Rex_Lewis

I have a 2001 A8 S in the morning the car runs fine however after 30 min or so nearly all the warning lights and alarms com on, the speedometer stops working, electric steering is faulty, suspension seems hard, ABS not working.

If any one can advise what this might be as when i take for Diagnostics they want to replace half the car parts and dont guarantee thy will find the problem.

I feel myself it may be one of the computers in the car.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated as i have limited funds.

the_duke

Without a VCDS scan it's tough to give any advice. Step 1 in troubleshooting computer controlled cars is to ask the computer what's wrong.

Y888

autozone can check your check engine for free,if you can drive it there.
I got basic obd reader bosch for 35$ i think.You can read codes and erase them.

the_duke

Except there are many, many codes that are VAG specific and can only be seen by a factory scan tool or VCDS. In the case of the OP's issue that will probably be the only way to see them.

Rex_Lewis

Thanks for the advice, i have already taken to three garages and every time they suggest some replacement like ABS sensors or airbag so i replace what they say and then the problem is still there. The scan tools give a list as long as your arm looks like all the parts in the car are broken!!! has anyone had a similar problem with the 4.2.
Looking like i might have to scrap the car as the amounts im spending on it i could have bought a decent second hand car!

audinutt

Have you checked your voltage?
An alternator that is faulty can cause all kinds of issues.

-Richard

Rex_Lewis

Thanks will look at that now and let you know

audinutt

You can monitor your voltage from the climate control if you want, it's not quiet as accurate but would tell you if you are below 12v or over for that matter.
You can also connect a meter to the battery and monitor after things start going haywire (warning lights, etc.)

-Richard

MikkiJayne

Also check for water ingress under the passenger side carpet. There's a lot of electrical stuff under there and its a prime spot for leaks when the plenum or hvac drains get blocked.

Rex_Lewis

Measured with a voltmeter and a constant 13.5V as we are in Dubai it has not rained for months and the floors are totally dry. I cleaned all the connections to the computers under the floor but still the same problems.
thanks for all your inputs