Audi engine light problem

ETRY

Hi I have an audi a3 02 automatic hatch back, sometimes my engine light goes on and the car takes a while to start but it always does, it also seems use more fuel when light is on.
So i have brought it to a garage he said he has replaced the coolant temp switch and the coolant and he cleared the faulty code. so i drive away and the car runs fine for a few days then the engine light comes on and the same thing happens again so i take it back to the garage he sticks on his computer cleared the codes and the car works. I've done this a few times now and i have had it checked by two garages and they can't figure it out. its passed the NCT as well. Has anyone come across this Thanks Emmet

jimgoose

What codes exactly are showing up on the diags?

ETRY

Hi Jim i dont have the exact code some kind of error in the cooling system, i have to go back to the garage. Im thinking i should go to an audi garage this time

jimgoose

ETRY wrote: »

Hi Jim i dont have the exact code some kind of error in the cooling system, i have to go back to the garage. Im thinking i should go to an audi garage this time

You don't need to go to an Audi garage. You just need the diagnostic codes and, ideally, a mechanic that knows what they mean and what to do with them!

ETRY

Im going back to the same garage ill give him another try and i will get the exact codes maybe he can fix it this time. Thanks Emmet

ETRY

Im not sure but this may be the error code

http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/17704/P1296/004758#Possible_Solutions

tossy

You would be mad to bring a 12 year old car to Audi. Where are you based ? Someone should be able to recommend a competent indy mechanic near you.

If you are in Kildare i can scan the car for you to get the exact fault code at least.

ETRY

Thanks Tossy, Ill give the guy im with one more go if he cant sort it ill have to move on again, so if any one knows a good mechanic around Dublin 12 8 6 area preferably, but ill go further if i can just get it sorted once and for all, thanks

Greyfoot

Auto hatchback, oh no!

What engine pal?

sebastianlieken

Try this:

It will only take you 1 minute and it might sort the problem you're having.

Get an old toothbrush.
Open the bonnet.
Remove the expansion tank lid. (ONLY WHEN ENGINE IS COLD)



Inside the tank is a prong with two tines (it's connected to the thingy identified by the arrow above)
There is bound to be gunk on these tines, with your toothbrush, give them a clean. Dont break the tines... be gentle.

This is your coolant level sensor and works on conductivity through a medium which is your liquid coolant. Gunk on the prongs will act as electrical insulation and will throw off the readings and make the ECU think the coolant level is low.

You'll see yourself on a visual inspection if they're gunked up.

ETRY

Greyfoot wrote: »

Auto hatchback, oh no!

What engine pal?

Its a 1.6 engin Grayfoot

Cheers sebastianlieken i will give your suggestion a go, the thing is the light went off this morning and now its running fine but i know that little sucker will light up again at some stage and ill get the same problem. Thanks For the advice guys

sebastianlieken

I could have been clearer actually,you're sticking the toothbrush inside the expansion tank to clean the tines while they're still in situ - you're not disconnecting any cables...

George Dalton

The coolant level sensor will not cause any faults in the engine ECU, nor will it cause the engine management light to come on. It will only cause the red low coolant warning light to come on.

sawdoubters

http://repairpal.com/audi/a3

Greyfoot

It could be anything from coil packs to crank sensor etc, without code its useless guessing game really

sandydan

was cooling system flushed before replacing coolant? that unit helps regulate fuel supply depending on engine temp,if its same as skoda - told by dealer that units differ depending on engine number-saw one with that problem starting was slow,very economical though until replacing unit which solved light and starting problem,surely new unit is not faulty or the incorrect one,just check condition of wires off that switch that you can see just in case any are chafed as well as condition of contacts for corrosion or just gunk, another thing if it comes on again run an earth wire from engine to rad to eliminate static electricity triggering light (unlikely but possible).that is done on some loader and truck engines ,it helps eliminate porosity problems developing in engines as well due to static. is water temperature reading normal expected temp whenever light comes on ie comparing to outside temp gauge (mine was higher)
would get another mechanic with vw diagnostics or take up tossy on his offer

sebastianlieken

George Dalton wrote: »

The coolant level sensor will not cause any faults in the engine ECU, nor will it cause the engine management light to come on. It will only cause the red low coolant warning light to come on.

flip I misread the original post, thanks for catching that

ETRY

Thanks for all the advice guys the engine light is off and car is running fine for the last week. All the best