A3 2010 Glow plug flashing and in Limp home mode

[Simonnew]

Hi Guys,
My 2010 5 door A3 Sport back with 120k on the clock which was serviced about 8 months ago started flashing the Glow plug light and now drives in what I have been told is limp home mode.

(Hardly any power but still drives in all gears smoothly but will not go above 3000 revs)

The garage I use for my MOT is closed until 3rd Jan and I am worried if it will do any damage to the engine if I continue to drive it, I have done about 20 miles since this happened.

Anyone have any ideas or is this a garage matter?

Cheers and Merry Christmas.

 

[Marek196c]

check for errors with vcds, if don't got one check on map for nearby users

 

[Retroman]

My handbook doesn't show a glow plug warning light and a failing glow plug would not normally initiate "limp" mode. I have three possible culprits:-
1) yellow sideways coil spring = Engine management system
2) yellow engine symbol = Emission control system
3) yellow exhaust box symbol = DPF
As mentioned above, plugging into a diagnostic software will pinpoint.

 

[Marek196c]

can help:

FIXED!!!!
(And you won't believe how simple the fault was.)
This may be a wee bit long winded, but it may just help those that are having the same problem.
So my car went in today to my very trusted well equiped independent diesel specialist.
First thing they did was take it out on a road test, and would you believe it, against all the odds, it went into limp mode whilst they were driving it. It last did it about 500 miles ago. They did say that even before it went into limp, that it felt nothing like the 170bhp it should have. (I've thought this for the 11 months that I've owned it!)
They hooked it up to their diagnostics software, and the usual codes were there. 00665 (Boost pressure control range not reached), and 0299 (Short with Power intermittent).
They then started to control the engine using their software to rev it up and the like. They noticed that the turbo actuator was opening, but not as much as it should.
This is where it gets interesting. He then simply touched the wiring plug that goes onto it, and hey presto, actuator opened fully. They then took off the connector and removed the pins, cleaned it all out properly and reassembled. Turbo actuator now FULLY operational, and let me tell you, I've NEVER felt this car drive like it does now. The mechanic encouraged me to take it out and accelerate onto a motorway. It nearly ripped my ****** arms off!
So, to put it simply, one of the wires in the actuator plug wasn't making a good connection, meaning the actuator wasn't opening properly, thus not allowing full boost through. The turbo pressure sensor was picking this up, and generating the limp mode and fault codes.
I'm not saying that this is definitely everyone's problem, but it may give you or your mechanic something to go on.
It might also be worth noting that this connector is located just forward of the turbo, and also just near the EGR valve. As we all know, there are some ridiculous temperatures around that part of the engine bay, so that may affect the integrity of the wiring plug.
And finally, well done to my local Audi main dealer (to remain anonymous) who diagnosed it as the turbo at fault, and offered to change it for me for £2500.

Hope this helps some of you.

MMM

 

[Simonnew]

My handbook doesn't show a glow plug warning light and a failing glow plug would not normally initiate "limp" mode. I have three possible culprits:-
1) yellow sideways coil spring = Engine management system
2) yellow engine symbol = Emission control system
3) yellow exhaust box symbol = DPF
As mentioned above, plugging into a diagnostic software will pinpoint.

Thanks for the reply although I'm not completely sure what you mean about the yellow sideways coil spring?
I have uploaded an image of the light that is flashing on mine.

 

[Simonnew]

check for errors with vcds, if don't got one check on map for nearby users

Thanks Marek196c,
I have messaged a couple of users as soon as you mentioned that, I am now awaiting there reply.
I guess this means they have the machine to read the codes and I just sort out how much they charge with them privately.
Is there a average price for this?

Thanks

 

[Simonnew]

can help:

Thanks Marek,

I would like tho check the plug before taking it to a garage is the guys I have contacted on here to do the code check don't get back to me.
I have no idea on the engine where the turbo actuator is to locate the plug, you wouldn't have a pic or be able to describe to a non mechanic would you?

Thanks

 

[Retroman]

My handbook for my 2010 TDI describes (page 13) the amber “sideways coil spring” symbol as the “engine management” warning light.

It goes on to say (page 18): - “If the indicator lamp lights up when the ignition is switched on, the glow plugs are preheating. If the indicator lamp does not light up or if it flashes while the vehicle is moving, there is a fault in the engine management system.”

In any event, diagnostics is the best initial step.

 

[Marek196c]

sideways coil spring light is glow plug light cause if you rotate it 90 degrees it seem to be an coil spring. for fault reader you can check on vcds map and pm nearby guy to you. Or to buy it you can get Ross tech vcds original for 300£ (circa), clones for 50£ (both dedicated ONLY to vag group mean audi vw skoda seat porsche lamborghini bugatti and something else i think) or generic reader on ebay from 15£ or still generic but comphrensive DELPHI for 1200£ (if remember right)

 

[Simonnew]

Thanks Marek,

I have arranged to meet up with Devilz from here today to get the code read.
my car is still in the limp home mode and now getting concerned this is going to cost a small fortune.
So I guess once I get the code its just a case of telling a garage what the code is and they change the part?

Cheers

 

[Matt268uk]

I had the same fault on mine recently. It was the egr valve. Cost approx £250 from tps and then £30 for it to be fitted. Hope this helps.

 

[Simonnew]

That does help thanks.
I'll post the codes once I know them.

 

[Simonnew]

I have had my car scanned by Devilz, (Thanks again)

1 Fault Found:
7343 - EGR Sensor 2
P0407 00 [032] - Signal too Low
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 193475 km
Date: 2016.11.28
Time: 13:36:59

this is what was found.
I'm hoping it's just a case of changing the sensor now, does anyone have a rough idea how much this would cost if taken to a garage before I go there?

Thanks

 

[Marek196c]

hmm do you know your engine code? then best think is just locate the sensor as well check the valve itself, its electronic operated one right?

 

[Simonnew]

The sensor and value are built in together which means I couldn't just change the sensor,
I have the car fixed now as I changed the whole EGR Value.

Thanks for everyone's advice.