Engine Malfunction Light
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Engine Malfunction Light
I have 98 with 107,500 miles and last week the engine malfunction light came on and the car was seriously sputtering. Luckily, only a few blocks from home. Audi dealer got me in the next morning. $950 later this is what they diagnosed:
- fouled spark plugs
- carbon build up in the cylinder heads
- dirty oil (presumably from incomplete fuel burning)
plus, I need a new battery.
When asked about the carbon deposits they stated that it's one of those things that will eventually happen as an engine ages. Plausible, but he then recommended I drop down to 87-89 octane gas during the winter months, because 91-93 octane gas is slower burning and more likely to contribute to carbon deposits in cold weather. I've never heard that before, but then I've never really given gas that much thought.
As of late the car is used as an around town commuter, not even driven every day.
I'll upload pictures as soon as it's warm enough to go outside.
G.
- fouled spark plugs
- carbon build up in the cylinder heads
- dirty oil (presumably from incomplete fuel burning)
plus, I need a new battery.
When asked about the carbon deposits they stated that it's one of those things that will eventually happen as an engine ages. Plausible, but he then recommended I drop down to 87-89 octane gas during the winter months, because 91-93 octane gas is slower burning and more likely to contribute to carbon deposits in cold weather. I've never heard that before, but then I've never really given gas that much thought.
As of late the car is used as an around town commuter, not even driven every day.
I'll upload pictures as soon as it's warm enough to go outside.
G.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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Re: Engine Malfunction Light
If you had the VAG-COM you would have probably discovered that you were getting a mis-fire in one of the cylinders. Only $60-$70 bucks for a new ignition coil which has always been the problem with my A8(118k) when it sputters. What did you get for $950?
Doug
97 A8Q 118K
Doug
97 A8Q 118K
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Joined: Aug 2003
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The things they are telling you are dubious at best...
Especially the part about the gas, which is totally wrong.
You could need a new battery, but it would not have anything to do with how yor engine runs, after it is running.
You could need a new battery, but it would not have anything to do with how yor engine runs, after it is running.
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