@Knubbi | Posts 16+

Hello Knubbi,

The LMM (mass airflow sensor) was replaced, the injector with the needle lift actuator was replaced, a 'normal' injector was installed, the fuel injection timing was checked, and the AFT oil in the Tiptronic transmission was changed.

DENNIS

...hmm, and that's it?

I've already been through all of that. And I still have my mistake.

@knubbi:

Keine Ahnung ob es das nun endgülig gewesen ist. Das zum Schluss fast ständige Ruckeln ist ja weg. Wir hatten es nur einmal auf der BAB wieder reproduzieren können, aber in einer weitaus schwächewren Form und auch ohne Ruß. Müssen das Ganze mal paar Tage beobachten wie es wird bzw. wie oft es kommt. Vielleicht sind wie schon gesagt noch paar mehr Düsen kaputt bzw. der Fehler ist nur zeitweise besser (wie momentan halt gerade). I just find it strange that two cylinders have slightly elevated values in the idle speed control, and that the torque is low in the measurement data block from the Tiptronic.

DENNIS

Hehe, yes.

I'll talk to my workshop manager again tomorrow. VW states that the KGE (likely referring to a specific component) cannot be changed due to its design, as the oil is also intended for lubricating the valves (according to the VW repair manual). I'm concerned that the cyclone separator might cause more damage.
'No one has been able to give me the correct part number yet, because there are thousands of different parts like that at VW/Audi.'
We're going to have a little chat tomorrow.

My workshop finally received an email from Audi today, requesting them to inspect the camshafts and rocker arms (yawn!), as well as measure the data blocks 8, 10, and 11 under full load. (yawn!).

Let's see how long they'll keep playing these email games before someone finally snaps and quits.

Hello everyone,

der Audi von meinem Dad steht seit heute wieder bei Audi. Das Ruckeln ist wieder da... und zwar heftiger als bisher. Man braucht den Wagen nur einmal über 3500-4000 drehen, wenn man dann zwei Gänge hochschaltet (Tiptronic) unim Dehzahlbereich 1700-2500 lamdet, ruckelt der Wagen so heftig das man alles festhalten muss was nicht festgeschraubt ist. Die Beschleunigung dabei ist gleich null und er rußt blau-grau. Das ganze verschwindet auch nicht wieder, solange man nicht stehen bleibt oder über 300 U/min kommt. However, if you switch to 'N' and briefly accelerate it to idle speed and then accelerate it again with a gear engaged, it works perfectly again, until you reach a higher RPM range once more.
Ich hatte das ganze gestern mal im Stand beim Leerlauf ausprobiert. Wenn man ihn (warm natürlich) a la Abgasuntersuchung auf über 4000 U/min hochjagt merkt man teilweise schon einen aussetzer oder eine ungewöhnliche Vibration. Aber es kommt noch besser! Wenn man dann ein zweites mal Gas gibt, aber nur bis etwa 1800 U/min, hört sich der Motor grauenhaft an, er läuft extrem unrund und qualmt. Es macht den Eindruck, als laufe er nur noch auf 3 oder 4 Zylindern! SeThat's strange... !?
Der Audi-Mann meinte er wieder, es würde vom Getriebe kommen. Ich bat ihm das auch mal im Stand auf 'N' zu machen und siehe da, er war dann etwas sprachlos...
Ich bin mal gespannt, was sie nun wieder tauschen wollen...

Has anyone ever experienced something like that before?

So far, the following items have been exchanged:
NHG and another nozzle.
Diesel filters.
LMM
and the start date of the funding is verified.

Vehicle data: A6 avant quattro Tiptronic AFB, manufactured in November 1999, 149,000 km.

Regards,
DENNIS

Hello!

I have to admit, in my case, it was the camshafts.

I had all the camshafts, lifters, and hydraulic elements replaced. Now the car runs like it did on the first day.

I experienced the exact same phenomenon. It felt like the engine was only running on 3 cylinders.

Tip: Looking through the oil filler cap is not enough. Take the valve covers off. It's a pain, but it was worth it.

I was even paid 65% of the value of an Audi.

Regards,

Knubbi.

Hello Knubbi,

Apparently, the camshaft is okay. That's what they told me weeks ago when I inquired. They had already removed the covers to replace the injectors, and they also checked for the 'known' problem while they were at it.

Ich warte mal was sie die Tage mir erzählen wollen...

DENNIS

Hello everyone,

noch immer steht der Audi in der Werkstatt. Ich habe heute mal nachgefragt wie die Lage so ist. Ziemlich deprimiert erzähle der Service-Mann mir, das er noch immer ruckelt. Sie haben am ne neue ESP eingebaut und es hatte NULL Erfolg. Sie sind wohl momentan recht verzweifelt, weil sie nicht mehr wissen was sie noch tun sollen. Wiederholt haben sie eine Anfrage bei Audi in Ingolstadt gestellt um von dort Unterstützung zur Problemlösung zu bekommen. SThey currently still have the valve covers removed, and they mentioned that the camshaft has very slight signs of wear, but they don't think that's the cause of the misfire.
As I understand it, they now want to replace the other four nozzles, and possibly the engine control unit.

@Knubbi
How did the camshafts look on your car? Were they inspected at all, or the lifters/hydraulic lifters?

DENNIS

Hello fellow sufferer!

I was literally missing millimeters (!).

The car is driving wonderfully now. I'm using 1 liter less fuel!

Regards,

W.

Hello,

Have you already deactivated the AGR (Abgasrückführung system)?

It's possible that the valve is stuck in the fully open position, perhaps due to carbon buildup or oil sludge.

Hello Thomas,

Apparently, the AGR (automatic gearbox) was also checked or even replaced. At least, that's what the service technician told me.

DENNIS

Hello everyone!

Okay, now it's time for the third round. Today, I visited my friendly service advisor and wanted to get an update on the status of things in person.
Sie hatten leider gerade wieder die Ventildeckel drauf, so das ich nicht mal einen Blick ins Innerste des Kopfs werfen durfte. Ich konfrontierte ihn mal mit dem was 'knubbi' geschrieben hatte und was letztendlich wohl zum Erfolg führte. Etwas skeptisch hat er es sich durchgelesen... bevor er diesen Tausch macht, wolle er ersteinmal abwarten, was die Anfrage bei Audi für ein Ergebnis bringt. BIn the initial request four weeks ago, they suggested it might be a Tipptronic issue, but that's unlikely since it also happens when the car is stationary.
Zufällig kam die Antwort gerade als er den Text von 'knubbi' gelesen hatte. Audi schlug ebenfalls vor Nockenwellen, Schlepphebel und Hydros komplett zu tauschen. Welch Zufall...
Am Montag soll es mit der Demontage der Teile losgehen. Vielleicht sollten sie der Einfachheit lieber gleich zwei neue Köpfe drauf machen...

DENNIS

Hello Dennis!

It was similar for me. I had the timing belt replaced at 120,000 km. At that time, the problem had already started to appear, and I had already researched the known issues with the engine.
I had told the mechanic to take a look at the camshafts. If that mechanic had looked more closely, I would have avoided a lot of trouble.
After that, I replaced the ESP, all the injectors, and the control unit. Now that the problem has been identified, the 'experts' just made stupid remarks: 'random parts replacement,' etc. But what can you do? The problem couldn't be found using logic. I need a car that works, and I had already ruled out the camshafts as the issue.

Regarding the suggestion to replace the cylinder head: It's generally a thankless job to work on this engine. If it's avoidable, I would only replace the parts from the valve train. Audi won't pay for more anyway. I'm curious to see if you'll even get anything done with this year and mileage!

Keep me updated.

Regards,

Knubbi.

Hello everyone, hello knubbi.

I feel sorry for anyone who had to pay for all of this out of their own pocket. Audi doesn't even cover the warranty to ensure that the replacement parts will ultimately function properly. If they don't, you've already paid the bill and will be asked to pay again later.
Fortunately, we have a used car warranty from Audi, which is a good thing because it has now been extended for a second time. People are happy to pay for it, and it gives them peace of mind when they have to take their car to the workshop for repairs, especially when those repairs involve a significant amount of time or materials.
Ich kann es nur jedem empfehlen so eine Garantie abzuschließen bzw. sie auch zu verlängen. Das geht bis zu einem km-Stand von 150tkm. Man hat bei Reparaturen einen Eeigenanteil von 10% bis max. 250 Euro zu tragen. So sehen solche Probleme wie dieses hier, dann recht kostengünstog aus.
With a sinking feeling, I think about what might happen to my A6 if something 'happens' to the AFB... because, of course, I no longer have a warranty due to the many kilometers . I hope it keeps running for a while. I just need to finally fix the oil leak... unfortunately, that's not a simple thing to do with this machine .

I think there will be new news from Audi on Wednesday. I will keep you updated...

Have a nice Sunday!

DENNIS

Hello everyone,

Sorry for only now writing about the latest news regarding the Audi.
Ich habe den Wagen am Donnerstag abgeholt. Gemacht wurden die vier Nockenwellen, 24 Schlepphebel und 24 Hydros. Er gilt laut Audi nun als geheilt. Ich hatte mir mal die ausgebauten Nockenwellen angeschaut und musste mit erschrecken feststellen, das sie furchtbar aussahen. Fast alle Nocken hatten mehr oder weniger schlimme Einlaufspuren. Manche 'Nocken-Spitzen' zagen aus wie Mondkrater und hatten eine ganz rauhe Oberfläche. Um ehrlich zu sein, bin ich mächtig entsetzt wie so etwas heutzutage überhaupt noch passieren kann. Ist die Technik nicht schon lange so weit fortgeschritten, das das Material solchen Belastungen locker standhalten könnte und auch müsste? Zum Glück ging die Rechnung bis auf 250 Euro auf die GW-Garantie. Die The invoice would have been 2500 euros otherwise.It's a shame for those who have to pay for such a repair completely out of their own pocket. Actually, all the affected owners should get together and contact Audi or the specialist press. But I don't think anything will come of it, because Audi has all the power, and no one wants to risk getting burned by them. In such cases, the buyer is always the one who gets the short end of the stick... *sigh*Unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to thoroughly test the car yet. I tried to reproduce the error on the short distances I drove, but I haven't been able to do so. I also get the impression that it pulls better than before. I'm also curious to see if there's any change in fuel consumption (it was 9 liters on the highway and 12 in the city).
If this was indeed the final cause, it might be worth including it in the error database, as it could save a significant amount of money. Audi often replaces parts 'without hesitation,' such as ESP systems, injectors, NHG (noise, vibration, and harshness) components, diesel filters, AGR (exhaust gas recirculation) systems, etc. None of this would have been necessary if they were at least aware of the precise effects of defective camshafts or hydraulic lifters.I'm only wondering why the engine had to be revved up to a high RPM before the error occurred, and then it appeared again when accelerating from 1600 RPM. A fixed part like the camshaft shouldn't cause such behavior, right? It should always be the same! I suspect it might be related to the lifters...

If the AFB starts causing this problem again despite the repair, I will post here again. Otherwise, I hope I've helped some people who might be experiencing a similar issue. If anyone has questions about this topic, feel free to message me.

Have a great weekend!

DENNIS