Please Help
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Please Help
2002 manual A4 1.8T with 120,000 miles. Check engine light been on for my catalytic converter. When I took it to the shop he found some other issues. I can't decide if repairs are even worth it. Here's my issues:
Timing Belt, Water pump and tensioner: Quoted $992
Catalytic Converter & Down Pipe (gaskets also): Quoted $1,400
Adjuster valve, cam timing adjuster unit, half moon gaskets, timing chain, valve cover gaskets: Quoted $1,373
Shop offered to not charge tax if paid in cash so $3,700. Edmunds.com says dealer quote will be approx $3,000 for trade in. I love my car but want to make the smart move. Please help with suggestions.
Timing Belt, Water pump and tensioner: Quoted $992
Catalytic Converter & Down Pipe (gaskets also): Quoted $1,400
Adjuster valve, cam timing adjuster unit, half moon gaskets, timing chain, valve cover gaskets: Quoted $1,373
Shop offered to not charge tax if paid in cash so $3,700. Edmunds.com says dealer quote will be approx $3,000 for trade in. I love my car but want to make the smart move. Please help with suggestions.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Fort Worth, Tx
My questions would be:
1) When was the timing belt last done? You cannot tell via inspection btw...
2) What is wrong with the downpipe?
3) Are you leaking oil or is the cam adjuster making noise?
1) When was the timing belt last done? You cannot tell via inspection btw...
2) What is wrong with the downpipe?
3) Are you leaking oil or is the cam adjuster making noise?
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
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Hey hows it going. I have to same car as you and I also have the same problem with my catalytic converter ( just havent had time to fix it) .Now there are a couple things you may be able to do to help yourself and not have to replace a cat. They are fairly easy to take off it is only six bolts all together. You will new to jack up your car because the bottom three bolts are not accessible from under the hood. Once you take your cat off try soaking it in a detergent for a few hours then pressure wash the inside to clear any junk that may be clogging it. All it is, is a filter for your exaust and even 4% clogged will trip you check engine lights. Also you may want to change your o2 sensors because they read the same codes. If you have your heart set on replacing it that's fine you can find them as cheap as 150 on eBay motors. I would try cleaning it first instead of paying the ridiculous 1400 to have someone do a job you may potentially be able to do yourself. Utilize YouTube videos to learn how to take off and replace the catalytic converter.
Thread Starter
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Thanks for your reply. I had done the timing belt a bit early b/c I had a water pump issue. Belt was probably done at around 55,000 miles. As far as all the issues go, I really don't experience any differences in my car. Maybe slight shaking and revving a bit higher in idle position. Cleared the check engine and it stayed off for around 100 miles but returned. Need to get inspection. Wonder if I can clear and get immediate inspection while light is off or emissions test will still reveal faulty Cat.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 135
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Hey hows it going. I have to same car as you and I also have the same problem with my catalytic converter ( just havent had time to fix it) .Now there are a couple things you may be able to do to help yourself and not have to replace a cat. They are fairly easy to take off it is only six bolts all together. You will new to jack up your car because the bottom three bolts are not accessible from under the hood. Once you take your cat off try soaking it in a detergent for a few hours then pressure wash the inside to clear any junk that may be clogging it. All it is, is a filter for your exaust and even 4% clogged will trip you check engine lights. Also you may want to change your o2 sensors because they read the same codes. If you have your heart set on replacing it that's fine you can find them as cheap as 150 on eBay motors. I would try cleaning it first instead of paying the ridiculous 1400 to have someone do a job you may potentially be able to do yourself. Utilize YouTube videos to learn how to take off and replace the catalytic converter.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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If you think the CAT is on it's way out then upgrade it to a 034 HFC there a lot cheaper then the original and will still pass inspection.
You say you changed the timing belt at 55k and your now on 120k then your over due and should get it done ASAP.
The CAT is an easy job and if you get a HFC get the lamber sensor bypass while your at it to make sure you don't get any codes. It not the easiest thing to do due to the location of the bolts but do able.
You say you changed the timing belt at 55k and your now on 120k then your over due and should get it done ASAP.
The CAT is an easy job and if you get a HFC get the lamber sensor bypass while your at it to make sure you don't get any codes. It not the easiest thing to do due to the location of the bolts but do able.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Fort Worth, Tx
As far as your timing belt, yes, need to get that done before too long. 65,000 miles would be about the limit for me personnally given the history of our cars.
As far as the cat, it does sound like it is on its way out. Still not sure you need a downpipe...
As far as the cat, it does sound like it is on its way out. Still not sure you need a downpipe...
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So my cousin does work in his garage and took my old cat out. The connector between the down pipe (looks like woven basket) was torn. I'm in the process of replacing the Cat, O2 sensors (bosch), and that connector piece that was on the down pipe. Now I'm not even sure if the Cat was the issue but just replacing it at this point. Hope the after market cat and O2 sensors clear my codes. I've heard some negative feedback on after market.
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That part on the down pipe of the exaust is just a flex joint. It is post catalyst and has no real function to the engine. However it is funny that you mentioned that because my car has the same thing where the steel weave is torn. And we experienced the same problems with performance. Out of couriosity why is it that you think that it wasn't your actual cat? Did your mechanic see any problems with the old cat? I am interested because I still haven had a chance to fix mine yet.
So my cousin does work in his garage and took my old cat out. The connector between the down pipe (looks like woven basket) was torn. I'm in the process of replacing the Cat, O2 sensors (bosch), and that connector piece that was on the down pipe. Now I'm not even sure if the Cat was the issue but just replacing it at this point. Hope the after market cat and O2 sensors clear my codes. I've heard some negative feedback on after market.
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