Pzzazz

Hey all,

I have a 2001 A6 4.2 that I've run into a couple issues on. I'd appreciate anyone's input! I know there's many out here that have encyclopedic knowledge of Audi vehicles, so hopefully someone can direct me on what I should be doing to correct these things.

Firstly - the notorious hazard switch clicking issue, which I read about on here when it started failing. I've just had a new one installed, and the new one is doing the same as the first, although it sounds more like a bad connection now. Instead of clicking, it's both clicking, and more predominantly, a buzzing - sort of like an electrical 'arching' sound. Kinda scary hearing something like that from under the dash, and even more annoying than the clicking on it's own.

Has anyone else run into the same situation? Are there any other components that could effect the turn signal relay?

Secondly, I'm experiencing excessive wear on the inside edge of the front tires. I've had a 4 wheel alignment done within the last year, and I'm told that things were fine. I haven't hit anything - no deep potholes at all. It's chewed through my front two tires pretty badly.

At the time the alignment was done, the front passenger tire was very worn on the inside. The dealer didn't notice this at the time, which I found odd - it was worn to the wear bars and pieces of wire were actually protruding from the tire!! Nonetheless, I wondered how a 4 wheel alignment could be done, and this not be noticed. And more so, is the alignment accurate when it's done with one tire in such bad shape??

Any input from the community here would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Ecmbuster

Arching or senseless clicking - noisy relays indicate a poor ground circuit or the solder points within the relay is failing. Another fault is shorted to control circuits from another controller. Find the relay and using a schematic will guide you to the control circuit and even the name of the relay.

Flasher relays are prone to fail.

As for the alignment, fire the dealer!

Purchase 4 new tires and get that alignment done again. Have that new shop "prove" that their equipment is capable of aligning a 4 link suspension with all 4 wheels and set up "bump steer". If they don't know that or the type of suspension spec to input into the computer, fire them also.

Snow Rocket

My flasher is on the fritz too... it blinks once and wuits, everytime. Both left and right does the same thing but the hazzard switch works fine. Also, the rear window switches are intermittent, but the drivers door switch for the rear windows work fine. I noticed both problems simultaneously.

Anyone know where the turn signal relay is located (under drivers knee bolster)? Also, is there a seperate one for left and right?

Ecmbuster

Depending on year, the hazard and flasher is the same switch. You'll also need to test the wiring at the signal switch stalk. Older models, behind the Instrument cluster.

Rear window issues can be found where the wiring passes through the door into the "B" pillar. Use OEM wire replacements with crimp and shrink connections well past the damage.

Pzzazz

Just as an update, I had the car in again today & the turn signal stalk has been changed. I have signals, cruise control & hazard relays all working A-OK now.

I've found out from the car's previous owner that the tire wear issue has been been an issue for the entire life of the vehicle! Apparently, there's been no solution available. I find it difficult to believe, as Ecmbuster pointed out. (and thanks for the input!)

So, based on the idea that this wear isn't normal, where can I take it to be aligned where i KNOW the job will be done right?

Ecmbuster

I have my finger on an Ontario map image, If I close my eyes and point, I just found Kakabeka Falls Ontario, not too many 4 wheel alignment there.

If you're in Oakville Ontario, these are the guys I trust. You should have it inspected before aligning the suspension. If the suspension has been modified, tell them.
Cross Avenue Motors
142 Cross Avenue
Oakville ON L6J 2W6
905-845-0666

Snow Rocket

I fixed my flasher today - well... replaced it. $94 later from the dealer. It was very simple to replace, I just popped off the trim cover of the cupholder/ orange triangle, and gently pried out the flasher relay ( the orange triangle). Odd how my Corolla's flasher never quit after 500,000 Km, even then its a $5 part.


Last year I had to replace my front drivers tire. Outside was lots of tread, inside edge had the belts ripping out. Had an alignment done and the guy said everything was "in spec". Still charged for a 4 wheel alignment. After replacing the tire I have put more miles than the old tire, and no sign of wear. The tires are Yoko Avid H4S.


On a side note, my rear power window switch quit working at exactly the same time as the flasher relay. The problem is intermittent, and the front switch for the rear windows works fine.

Pzzazz

Thanks for the reply. I have a new trim piece for around the hazard, but haven't put it in. I'm hoping to be able to do so without breaking the clips, but haven't mustered up the courage to try just yet.

I'm going to have the suspension looked at, and then more than likely buy 4 new tires and have it aligned again.

Pzzazz

Hopefully someone can answer a quick question on the tire wear subject again for me - If the alignment is out, would you expect to see similar wear on winter tires through the winter season?

In my mind, there's got to be less heat and friction over the winter, and the winter tire is a harder rubber, which could mean that you wouldn't see the effects of a bad alignment on your winter tires (which are brand new this season).

The dealer isn't wanting to own up & I don't think I should have to shell out for 4 new tires and pay for another alignment again!

Thanks!