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Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

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

You are in the Audi A4 Forum.

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

    
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Messages Page 60 of 238

#582 of 2367 Re: 2002 A4 Recall Notices [gsnoddy] by cyberpmg

Jan 21, 2005 (9:33 am)

Replying to: gsnoddy (Jan 20, 2005 8:45 pm)
Audi has only a few items of recall on the A4. First, the ignition coils should be replaced with an updated version (as 2002 and 2003 models did experience ignition coil failures). If the A4 has the 1.8T engine, there's been a notice to have the engine serviced with synthetic oil instead of regular oil (to reduce oil sludge). Any other item would be listed as a Technical Service Bulletin which isn't normally viewable by the public (meant for service technicians).
 
Sounds like she may have an early build of the 2002 model. There does seem to be a situation where people who bought an early built 2002 model have encountered a lot of problems. It's not that uncommon for autobuilders to experience some problems during the first year of a new model design. 2002 was the first year of the redesign of the A4 (B6).
 
I had an early built 2002 A4 that also had a lot of problems. It was built in August of 2001. The build date can be found on a sticker placed on the inside door opening (driver's door, I think). Mine had 2 failed ignition coils, 3 failed catalytic converters, a failed headlight washer pump motor, a failed windshield wiper arm motor, and many other items. I had one of the thickest service record files on the B6 A4 at my dealer.
 
The final straw was a catastrophic engine failure that required an engine replacement. Something happened (possible oil pump failure and sensor failure) that caused a valve to stick, then wear down a cam lobe. The metal fragments from the wearing down of the cam lobe surged through the engine causing lots of nicks and gouges around the camshafts, pistons, and cylinders. I had 83,400 miles on it, but I had extended warranty. What had happened to me was viewed as extremely rare and unusual.
 
The warranty stated that the replacement engine should be a used engine (not new or rebuilt). Since I had no history on the replacement engine, I worked a deal to trade it in and get a Certified Pre-Owned 2004 A4 1.8T with the Ultrasport package.
 
I've heard very strong reliability from 2003 and 2004 A4 owners, so it looks like Audi was able to correct the problems that were encountered from the early 2002 builds.
 
Since her A4 is beyond the OEM warranty (ended at 50K miles), there's nothing that can be done about declaring it a lemon (usually only happens during first year of ownership and low miles - check local state laws for more info).
 
I understand the frustration she's going through. Hope this helps!

#583 of 2367 Re: Sludge Problem [ad01] by witsend

Jan 21, 2005 (5:20 pm)

Replying to: ad01 (Jan 11, 2005 10:56 am)
Count your blessings. Purchased my '98 A4 1.8T new and have adored it. Three days ago the engine seized, seconds after I exited a very high-speed expressway. Audi says it's a result of oil sludge buildup, but won't pay for a new engine because I've changed the oil as recommended in the Owner's Manual (7500 mi intervals), but not the Maintenance Booklet (5000 mi intervals for that engine only). During the 3-yr warranty period when I had service performed exclusively at the dealer, the mechanics never once used the Maint. Booklet to document service. So I never looked at it after the first time, and completely forgot that it said anything different than the Owner's Manual about oil change intervals. (The OM says change the oil at 7500 miles intervals, and consult the Maint Booklet for more detailed info about maintenance. It doesn't say to check the Maint Booklet for info specific to my engine. Nor does it say, anywhere in the manual, that some information may not be accurate for some vehicles.) Audi concedes that this is the only instance in which the Owner's Manual is not accurate for all varieties of A4, but they still say it's my fault.
They apparently sent a letter to owners in August 2004 about this problem, but I did not receive it. (The letter also referenced the Owner's Manual, not the Maintenance Booklet.) And I had the car in for service at the dealer last month, and nobody mentioned this potentially fatal problem (although they did mention some other recall issues that came up recently, which of course they didn't have time to fix unless I could leave the car with them for a week before Christmas). If I'd known, I would have done whatever necessary to resolve the problem before destroying the engine, and fought about the cost later. As it is, I'm looking at many thousands of dollars for a rebuilt engine (a new one would cost more than the car is worth).
The dealer told me they've had six or seven "oil sludge victims" come in so far, and I'm the first one for whom Audi has denied the extended warranty coverage.
I'm outraged, frustrated, frightened (by what could have happened on the freeway), and grief-stricken because I really love this car!

#584 of 2367 Re: Sludge Problem [ad01] by witsend

Jan 21, 2005 (5:22 pm)

Replying to: ad01 (Jan 11, 2005 10:56 am)
Oh, yes, I forgot to mention....at no time did the oil pressure light or the check engine light come on. They both came on when the engine seized, but not before.

#585 of 2367 Re: Sludge Problem [witsend] by jplyman

Jan 24, 2005 (8:46 am)

Replying to: witsend (Jan 21, 2005 5:22 pm)
I would talk with somebody high up at the dealership and see if they can help you with Audi and also I would use the "Lawyer" word with them - be very nice and let them an Audi know that you followed the OM etc.... and if they can not come up with a solution then you will be forced to follow up the courts even though this is not what you want but they leave you no choice. You may also want to look at some consumer groups for help. Kill them with kindness and apologize to the dealer if you need to pull him into a lawsuit and or negative publicity because they did not do there job in informing you about this problem.. I bet if you do that in a kind manner the dealer maybe able to get Audi to change their mind.
 
Good Luck!

#586 of 2367 Re: Cold Weather: Shattered Rear Heated Glass AUDI A4 [kittymc] by a4lease

Jan 24, 2005 (6:13 pm)

Replying to: kittymc (Jan 13, 2005 8:13 am)
This happened to me as well, on a '96 A4.
 
-A4lease

#587 of 2367 HELP!! by mirandamay

Jan 25, 2005 (6:18 pm)

i was wondering if anyone had any of the following problems with their audi - i have browsed through some of the previous problems and didn't see anything on them
1st of all i had an oil leak, however there was never any oil light or indication of any problem except for the oil puddles everywhere i parked. i took in to the dealer where it took over a week for them to fix. they replaced some gaskets and other things they claimed were causing the problem. they also cleaned hoses and such. my car still had an oil leak when i picked up. i took it back and they finally fixed it. this time i was told it was the cooler filter seal?
that was 2 weeks ago. this week (only 300 miles later), along with the constant smell of burning oil my car emits, my climate control is malfunctioning. my econ light will not turn off. the dealer says this isn't that big of a deal and they scheduled service. i was wondering if either of these things have happened to anyone else. also - has anyone else experienced an esp problem? the day after i bought my car-my esp light would not turn off- i had to service it immediately something do with my all wheel drive or abs or both?
any help would be greatly appreciated - i only have 300 miles left on my warranty and im getting very scared by the way i have an a4 1.8t quattro

#588 of 2367 ABS light plus ESP Light problem by rjorge3

Feb 01, 2005 (7:28 am)

I have the same problem with my new 2005 A4 1.8. Was the dealer able to fix the problem.
This morning my ABS light will not turn off and the ESP light is still on. I turn off the car and the ABS light went away, but the ESP light is still on.
 
Let me know, what the dealer told you.
 
Thanks

#589 of 2367 Cigarette Lighter Hideaway by drinnan

Feb 09, 2005 (4:53 pm)

My cigarette lighter hideaway in the center console is stuck in the hidden position. Seems that the lighter itself has popped out while down there. I have tried to slide tools down between the casing and the lighter to try and pop it back in but nothing is working...Any suggestions?? please!

#590 of 2367 A4 1.8T 2002 Need new tires by rdkayak

Feb 09, 2005 (5:42 pm)

My husband is currently shopping for new tires for his Audi A4 1.8T 2002. I've had to do this for my car and had so much help here on Edmunds. Anyone out there suggest an all wheel tire. We are in CT so we get all types of weather here in New England. Town Fair Tire was trying to sell him Toyo's...they try to sell everyone Toyo's. Any suggestions for good traction/price, etc... would be a great help. Thank you!

#591 of 2367 Re: Security is a Joke: Windows Lowering themselves by lindenc

Feb 13, 2005 (1:52 am)

Replying to: KarenS (May 23, 2001 7:27 am)
Hi. I do have quite a wonderful problem. It would seem if the alarm goes off the car randomly lowers one of the windows on the car. Flaw you might thinK!!!, perhaps even problem!
 
No to the Audi Garage I brought the car off. It's a feature' it's what it's suppose to do (believe it or not thats a quote).
 
When I point out whats the point of an Alarm if it's going to lower windows to the person trying to steal/get access to it, they start getting angry.
 
Any Ideas?

Messages Page 60 of 238

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