skoebl

Hey everyone!

So I was getting a random misfire (stumble, with flashing CEL), and after research, determined that it was probably either the plugs or the coils not firing. So I started at the cheapest end, and replaced the plugs. After doing so, my car wouldn't start. It would crank and crank and crank, but no go.
I pulled the plugs, and they were bone dry, but showed signs of sparking (I don't have another person to actually turn the key while grounding out the plugs to see them actually firing, but they do show discoloration from the spark, so I think it's a fair assumption that they are actually firing.
The fact that they are bone dry after a whole lot of cranking it is more concerning. I changed the battery (was cranking kind of weakly, so it needed it anyway), and changed out the fuel pump relay. The in-tank fuel pump works, and I'm getting high pressure fuel in to the rail, but it isn't getting past the injectors.

I haven't found a definitive "this is what the problem is", but what I've found seems to point to the ECU being toast. Does this sound like it's the case? I doubt it's clogged injectors, since that would require all 4 to get clogged at the same time, which seems incredibly unlikely. I'd like to exhaust all options before I drop the money on a new ECU, or a used one that I get re-flashed.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

The car is a 2007 A3, bone stock.

findalex

Does the car start after you put the old plugs back?

skoebl

It does not. I get the same issue of dry plugs, with no smell of fuel or anything in the cylinder.

And just to note, I did make very certain that the coil connectors were clean and seated well (and you'd think that even if I didn't one time, after 20 times of taking it all apart I'd get it right at least once lol)

findalex

Do you have access to a VAG-COM or equivalent? Check for codes.

skoebl

No access to vag-com, but I went and got the codes checked when it first started misfiring, and nothing came up. They (AutoZone) did use a scanner that had an Audi option, because I know that question will probably be asked.
​​​​

skoebl

Not sure why my response didn't post, but no, I don't have access to that. I did check for codes when I initially had the misfire, and nothing came up (I was using a fancy reader that had an Audi mode on it).

​​​​

skoebl

Maybe the third time trying to reply will be the charm.

I don't have access to VAG-COM, but I did get the codes checked when it first started misfiring, and none came up (they did use a 'fancy' reader that had an Audi mode on it).

On the topic of VAG-COM, is there a good place to go or send an ECU to get it reflashed to my VIN?

Peter D Valdiviezo

Do you hear your fuel pump activating when you have your key in the "ON" position?

skoebl

Yes, both the in-tank pump and the high pressure pump are operational

Peter D Valdiviezo

Did you ever figure out what the problem was?