GodSend

Hey Guys, brand new TT owner here. Just a few quick questions I thought I would run by you guys.

1) Anyone ever taken the dealer up on the american timing belt/dash cluster lawsuits?

2) Car has 135,000kms. Past owner "thinks" timing belt was done, no proof. I was thinking about taking it to independent tuning (they quoted 1300$). Before I do.. Any other recommendations for shops (cheaper/better?). If I took it to a dealer for an inspection and they thought the timing belt looked good/new, would you trust them?

3) I only have 1 switchblade key and nothing else. Is there another alternative other then ebay (do I need the switchblade at all?)

4) The idle is hunting. Assuming a vacuume leak (I have a boost gauge to install this weekend). Any recommended places to search for that leak. It does not occur all the time, and oddly enough seems a lot worse when I have the dash vent blower off.

Thats it for now guys. Thanks.

Jazz

i got the new cluster...but what is the timing belt thing you speak of???
hey, post a pic in the thread on audi tt

amlaw

I recently had temp gauge go off the scale. Turned out to be the water pump. Mine has 112k at the time; therefore obviously had the timing belt done. Received quote for around $1200 by independent.
Got quote from Audi just round the corner from you, 401 and Mavis. Think they quoted $1550 plus taxes. I said I was prepared to pay $1300 all in. They came back and said they could do the job for $1350 ALL IN.
So I took it them and had no issues.
Also, I wouldn't trust having anybody just look at the belt. If it's not been replaced, just bite the bullet and replace. Main dealer will put a sticker to say when it's been replaced.
Also, you can ask at the Audi dealership for service history. Just give them VIN. Could shed some light on the vehicles past.

Andy

GodSend

Good point, thanks guys. Carfax was suprisingly detailed on the previous history. I called the dealer in NY where it was previously worked on for most of its life but they had no record of the timing belt being changed.

Heres some info on the timing belt issue : timingbeltsettlement.com

GodSend

Jazz, where did you get the new cluster? I found the service guy at Mississauga Audi less then helpful. He did quote me 1300$ before taxes, so I will mention this posting.

Jazz

i got my cluster from audi about 6 weeks ago i guess....go to a dealer and tell them you cluster is f***ed and the fuel thing is failing and that you spoke to audi canada and they told you to come in to get a new one. thats what i did.....

Neova

Hey GodSend,

I'm a new TT owner as well. I'm also looking into the timing belt issue (see my response to the "timing belt" thread. I also only go one remote for my TT as well, and also I don't have the Radio Code.

I got the following quotes from Audi Uptown Markham

- New Key including cutting $192
- Programming (all existing keys needs to be reprogrammed as well) $55
- Look up Radio Security code (if you ever disconnect your battery the radio will be locked) $55

My current remote didn't have the tag that tells you what FCCID it is. So if you buy on eBay (about $50USD) you will have to rely on the seller's word that it works with the 2000-2001 Audi TT. Apparently from model years 2002 onwards they had different models for the immoboliser so if you don't get one that is for 2001 it might not work.

Also, you would need to buy a key that is uncut, as obviously a cut key won't work on the locks of your TT. Only audi dealers can "reliably" cut your key, so they will probably charge around $100 for the cutting (i haven't asked, just guessing).

So if you buy from ebay, with the current 1.25 exchange rate, your savings might not be that great anymore plus it might not work if you got the wrong key model.

You can always live with just one key, or buy a valet key without the remote. I think it would be much cheaper than $192, maybe only $100 including cutting.

As for programming I found a couple online posts about being able to do this yourself. The only thing is that you would only be able to program your new key to that of your existing key. If the previous owner still had a key to your car and somehow located your car, he can just unlock and drive away. For me I'd rather pay the $55 charge to have both keys re-programed so it renders the previous keys useless on my car.

Jazz

they told me 350 for a new key!!!! ;0

seinsmeld13

I agree take it to the dealer, if they say you need belt then take it to an independant. If they say the belt is good then you don't need one. As far as the key they will cut you a new one and re-program your existing key. As far as the dash, they won't replace unless it is visually f@#ked. I had mine done but the inspection had to show there was a problem. Done free of charge. Jazz any chance I can take your car for a spin? I'm thinking of lowering mine and would like to try yours out before I do so. Let me know.

Jazz

ya, we can do that....ill have the winters on it till april...but when ever you want.