Togglehead

Hey guys. Not a new member, but been out of the Audi game for a while as i moved into the world of the Swedes! Currently a happy owner of a 400hp tuned Volvo S60 R. Im competent with a wrench, and although ive spent most of my time here in the B5 A4 forums, i think i see some familiar names still lurking around here.

Anyway, im looking at an 04 Allroad 6MT for my wife. Trouble is, its located in NJ and im in California now. So...ROAD TRIP! I have a concern...but first, the details.

105k (T-belt done at 100k with records to prove)
PS Pump done last year (records)
Control arms done at 90k (records)

As per the guy selling, yesterday the "CEL came on and the exhaust is rumbling, could be a loose gasket".

This to me sounds like a coil pack, or something like that. Before you jump on me asking for codes...i dont have it yet. Im getting a friend to drive the car today, but he doesnt have a code reader. Are there ways to make the dash blink the codes to you like so many other cars? Or do i NEED a scanner?

Any insight into this would be great. Cant afford to be stranded somewhere in the middle of the country...

Thank in advance.

MrKid

There's no way I know of to get codes without a scanner. The old key on, off, on, off, on, does not work.
I'm not sure why you're thinking coil pack. Is the exhaust louder, or is it sputtering? A misfire would most likely give you either a rough idle, or a "surging" under heavy throttle. I had the surging, but a smooth idle when my ICM's went.

thejulex

Buying car in NE from california? Are you nuts? Rust rust rust. The other way - sure.

JustMtnB44

If the exhaust is loud and there is a CEL, then most likely case is the exhaust flex sections are broken. But a scan for codes and a visual inspection would confirm this.