Acceleration/ Power "Hiccup" Issue - Anyone with Similar Experience?
 

Hello all. I'm driving a stock 2003 1.8TQ A4 with 121,000 KMs and about several weeks ago I started noticing a power "hiccup" between 1K-2K RPM. It happens throughout that range and I'm pretty confident it's not a turbo problem.

The hiccup occurs while I am accelerating slowly and multiple hiccups are common.

The dealer says I need a new clutch - they did not inspect the guts of the clutch but said there were some signs (dust, extra play in the gearbox, etc). I have a hard time believing it's the clutch since I drive standard by the book (no riding, no dropping, no resting hand on the gear shifter, etc) - to add insult they said 99% of the time it's driver error. Did I mention that my car has been a lemon since day 1?

Anyway I would prefer not to drop $2,500 on a new clutch when my clutch seems to be working properly with good pedal feel, no slipping or chattering, no change in shifter feel (there is no extra play), and the issue occurs after I have shifted the gears.

Has anyone experienced this power hiccup and was it your clutch that was the problem?

I need a second opinion...thanks!

My hiccup was coil pack related. But it happened around 3K...
 

I'm pretty sure a new DV is in order for mine as well.

Your clutch may very well be on it's way, but you still have time. An aftermarket clutch will cost far less than OEM and provide much better performance. Granted, you should have it installed someplace other than yee old stealership.

Most folks these days are running South Bend Clutches which can be purchased thru a variety of places including Avalon Motorsports.

Here's a thread from AZ w/some more info on SB's clutch lineup if you're interested:<ul><li><a href="http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=120598">SB Clutch Info</a></li></ul>

Its a coil pack. Mine was the same when the first onw went out.

scan for codes

Wait, since it's been at the dealer, shouldn't the codes be on the paperwork?

How old are you plugs?

Re: How old are you plugs?
 

Without my records nearby or a good memory, I cannot say for sure. I have had all scheduled maintenance performed every 15K, but I can't remember if any of those included plug replacement.

Re: Wait, since it's been at the dealer, shouldn't the codes be on the paperwork?
 

No code check is indicated on the paperwork. Their summary is: "Roadtest with client - felt hesitation. Inspected and found a lot of dust built up around transmission and subframe. Also felt a lot of play in transmission when in gear. Need to remove transmission and inspect components."

As I mentioned before, the gear shift feels no different from day one...I don't know what extra play he is talking about.

Plugs are cheap... might be a good place to start.