(Diagnostics) Recently, my 2001 A6 2.7(approx. 56,000 miles) had a check engine light come on and I was told that the only way to specifically identify the problem would be to run a diagnostic check. A run of the diagnostics from a local Audi repair shop determined the problem was:

PO421 = Warm-up Catalyst Below Threshold Bank 1
PO431 = Warm-up Catalyst Below Threshold Bank 2

I should mention that I brought the car into the repair shop only after the light came on once, then went off, them came on again, then went off again. After reading the diagnostics, the shop believed the problem was related to the oxygen sensor or the catalytic converter. Due to the stored readings on the diagnostics, the repair shop, with my blessing, decided to reset the diagnostics since they could not determine the problem exactly. The idea is that I would bring it back if the light were to come on again to have the diagnostics checked. My questions are:

1) Does anyone have an idea as to what exactly be the problem, in reference to the diagnostic codes listed above?
2) Did the repair shop/I handle the problem correctly for now?
3) Is there any suggestions for me to handle this problem?

(Oil Leaks) While in the repair shop, six specific oil leaks were detected:

1&2 Timing Chain Tensionmer Seal Left & Right
3&4 Turbo Feed Seal & Return Line Gasket
5 Cam Seal Passenger Side
6 Front Crank Seal Carrier Gasket

The repair shop has said to replace the gaskets corresponding to the turbo feed and return line, the engine block would need to be dropped. Also, his experience with the A6 2.7 is that this occurs often and he recommends the vehicle be sold in the event that this occurs. My question are:

1. Are these gasket leaks commonplace for the A6 2.7?
2. Any suggestions?

(Warranty Coverage) (Since the vehicle is past 50,000 miles, I am under the extended warranty) I called the Audi dealership where the car was bought to determine if the oil leaks could be fixed under warranty. Their response was that the turbo feed and return and timing chain seal were not covered. But, the cam seal passenger side and the front crank seal carrier gasket was covered. Thus, my questions are:

1. Does anyone know if the oil leak assessment for what is covered under warranty is accurate?
2. If the diagnostics has been potentially reading an error with the oxygen sensor or catalytic converter, can I bring it into the dealership to have either or both replaced under warranty?
3. Does there have to be a reading on the diagnostics for the dealership to determine if there is a problem with the catalytic converter/oxygen sensor?

My dilemma is in the earlier stages of detection and I want to proceed as carefully as possible with as much understanding as I can to discuss with the dealership. Thus, I have been referred to Audiworld forum for discussion. I appreciate any information that can be provided. Thank You.

Micah

 

1. Worst case convertors going south.
2. It was ok to clear the codes, the codes will come back if they are triggered. What the shop did not do was try to generate a readiness code. This checks the EVAP system, throttle valve control unit, Secondary air injection system, 02 sensor heater circuit, 02 contols and the 02 themselves and the working of the convertors. if there is a problem in any of those the readiness code will not be generated.
3. I would have the dealer or a very good Audi shop who knows how to test these things before somebody wastes your money throwing parts at the problem.

1.Yes they are common leaks except for the front cover.
2. No suggestions other than fix them or live with the smell and some oil on the floor. There are plenty of owners who just live with it.

1. I find it very odd that you were told that only some of the leaks were covered. I know of no extended warranty co that differentiates between some seal and gaskets. I would verify that through the provider. Usually its all seals or just those that would need to be replaced because of an internal hard part failure.
2. Take a look at the warranty book, It will detail what is covered under your emissions warranty.
3. There does not have to be code present to test the operation of the 02's or cats.

 

Thank you very much for your time in answering my questions. If you happen to be interested in what the local repair shop says after asking them about the EVAP system, I will gladly email you. My email is grownded@aol.com and my name is Micah. Again, thank you for your help!

 

those convertor codes might not come back at all, but if they do, generating a readiness code is the first step in the diagnosis. When a system doesnt pass it has to be corrected before proceding to any repair. Do not accept statements from the repair shop like, "Well we think its your xyz, but you could have other problems, but we cant know without replacing xyz. Most likely xyz is some hundreds of dollars and most likely not the end of it.