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Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

2367 messages,  Last post on May 16, 2013 at 8:34 AM

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What is this discussion about? Audi A4, Convertible, Sedan, Wagon

    
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Messages Page 197 of 237

#1959 of 2367 RE: ENGINE KNOCK AT IDLE ... [hauschild1] by samaudi

Apr 25, 2009 (4:29 pm)

Replying to: hauschild1 (Apr 24, 2009 8:16 pm)
I Have the same problem with the engine "grinding" noise when I first start my
car. I have a 2005.5 a4 2.0t quattro and complained to the dealership a couple
times and they say they can't fix it. I eventually called audi of america and
told them about the problem and also to ask them if they knew anything about it.
They said it was due to the engine oil not heating quickly enough or something
but doesn't do any damage to the engine. They also said there is no repair for
it.
 
So what you had done actually corrected the problem? Which dealership did you go
to?

#1960 of 2367 RE: ENGINE KNOCK AT IDLE ... [samaudi] by hauschild1

Apr 25, 2009 (11:53 pm)

Replying to: samaudi (Apr 25, 2009 4:29 pm)
Sam,
 
Yes, whatever I explained in my post above in regards to fixing the "knocking" sound in the engine, definitely also addressed the sporadic "grinding" sound of the starter. I should mention that the sound of the starter was something like you would hear if you've ever accidentally kept cranking the starter once the engine turned over - it's a difficult sound to describe, but I knew it was an issue because I could reproduce it at will - not a big deal, but my initial worry was the starter going bad and my warranty is due to expire, so wanted it addressed.
 
Again, I'm not sure if we're talking about the same thing here, but if you look in my post outlining the fixes, you can maybe mention this to your guys. Do you have any issues with a slightly noiser engine at idle? I didn't really notice it until my brother mentioned it to me saying that didn't sound right - it almost sounded like a diesel with a continual rat, tat, tat at idle.
 
Since my car is also a 2005.5, our issues might be related. I'm really particular about my cars - especially expensive cars, so I wouldn't doubt if a lot of people have this problem but don't really care about it.
 
The dealership that finally addressed my issue is Kocourek Audi in Wausau, Wisconsin.

#1961 of 2367 2004 Audi a4 problem by jabriangirls

Apr 30, 2009 (7:09 am)

Yesterday I was driving home and my acceleration just died on my on the highway. I tried to start it back up up and i noticed the engine wouldn't turn over. I was told that it could be a timing belt problem or a trasmission problem. I am praying that it is not the latter. i need any help with this issue. my car only has 87k in mileage. any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

#1962 of 2367 RE: ENGINE KNOCK AT IDLE ... [hauschild1] by samaudi

Apr 30, 2009 (7:34 am)

Replying to: hauschild1 (Apr 25, 2009 11:53 pm)
Hauschild,
I think it's the same exact problem. It doesn't do It all the time, but I would say 8 times out of 10 it happens.
 
I have found a temporary solution to our problem. If you turn the key to the 3rd stage before actually turning the car on (so all of the electronics are on and the lights on the dash) and wait a few seconds before starting it, it will eliminate the problem probably 50% of the time. However this still doesn't completely fix the problem. I will bring my car in again and tell them to do whatever it is that they did to your car to fix it.
 
Luckily, I had the dealer look at the problem before my warranty ended (which was at the end of march) so I should still be covered
 
Thanks for all your help and also, have you had any other problems with your car?
 
Sam

#1963 of 2367 1999 A4 2.8 by kbcharlotte

Apr 30, 2009 (8:15 am)

does anyone know how hard it is to replace a radiator / thermostat? dealership quoted me over $5k!

#1964 of 2367 Re: 2004 Audi a4 problem [jabriangirls] by rowlandj

Apr 30, 2009 (10:33 am)

Replying to: jabriangirls (Apr 30, 2009 7:09 am)
If you have no record of a timing belt change it's very likely that it did fail. I assume you have the 1.8T engine as well? If so, you could have severe engine issues. The problem could be anywhere from bent valves to holes in the pistons as that engine is an 'interference engine'. A break to the timing belt at speed causes significant damage in most cases.
 
I hope it's not that bad for your sake as the repairs for this kind of damage can be expensive.
 
Good luck.

#1965 of 2367 Re: 1999 A4 2.8 [kbcharlotte] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 30, 2009 (10:55 am)

Replying to: kbcharlotte (Apr 30, 2009 8:15 am)
Too much!
 
I called a very good shop in the SF Bay Area and they quoted about $2,000.
 
THIS INCLUDES:
 
timing belt, water pump, pulley bearings, hydraulic tensioner, thermostat, radiator (BAER, not a cheapo radiator), coolant, all labor.
 
Unless you have issues other than mentioned above, your quote seems way too high. You have to compare what's on their estimate with what I've mentioned.

#1966 of 2367 Re: 1999 A4 2.8 [Mr_Shiftright] by kbcharlotte

May 01, 2009 (12:33 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 30, 2009 10:55 am)
thanks for your response... i have only called one place but thought it was kind of high! haven't had much free time to do more research but pretty sure it will be worth my time in checking out other options...
 
cheers

#1967 of 2367 RE: ENGINE KNOCK AT IDLE ... [samaudi] by hauschild1

May 01, 2009 (5:25 pm)

Replying to: samaudi (Apr 30, 2009 7:34 am)
Sam,
 
I bought my car at 33k and have had way, way, way more maintenance issues with it than I have had with all the cars and trucks I've owned in my life, all Fords. The good news is that they were all covered under warranty. The bad news is my warranty expires in about two weeks. Here is what I remember of all the issues I've had addressed:
-faulty brake light switch - caused battery to die (a real doozy to diagnose)
-replaced rear seat latch
-replaced coolvant valve
-replaced windshield wiper motor
-fixed issue with the engine sounding like a diesel
-replaced glove box - it broke off the right side - the hinge is plastic, surprisingly
 
These are most of them and were not show-stoppers, meaning I was never stranded.
 
I am wondering about EXTENDED WARRANTIES. Anybody care to chime in on whether it is worth the price? The cost at the dealership is anywhere from 4-6 k, which is a lot IMO. I'm wondering if one is better off using that money on another pre-owned that has another 1.5-2 years of warranty remaining???

#1968 of 2367 RE: ENGINE KNOCK AT IDLE ... [hauschild1] by mercops

May 04, 2009 (7:40 am)

Replying to: hauschild1 (May 01, 2009 5:25 pm)
Hauschild1;
 
If your warranty expires in two weeks, find any additional concerns you may have with the car, take the car to the dealer with a list of issues IN WRITING and have them corrected. Also, if the vehicle has ANY remaining maintenance servicing to be performed under "Free Servicing" have them documented and completed. As most of your items appear to be small nuisance items, it appears you have a pretty stable vehicle. As far as an extended warranty goes, your best bet is to keep your money, sell the car in a year or so and then invest in a later model that may serve your needs.
 
Cheers,
K.Haus

Messages Page 197 of 237

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