Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Friendly hello from a VAG group tech to all the members here on AudiForums.ca

Full disclosure: I am a VAG workshop/garage owner. Helping members on another forum (RFD Automotive section) but I wanted to create a thread to help out members here.


Ask away!

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Welcome

a few questions regarding a 2009 A3

why do 2.0T motors sound like a diesel?
why is there so much road noise coming into the car?
what is your opinion of stage 1 chip kits for 2009 A3 2.0T from APR -http://www.goapr.com/?

Thanks

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Sorry for the delay! Busy day at the shop...friendly reminder to all Audi owners to stay on top of their timing belt/waterpump changes!

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Thanks for the welcome!

In part, the reason why 2.0T motors sound so 'dieselly' is that Audi in fact incorporated some diesel technologies for this gasoline motor :p. Specifically, the high pressure injectors and pump. So instead of the usual 60 or so PSI, you're looking at about 3000PSI going through the rail.

With respect to the road noise, the A3 is more or less a glorified VW. I know you may not like that answer but it is an entry level model in the Audi lineup. The insulation is not as thick as what you may find in the A4.

The Stage 1 chip kits are a good and safe way to raise HP. (~30 or so IIRC). The only thing I would caution is once you're on the mod road...there's no turning back! ;-)

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Thank you for the info. 3000PSI wow.


I posted another issue and sent you a PM.

https://www.audiforum.ca/2nd-gen-a3-...47/#post190193

Thanks
Shaun

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

I just bought an '03 Audi A4 1.8T. It has been making a loud howling noise whenever I drive. I think it may just be that it has an aftermarket AEM Cold air intake and no airbox. I have ordered one and I plan on putting the stock air filter and everything on it. I just wanted to make sure it isnt possibly the turbo. I've never owned a car with turbo and I've never owned a german car. Please help. I love the car by the way. Also i have done a lot of looking on the web and differrnt forums. I will keep posted once I get the airbox and get it installed.

Thanks,

Kenny

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hey Shaun,

Replied to your PM!

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hey Kenny,

Are you able to distinguish if it is indeed a motor noise or a road noise? You may be hearing a wheel bearing but it seems as if its coming from the motor. Try rev'ving the car in neutral (not in motion)...does the sound still occur?

It may well be the AEM intake but a properly installed one would not create a loud howling noise.

If you'd like bring it by the shop and we can take a quick look at it for you!

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Sorry, I meant to put that I did rev the engine while nuetral and didnt hear it. When I look under the hood while running I can hear a mild sound, almost non existent coming from the passenger side of the engine around where the airbox should be. The air duct coming from the side of the engine bay is open so I was thinking it could just be the airflow coming in from that or something. the CEL is flashing a code for the emissions vacuum leak. Someone told me that usually in turbo engine is the turbo vacuum.

Thanks for the response and any help you are able to give.

Kenny

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hey Kenny,

If you are not hearing the noise while the vehicle is in neutral, there is a good chance its a wheel bearing. Does the sound occur at certain speeds/RPM?

The mild/non-existent sound you are hearing is more than likely just air being pulled in...due to the missing airbox.

This is very important...is the CEL actually flashing? If it is flashing, you have misfires...do not drive the vehicle; there is chance you can damage your cat.

Commonly vacuum leaks do occur in the turbo/PCV system. Do have the code?

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

No, not flashing. The more I think about it the more I agree that it could be the bearing. I just dont feel any major vibrating so I didnt think about it. Thanks again for the help.

Kenny

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Also, the noise is as soon as I start driving. And I cant remember the code number off hand. I just know it said emissions, i know there are about 4 or so different emission codes though on an Audi.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hey MotorFabrik, welcome! And thanks for jumping in on my other post about the long cranking.
Looking forward to the assistance. My 04 A4 Avant is a work in progress and I'm sure I'll have questions along the way. Where is your shop?

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hey Kenny,

If you could get those codes, it would be a lot easier to point you in the right direction as to whats going on with your car

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hey MacB767,

Thanks for the welcome and no worries on the help...thats what we are here for!

Our shop is located in Toronto at Hwy 400/Finch...750 Oakdale Road, Unit 22

motorfabrik.ca
647-479-7773

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

I put the new airbox on yesterday and drove it today to work and that got rid of the CEL, and 90% of the noise. I dont have the snorkel that goes over the air duct thats right by the air box and i think that would get rid of the rest if the noise. But I'm having problems finding one on ebay and the internet. Any suggestions on where I can find one?

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Glad to hear it was just the intake! You can take a look at ECS (http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B6_A4-...take/)...under "Air Box". They have the ducting there.

The dealer can be an alternative source (the part #s are on ECS's website)

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

would you say that the Q5 is a glorified TIG?

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

hey there,
I have just picked up a 2009 q5 with 340,000km on it.
its in great shape and runs well.
problems:
-Amp dead, how do I get it out to replace?
-Steering is like driving with no power, is it done or can I adjust it somehow?
-rides as stiff as a go-kart! can I change that?
Without drive select.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hey Billrh,

Although not sold in Canada as yet, the Q3 is more similar to the Tiguan. (The Q3 will be available in Canada starting 2015).

The Q5 has a completely different gearbox, chassis and 4 wheel drive system.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Amp
Those model year Q5s are infamous for dead amps. They are located in the rear right under a side panel...problem is Audi decided to have a sunroof drain right near the amp. So what happens is water drips on the amp and shorts it. Not hard to remove but very expensive (dealer item 1300$+). Removal is fairly simply...just be careful when removing the fibre optic cable

Steering
Does the steering system make sounds when you crank the wheel? Have you checked power steering fluid levels? Is the system leaking? You may have issues with the steering pump and/or rack.

Ride
Is the ride very stiff/hard? If the shocks/struts have not been replaced at those KM, more than likely that is your problem.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

The ride is very stiff, but that's the first time I've heard someone say they are worn.
No noise or leak from Rack.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Do you have a service history for the vehicle? If the shocks/struts/springs have never been changed and now the car is at 340K, I am willing to bet that the stiff ride is related to those components. Do you hear clunks/clicks over bumps?

Have you checked the condition of the power steering fluid? The Q5s do have power-assisted steering...at low speeds, it should be effortless. At highway speeds, there you will notice a lot more feedback from the wheel. Does your model have the Servotronic?

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

No more questions? These are Audis...theres always something up with them ;)

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

I sent you a pm with regards to a question.

But, actually have another question for a buddy of mine who has a 2004 A4 1.8T Avant.

He is getting alot of air from where his windshield meets his dash. The windshield has not been replaced and with VAGCOM we've recalibrated the air dampeners, still a problem.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Check your PM!

To help me here, can you clarify what you mean by recalibrating the air dampener? If we are taking about the same dampener, its a resonance dampener.
Additionally, does the air flow into the cabin increase with the speed of the car? Does it seem as if air is being emitted from the vents or the seals around the windshield?
Finally, has he recently done any work to his wiper motor/arms/cabin filter?

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

We used VCDS to go to the HVAC controller portion and it went through all of the air vents and you could hear the flaps open and close. I'm assuming these are the air dampeners ( or they may be called something different)

Yes, more speed, more air. It seems to be coming from around the windshield portion in front of the driver and central portion of the dash.

He has not done any work to wiper motors/arms/cabin filter that I know of, but I'll confirm with him tomorrow.

Thanks for your help.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hi,
What information can you provide with respect to oil consumption issues with the 2.0T's? I've got a 2012 A5 and recently saw the oil level indicator drop a couple of notches. (It seems each notch of the oil level indicator is about 1/8 of the entire bar - so does this mean 1/4 of a litre consumed?) I've been researching which oil type/brand to use to prevent oil consumption as much as possible. I've read that some have had success with Mobil1 0w40 or Liqui-Moly 5w40 or Motul 8100 x-cess 5w40. There is thread on another forum where someone had run experiments with a few different oil brands. His results were as follows:

5W40 - Liqui Moly ---> 5000 miles/quart
5W40 - Pennzoil Euro spec ---> 3000 miles/quart
5W40 - Pennzoil US Full syn -> 600-900 miles/quart
5W40 - Total (ELF) ---> 3000 miles/quart
5W40 - Amzoil (mid SAP) ---> Still testing
5W40 - Amzoil (full SAP) ---> To be tested
5W40 - Motul ---> To be tested
0W40 - Mobil (cheap are Wal-Mart) ---> To be tested

Do you have any opinions or recommendations?

Thanks.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

No problem!

Those are just called flaps :-P

If you can also check if the cabin filter cover is properly secured that would be great just to rule it out.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hey there,

Yes you are correct in that approx. 1/4 has been consumed. The oil consumption issue does exist on the 2.0T motors; however there are ways to mitigate it. Doing oil changes much more frequent than the Audi 15K interval (7K max) and warming up the car before driving off are the two biggest. If you follow the Audi 15K interval, by the time you actually change your oil, its so contaminated with fuel that it starts to eat away at the seals.
We've had good experience with the Liqui-Moly and Motul 5w-40. For our customers who burn excessive oil, moving up to 10w-60 sometimes helps.

Couple of questions if you dont mind?
When was your last oil change and how frequent do you change it? How many KM have you driven before noticing the drop on the indicator? What sort of oil are you currently using?

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hi MotorFrabik,
Thanks for chiming in. I just recently got the A5 from an Audi dealer and I've only put on about 2200km so I've never changed the oil yet but it doesn't look like it will last 15K. The oil level was full when I got it and I'm not sure what brand/type of oil Audi dealers use.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Just ordered my 2014 s5, I'm looking for any possible information you could give me. I'm brand new to audi and have no experience with the car, anything I should be doing when I pick it up at dealer? Drive it a certain way to break in? Change oil right away to full syn? Anything at all helps!

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

No problem!

Audi dealerships use Castrol 5w-30 syn. Did they change the oil when you picked up the car?

If you are planning to keep the car, we would highly suggest you stick to an earlier oil change interval...7-75K KM mark maximum. Switching to a 5w-40 helps and thoroughly warming up the car before driving (especially on days like today) helps significantly.

If you are handy with VAGCOM, you can change the in-car service reminder to chime around that mark. If you don't have access to VAGCOM, let me know and we'll adjust it for you no charge/obligation.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hey,

Couple of questions:
Coupe/convertible? Manual or Auto?

If its a convertible, no matter how tempting do not use the top in this weather...even inside the dealership/underground parking.
If manual, be easy on the clutch.

When you pick it up, inspect the car and make sure it is exactly what you ordered; all the options, trim etc. Also inspect for scratches/damage.

For the break in, follow the manual but some tips are: Try and avoid rev'ving over 4000, vary your RPM and speed often (do not use cruise control), try and avoid excessive braking and no jack rabbit starts. After the break-in, gingerly throttle it and let the supercharger kick in..nothing sudden. Only use 91 and avoid short trips where possible.

After the break-in period, you can switch over to a high quality syn. Stick to an earlier oil change interval (not the Audi 15K).

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Presumably, yes. They mentioned they did the 25K service (at about 21K).

How warm is warm? How long to wait? I wait until the RPM drops to 800 before I go. Also, is there a particular brand of 5w-40 that gets the best results? You mentioned good results with Liqui-Moly or Motul. Do you have 1L bottles in stock?

I ordered a cable from eBay, should be arriving soon. If I have any issues, can I drop by your garage for some quick help? :)

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Thanks!

I have the 7 speed s tronic.

The dealer tried to get my on the audi service plan for 15k intervals I laughed and said I plan on doing the oil myself with full syn mobile 1 after break in. Any inherent commonalities with these cars? Odd inherent tweaks or what not? Longer warm up times? I plan on using 94 octane and possibly programmer down the road to open the 3.0 up a little, have Ny recommendation for programmers?

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

My Audi S2 2004 has started vibrating and has lack of power at 2000 to 3000. Feels like its running on 7 cylinders. Spark plugs and Coils replaced. Once and a while it fixes itself for a day or two then back to vibration. I drove the car to Florida and back just driving through the vibration. Some people have said its the flywheel ready to cause many more $$$ problems if I don't get it fixed now.

I'm in Burlington, Ont. Where can I get it checked out?

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Just went to MotorFabrik today for the first time.

The place is very clean, professional and the guys are friendly and knowledgeable.

I will definitely be going there again and will refer anyone to their place.

Thanks Al and the guys for providing top service at a fair price with professional advice.

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Sorry guys...been away from the computer. Back to answering some questions!

Re: Ask me anything about Audis!
 

Hmm so if I am following along correctly, you would want to top off the oil and do your next oil change at about 26K...do not wait for the 40K service. After you top off, record the mileage and see how long it takes until the oil indicator drops again.

Well theres no set figure but as a rule of thumb on a -20 day, you would want to wait at least 8-10min. Everyone has their own opinion (especially on not wasting gas at idle) but on very cold days, you want to let the motor warm up to operating temps; as well as letting the motor heat warm up the steering/transmission/suspension components. We've had good luck with the Motul and Liqui-Moly a close second...unfortunately none of the 1L bottles in stock as of today but will get more next week.

Of course, come by if you get stuck...just give us a heads up!