MCbruges

I have previously posted some electronic problems I have experienced with our 2003 A4 1.8T. Every so often the car will suddenly die as a result off complete electronic shut down. Consequently It will not restart, yet all electronics are back online. The engine seems to turn over but won't start. After waiting for 1/2 to 1 hour the car will suddenly start and have no problems what so ever until the next time it happens. i.e. no CEL, or anything visible.

I pulled the faults codes and they didn't make much sense. I took the car to the dealer, their first response was: we pulled the codes but nothing stands out to reflect the electronic troubles.

Today I get a phone call from the dealer who says they have to replace the ignition electronics, the part has to come from Germany, etc. etc. and it will cost CAN$ +400.00.

To me this sounds like typical "stealer" comments to replace a part and charge me $$$.

Please see the fault codes below which I pulled, if you have any insight to them or can explain to me that these codes result in the need for a new ignition, I greatly appreciate it.
Thanks

Address 01: Engine
Controller: 8E0 909 518 AF
Component: 1.8L R4/5VT G 0003
Coding: 0016701
Shop #: WSC 63351
1 Fault Found:
17978 - Engine Start Blocked by Immobilizer
P1570 - 008 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
Readiness: 0000 0000

Address 17: Instruments
Controller: 8E0 920 900 L
Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRS. RB4 D36
Coding: 03300
Shop #: WSC 91520
1 Fault Found:
01176 - Key
07-10 - Signal too Low - Intermittent

Joey T

Remote starter?

MCbruges

If you're asking if a remote starter is installed? The answer is no. This Audi came and remained stock. It is a 2003 A4 1.8T with sport package (Canadian version). No aftermarket mods.

Asgor

Have you tried using the spare key? Does the problem continue to occur?

MCbruges

You make a good point.
As multiple family members use the car I know for sure that both keys are used. But I am unaware if the problem happens everytime with the same key.

The loss of all electronic equipment has now happend 3-4 times in the last 6 months over a span of 10000-35000 km. As you can see it is not frequent but when it happens it is extremely inconvenient and even dangerous. The time before last when it occured, the car was travellling at 120 km/h on the free-way at night. And this is definitely a safety hazard, especially with the winter at the door.

Hence, I am not against paying the stealership $$$ to change the ignition electronics, as this is definitely a safety issue. But doing the repairs without knowing it will solve the electronic problem does worry me slightly.

diagnosticator1

The immobilizer has intervened and shut the engine down, because the immobilizer has lost communication with the key fob, caused by the loss of the radio signal from the key. There is a "reader coil" adjacent to the ignition switch that sends and receives radio signals to the key fob transceiver electronics. There can be an intermittent failure of that reader coil or its circuit connection to the immobilizer in the instrument cluster. The key fob may be failing to send or receive the correct signals reliably.
Further, these codes match your running problem, but do not implicate any part of the ignition system itself. Insist the service dept. explain in detail their justification for the proposed replacement of parts not involved in the failure.
Are you without any original warranty?

MCbruges

Thank you for your reply.
This looks like the answer. I just spoke with the qualified service technician who told me exactly what you posted. He told me the reader coil is part of the ignition switch and they will replace this.

Unfortunately I don't think I have any original warranty as our family has already put over 150 000 km on the car. We are ofcourse original owners and apart from some of these issues we are very much enjoying our audis.

Thanks to all for their helpfull comments. I will post an update on the success of the repair.

Fred

diagnosticator1

A diplomatic appeal to the service manager for an adjustment of the repair cost to demonstrate their owner appreciation and to help compensate you for the hassle this has caused may be worthwhile.