), but I have not seen improvement.
Is there an update to the gearbox (manual)? If so, would it be useful?
Meanwhile, I will try with other fuels (Total 98 and / or 98 Shell) ...
Thank you.
Hello, first, sorry for my English.
My car will celebrate its first birthday, and I am also a victim of vibrations. Audi has updated the software (TPI 2037323/3), but I have not seen improvement.
Is there an update to the gearbox (manual)? If so, would it be useful?
Meanwhile, I will try with other fuels (Total 98 and / or 98 Shell) ...
Thank you.
You can't update the manual gearbox hence why it's manual, you can for the auto.
People that have manuals complain about this a lot more than people with auto - so gutted I didn't choose it!
Anyway, you have the update I have and I agree, small improvement but still not impressive. Mine didn't run very well on premium fuel however so I stick to regular shell Petrol.
Hello, first, sorry for my English.
My car will celebrate its first birthday, and I am also a victim of vibrations. Audi has updated the software (TPI 2037323/3), but I have not seen improvement.
Is there an update to the gearbox (manual)? If so, would it be useful?
Meanwhile, I will try with other fuels (Total 98 and / or 98 Shell) ...
Thank you.
Oh P.S - if you have drive select I have mine in auto, if I have it in comfort for some reason it's horrid jolts/vibrations. So try putting it in auto and seeing if you notice the difference after a few days
I definitely hear and feel (through the wheel) the engine on 2-cyl. Bit like it's purring. Doesn't jolt or vibrate uncomfortably though.
I have felt a vibration occasionally but wouldn't say it was bad. Most of the time it is silent and I don't know it is on apart from on the screen. When it does vibrate it almost feels like the engine is struggling under load cause it should be using 4 and not 2 cylinders.
Arf pfff, I probably read too fast. I thought you noticed an improvement using Shell V-Power ... I don't have drive select.
I feel it's getting worse with time. I have lot of vibrations at 50 km/h, or 6th gear at 90 km/h (with ACC). Previously, I did not feel anything at 120 km/h, but now yes...
I feel it's getting worse with time. I have lot of vibrations at 50 km/h, or 6th gear at 90 km/h (with ACC). Previously, I did not feel anything at 120 km/h, but now yes...
Drove my manual at those speeds today, nada vibrations all lovely quiet and smooth. Can you be sure that it's the engine and not suspension, steering or wheel related, checked your tyres and pressures?
I'm pretty sure this is the ACC, because I feel a distinct difference (in the seat, steering wheel, ...) when I'm in 2-cyl Mode or not (on the little screen). With summer or winter tyres.
Ok, but you have a manual with ACC, I do not, so maybe you are correct in that there is something in the interaction between the ACC and the engine, not just the COD per se....
I feel more vibrations with the ACC because the engine speed is constant.
I dreamed of having cruise control and, in fact, it annoys me indirectly...
I dreamed of having cruise control and, in fact, it annoys me indirectly...
LuisM
Registered User
Oh, Cuke2u, after all the people reporting vibrations on this thread in 2-cyl mode, don't come with this again, please. The vibrations are *only in 2 cyl mode*. So no steering, suspension etc
Only a small minority Luis, a very small minority. If you don't like my posts then you are welcome to put me on 'ignore' then you'll not see any of them..
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Hi, I've signed up to this forum because of this thread.
I just bought a brand new A3 berline (french name for Saloon in UK or Limousine in US) TFSI 1.4 COD 150 S Line. I do feel vibrations and slight jolts at very low rpm when it runs in 2 cylinders mode. I know it must be simply due to the COD technology, and there is nothing to complain so much about but I'm really doubtful when people say that this is absoluttely impossible to notice when COD triggers on their cars.
I have a manual gear box and the 2 cylinders mode often makes me feel that the engine is about to stall, especially around 1200 rpm. Before it swtiches back to 4 cyl, I often feel that the car is underpowered or lack smoothness (maybe it's because I had a A3 TDI 2.0 before, previous model).
I don't know if it's related to this engine but I'm surprised as well to see steam exiting from the exhaust pipe constantly these days (even if my car is parked indoor during the night). I'm perfectly delighted with my new car on most aspects but, admittedly, this COD problem et the peace pipe hung behind me stops me from being fully satisfied of my purchase....
Sometimes, I think I should have made the effort to buy the TFSI 1.8 180 version instead, even if the mpg is lower...
I don't know at all if my car has been updated before it left the factory but I'll mention it the 1st time I'll service it for sure in order to see if the situation can improve a little.
I just bought a brand new A3 berline (french name for Saloon in UK or Limousine in US) TFSI 1.4 COD 150 S Line. I do feel vibrations and slight jolts at very low rpm when it runs in 2 cylinders mode. I know it must be simply due to the COD technology, and there is nothing to complain so much about but I'm really doubtful when people say that this is absoluttely impossible to notice when COD triggers on their cars.
I have a manual gear box and the 2 cylinders mode often makes me feel that the engine is about to stall, especially around 1200 rpm. Before it swtiches back to 4 cyl, I often feel that the car is underpowered or lack smoothness (maybe it's because I had a A3 TDI 2.0 before, previous model).
I don't know if it's related to this engine but I'm surprised as well to see steam exiting from the exhaust pipe constantly these days (even if my car is parked indoor during the night). I'm perfectly delighted with my new car on most aspects but, admittedly, this COD problem et the peace pipe hung behind me stops me from being fully satisfied of my purchase....
Sometimes, I think I should have made the effort to buy the TFSI 1.8 180 version instead, even if the mpg is lower...
I don't know at all if my car has been updated before it left the factory but I'll mention it the 1st time I'll service it for sure in order to see if the situation can improve a little.
I'm used to have condensation only short time after start when the exhaust gets warm in cold weather but then it disappears rapidly.
With this car, it seem to remain like that all the time. Maybe it's due to the fact that exhaust pipes don't get really hot with that engine (compared with TDI and the DPF filter...) and finally the condensation never really disappear (besides I still haven't driven more than 40 minutes in one ride).
With this car, it seem to remain like that all the time. Maybe it's due to the fact that exhaust pipes don't get really hot with that engine (compared with TDI and the DPF filter...) and finally the condensation never really disappear (besides I still haven't driven more than 40 minutes in one ride).
Its normal for a petrol engine with a catalytic convertor to produce more water vapour when cold than a petrol engine without. Thats why a trail of water is left behind the exhaust when you first drive off, diesels produce less because they produce less hydrogen. I have read that for a petrol engine every pound of fuel is burned you get about a pound and a third of water but I'm not sure how true that is...
LuisM
Registered User
Welcome to the forum!
I fully share your opinions. Although I regret you have the vibrations, I'm glad to see another user that has the same as I have. Not a big problem as you say, but the engine would feel nicer and smoother if it didn't have those vibrations. They are normal in this engine I guess, or at least in some units. A lot of us do notice them, as you have seen on this thread (others don't notice or don't have them). Apart from that it's a nice, powerful engine.
I also have quite some vapour from my exhaust pipe. It also struck me as unusual, as my former car didn't have that much. Glad to see others have it too, so it must be normal.
I fully share your opinions. Although I regret you have the vibrations, I'm glad to see another user that has the same as I have. Not a big problem as you say, but the engine would feel nicer and smoother if it didn't have those vibrations. They are normal in this engine I guess, or at least in some units. A lot of us do notice them, as you have seen on this thread (others don't notice or don't have them). Apart from that it's a nice, powerful engine.
I also have quite some vapour from my exhaust pipe. It also struck me as unusual, as my former car didn't have that much. Glad to see others have it too, so it must be normal.
I definitely know when the car is in 2-cyl mode based on the sound it makes - when gently accelerating it makes a kind of purring sound, like a cat. But it's never felt different, no vibrations or jolts - though I have S-Tronic so maybe our experience is different. I test drove (for around 30 minutes) a manual COD 150 and didn't notice vibrations either. Power - it feels like how a 150HP car should feel, but if you have engine problems then it won't feel like it should.
Clearly it is an issue for some A3 CODs - so definitely should check it out with Audi. I haven't personally looked myself...but perhaps a VW car forum might cover this issue? VW brands use the same engine but called something different. In the Golf it's called ACT (Active Cylinder Technology). If it's a wide spread problem then it's more likely Audi or their bosses at VW will take a look?
I have a lot of steam from the exhausts - always have since day one of ownership! Of course when it's cold or at night you see it more.
Thank you guys for your answers. It seems indeed that we don't all drive the exact same car. I feel vibrations mostly in the gaz and clutch pedals but it's not strong enough to feel it in the wheel or in the seats (fortunately!) as some others reported.
Actually, it's just difficult to accept this kind of flaws right after spending 32.5K€ for a compact premium car, you'd want it to be perfect without any compromise to deal with. Anyway, let's hope that it won't focus too much my attention in the future (only drove 350km until then) otherwise I'll go to Audi in order to let them know and look for an hypothetical fix...(I'm not really optimistic on that point though).
Regarding the vapour from the exhaust pipe, let's say it'll be better in spring and summer!
Actually, it's just difficult to accept this kind of flaws right after spending 32.5K€ for a compact premium car, you'd want it to be perfect without any compromise to deal with. Anyway, let's hope that it won't focus too much my attention in the future (only drove 350km until then) otherwise I'll go to Audi in order to let them know and look for an hypothetical fix...(I'm not really optimistic on that point though).
Regarding the vapour from the exhaust pipe, let's say it'll be better in spring and summer!
LuisM
Registered User
If you go to the dealer and get a solution (other than the software update mentioned by user dkpeters on this thread) please tell us!
As you say, try not to focus too much on the vibrations. Other than that it's a great engine
As you say, try not to focus too much on the vibrations. Other than that it's a great engine
Thank you guys for your answers. It seems indeed that we don't all drive the exact same car. I feel vibrations mostly in the gaz and clutch pedals but it's not strong enough to feel it in the wheel or in the seats (fortunately!) as some others reported.
Actually, it's just difficult to accept this kind of flaws right after spending 32.5K€ for a compact premium car, you'd want it to be perfect without any compromise to deal with. Anyway, let's hope that it won't focus too much my attention in the future (only drove 350km until then) otherwise I'll go to Audi in order to let them know and look for an hypothetical fix...(I'm not really optimistic on that point though).
Regarding the vapour from the exhaust pipe, let's say it'll be better in spring and summer!
A quick Google of "Golf ACT vibrations" shows a fair few posts on other forums experiencing the same as you.
It's definitely a problem with that engine. I just hope it's fixable for you!
It's definitely a problem with that engine. I just hope it's fixable for you!
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=g...id-sonymobile&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8 the first post agrees with my experiences, others say that there might be some engines that may have a manufacturering defect. I'd go along with that and it might explain the minority of reports compared to the number sold.
It's certainly a minority. I mean stats on this forum say it all - hardly any COD owners have this problem. Though from the descriptions it sounds like a nasty defect. The spread might be low (hence Audi will likely drag their feet on it) but the impact on individuals is high.
Personally I'd rather my car break down entirely and get the whole lot replaced than feel broken and jerky...
Yes for those who seem to have this happening it can be very real, but the engine should not be considered flawed because a minority have this. I can feel there pain though..
Hi guys, been a long time since I've been on this forum but good news! I seriously urge anyone with these vibrations to read below and contact your audi dealer for the update.
Recently my car went in for a few things, and I also got them to check for a COD update after the one we got in May 2015 - and there is indeed a newer version now so I was looking forward to collecting.
So I collected the car, it was a cold morning about 4 degrees so I drove down towards the dual carriageway which is a fair distance from my Audi dealer, and the engine had only just warmed nearing it - not once did 2cyl mode come in so I think it's had more tweaks for not coming in on a cold engine. The first time it was in after it had warmed up I had never even noticed, the DIS was saying it was. Unfortunately when I got on the dual carriageway there was vibrations at 60mph - but they stopped when I accelerated to 70. I hit a 50mph road with no vibrations and some 30/20mph roads with speed bumps (lots of staying in a low gear for that, which normally brings jolts/vibrations) and it was faultless.
Since that drive home, its gotten better and better (they do say the ECU learns the way you drive to improve efficiency) and I have not had ONE jolt since. The only time I noticed it vibrating was that drive home at 60mph and in all honesty, haven't had enough chance yet to fully test it. I've mainly driven at 30/40 and can say i've noticed nothing. I have faith that Audi are sorting this issue.
One other thing, my mpg seems better - a short journey at 30/40 - with one brisk acceleration moment got me 39.9mpg - was 40 until I blasted it once lol. I used to get about 37mpg but it does depend on what driving circumstance I'm in - so I won't hold it to that.
However, another thing i've noticed is my supercharger engages a lot better than it did - I had a slight lag when changing gear - especially 1st to 2nd and it was a little annoying when I thought Superchargers are instant. Wether or not it's a coincidence i'm not sure but it's definitely a lot more smoother like a naturally aspirated engine. So thumbs up.
P.S - to everyone saying they don't have this problem. You probably do, your just a lot less bothered/don't notice things like some people do or, your engine is doing this a lot less - I bet every engine does this - some worse than others. I had a courtesy 1.4 COD A3 and it did the same thing the odd time. I can understand though the S-Tronic's being a lot better since everything is auto/computerised compared to the manual that has a hunk of meat controlling what they want to do, whilst the computer is telling 2cyl what to do - I'd also like to say I think the vibrations are down to 'load' - when it's vibrating it's either a timing, or some software thinking it is ok to be in 2 cyl when actually it shouldn't be since there is too much load on the engine at that time. After all, the only reason it should be in is when it's under light load which is maybe sometimes why I notice it. Sometimes it can do it, sometimes it won't. Depends how heavy my foot is on the accelerator, I can let go a little and it will stop (still in 2 cyl though!) however, other times I tweak my foot and it will turn off 2 cyl (this is on the same road in the same area) so it needs more tweaks, they are slowly getting it right one step at a time. Least the jolts have near enough stopped. Looks like they need to focus on having it come in 2 cyl less. I hate revving at 2.5k revs in 2nd gear and it vibrates (rumbles) like hell. But in 1st gear at same revs it's not noticeable? I don't think it should come in low gears at revs like that anyway, it's annoying and counteracts if you are wanting to put your foot down as there is a moment for it to come out of 2cyl. - however I will admit, i've not replicated this in real driving yet (rarely in traffic anyway lol) but I got this to happen up my road, only with purposely trying to. I guess the way round this is in traffic don't keep it revving, but it's not nice changing gear every second to respond to the traffic speeding up and slowing down. Personally, it shouldn't come in at lower gears with high revs. We'll see if they tweak that. This 2 cyl is best at higher speeds anyway, like motorway at 70mph. Never notice it and improves efficiency - however on the motorway I did get jolts when putting my foot down to speed up (not excessively accelerate always though, it can do it with lighter acceleration - but still, after the update with the short time I had at 70mph it was coming in and out perfectly)
I do agree this 'problem' is annoying, and is unenjoyable. Especially for a 27k car which is probably one of the best cars i've owned for build quality (even though my window rattles! Still troubleshooting that) and especially a very quiet and comfortable car. After this update though I'm very happy, it's still not perfect but I am confident it will get better and better and in the end - just about perfect I'm much more enjoying my A3, so if you have this problem (actually, even if you don't... would do more good than harm as it's not really just the COD it's updating, hence why my mpg seems better and supercharger more responsive. I can't understand why this isn't a mandatory update - or maybe it is?!) call your audi dealer and ask for the 1.4 COD update
P.S again - please lets not have anymore "Oh I don't have this problem you must be mad" on this forum, we're not idiots.
Recently my car went in for a few things, and I also got them to check for a COD update after the one we got in May 2015 - and there is indeed a newer version now so I was looking forward to collecting.
So I collected the car, it was a cold morning about 4 degrees so I drove down towards the dual carriageway which is a fair distance from my Audi dealer, and the engine had only just warmed nearing it - not once did 2cyl mode come in so I think it's had more tweaks for not coming in on a cold engine. The first time it was in after it had warmed up I had never even noticed, the DIS was saying it was. Unfortunately when I got on the dual carriageway there was vibrations at 60mph - but they stopped when I accelerated to 70. I hit a 50mph road with no vibrations and some 30/20mph roads with speed bumps (lots of staying in a low gear for that, which normally brings jolts/vibrations) and it was faultless.
Since that drive home, its gotten better and better (they do say the ECU learns the way you drive to improve efficiency) and I have not had ONE jolt since. The only time I noticed it vibrating was that drive home at 60mph and in all honesty, haven't had enough chance yet to fully test it. I've mainly driven at 30/40 and can say i've noticed nothing. I have faith that Audi are sorting this issue.
One other thing, my mpg seems better - a short journey at 30/40 - with one brisk acceleration moment got me 39.9mpg - was 40 until I blasted it once lol. I used to get about 37mpg but it does depend on what driving circumstance I'm in - so I won't hold it to that.
However, another thing i've noticed is my supercharger engages a lot better than it did - I had a slight lag when changing gear - especially 1st to 2nd and it was a little annoying when I thought Superchargers are instant. Wether or not it's a coincidence i'm not sure but it's definitely a lot more smoother like a naturally aspirated engine. So thumbs up.
P.S - to everyone saying they don't have this problem. You probably do, your just a lot less bothered/don't notice things like some people do or, your engine is doing this a lot less - I bet every engine does this - some worse than others. I had a courtesy 1.4 COD A3 and it did the same thing the odd time. I can understand though the S-Tronic's being a lot better since everything is auto/computerised compared to the manual that has a hunk of meat controlling what they want to do, whilst the computer is telling 2cyl what to do - I'd also like to say I think the vibrations are down to 'load' - when it's vibrating it's either a timing, or some software thinking it is ok to be in 2 cyl when actually it shouldn't be since there is too much load on the engine at that time. After all, the only reason it should be in is when it's under light load which is maybe sometimes why I notice it. Sometimes it can do it, sometimes it won't. Depends how heavy my foot is on the accelerator, I can let go a little and it will stop (still in 2 cyl though!) however, other times I tweak my foot and it will turn off 2 cyl (this is on the same road in the same area) so it needs more tweaks, they are slowly getting it right one step at a time. Least the jolts have near enough stopped. Looks like they need to focus on having it come in 2 cyl less. I hate revving at 2.5k revs in 2nd gear and it vibrates (rumbles) like hell. But in 1st gear at same revs it's not noticeable? I don't think it should come in low gears at revs like that anyway, it's annoying and counteracts if you are wanting to put your foot down as there is a moment for it to come out of 2cyl. - however I will admit, i've not replicated this in real driving yet (rarely in traffic anyway lol) but I got this to happen up my road, only with purposely trying to. I guess the way round this is in traffic don't keep it revving, but it's not nice changing gear every second to respond to the traffic speeding up and slowing down. Personally, it shouldn't come in at lower gears with high revs. We'll see if they tweak that. This 2 cyl is best at higher speeds anyway, like motorway at 70mph. Never notice it and improves efficiency - however on the motorway I did get jolts when putting my foot down to speed up (not excessively accelerate always though, it can do it with lighter acceleration - but still, after the update with the short time I had at 70mph it was coming in and out perfectly)
I do agree this 'problem' is annoying, and is unenjoyable. Especially for a 27k car which is probably one of the best cars i've owned for build quality (even though my window rattles! Still troubleshooting that) and especially a very quiet and comfortable car. After this update though I'm very happy, it's still not perfect but I am confident it will get better and better and in the end - just about perfect
I'm much more enjoying my A3, so if you have this problem (actually, even if you don't... would do more good than harm as it's not really just the COD it's updating, hence why my mpg seems better and supercharger more responsive. I can't understand why this isn't a mandatory update - or maybe it is?!) call your audi dealer and ask for the 1.4 COD update P.S again - please lets not have anymore "Oh I don't have this problem you must be mad" on this forum, we're not idiots.
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Hey, just read your post and thought i'd comment. If your COD is coming in at 1.2k revs you have the old software. They have restricted it do 1.3k now (might be 1.4k I can't remember) which made a difference. Sounds like you might be 2 versions behind now as there is another new update - ring your audi dealer and ask for the 1.4 COD engine software update. There is a big improvement - read above
On the topic of steam from the exhaust, it's normal. It even happens in the summer sometimes! (not when it's hot, and the engine is warm though)
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Many thanks J4MMYz for this update, as I have asked Audi Portsmouth to check for a COD software update when my car goes in for its first oil change & inspection service at the beginning of March, so it will be very interesting to see what difference this new software has to help cure the slight vibrations I currently have when at low revs in COD mode.
Thank you for the tip, I will definitely ask Audi ton install it quite soon! Could you communicate us the update version (in order to facilitate our request to the dealer)? Many thanks
Don't hold me to this. The previous update in March 2015 was: TPI 2037323/3
Now, I don't know the new one. I'm guessing its the exact same just with /4 - so - TPI 2037323/4
hence the 4th update to the system now.
If your dealer is anything like mine, you'll be fine. Just ask you want the latest 1.4 COD engine update which 'helps diminish COD vibrations/jolts' and they will do the rest
Even if you don't get jolts/vibrations it's worth upgrading your engine - you may even get better MPG out of it. I'm planning to ring my dealer up soon about this.
Interesting analysis as well - I think you meant turbocharger rather than supercharger? Though they are the pretty much the same thing except turbo's rely on exhaust gas to generate power.
I notice when 2cyl mode is in effect based on the sound - a bit like a washing machine when it's spinning. But it never kicks in when the engine is cold, or in 1st or 2nd gear.
It also always switches off when the speed drops below 20mph or if I force S-Tronic to downshift. If I'm cruising at 30mph it'll kick in - and I can hear it very clearly. When I accelerate from 30mph to 40mph there definitely is a slight lag in power initially but generally it seems normal.
COD on my car seems very picky. It has to be at least 3rd gear, at least 20mph, very light load, flat or downhill roads only, engine fully warmed up etc. Perhaps a COD engine behaves differently depending if it's connected to a DSG box or not.
I received my car towards the end of April 2015 so I'm assuming it has the 2nd from latest update - TPI 2037323/3 ?
Interesting analysis as well - I think you meant turbocharger rather than supercharger? Though they are the pretty much the same thing except turbo's rely on exhaust gas to generate power.
I notice when 2cyl mode is in effect based on the sound - a bit like a washing machine when it's spinning. But it never kicks in when the engine is cold, or in 1st or 2nd gear.
It also always switches off when the speed drops below 20mph or if I force S-Tronic to downshift. If I'm cruising at 30mph it'll kick in - and I can hear it very clearly. When I accelerate from 30mph to 40mph there definitely is a slight lag in power initially but generally it seems normal.
COD on my car seems very picky. It has to be at least 3rd gear, at least 20mph, very light load, flat or downhill roads only, engine fully warmed up etc. Perhaps a COD engine behaves differently depending if it's connected to a DSG box or not.
I received my car towards the end of April 2015 so I'm assuming it has the 2nd from latest update - TPI 2037323/3 ?