A3 TDI: Engine Stalling - Common Problem?

Hello,

I'm currently experiencing the following problem with my Audi A3 TDI, manufactured in 1999:

'In recent weeks, the problem has been occurring more frequently: the engine suddenly shuts off after approximately 2 to 3 kilometers. This means that the car starts normally, I drive a few kilometers, and then the engine dies. Restarting the engine is then not possible, but only after about 5 to 10 minutes. This same issue can then happen again, sometimes even a second or third time.'

I've noticed that the preheating indicator light doesn't come on when there's a failed attempt to restart the engine. It only lights up again when it becomes visible, and then the engine starts working again.

Furthermore, I've noticed that this only happens in the first few kilometers. When it's running, it runs fine. However, if I stop and turn off the engine, there's a chance it won't start again...

Does anyone have any idea what might be causing this? Could it be a problem with a 1999 Audi A3 TDI? What kind of costs am I likely to be looking at? Thanks for any feedback!

Which MKB?

Pure speculations:

- possibly a lock-out module.
"I had similar symptoms in a Hyundai Accent CRDI, and in that case, it was the aforementioned module that was the problem."
It was replaced, and then it worked again.
- Possibly the injection system/pump -> Have the fault memory been checked and the injection times verified?
-checked for air in the fuel system?
-checked for a clogged fuel filter?
-Timing belt/pump correctly adjusted?
-worn timing belt pulley?
-Does it then jump without any organ flourishes and/or white/blue smoke effects?
- What about the performance/smoke when it's running?

Here are the things I would check in advance to definitively rule them out.

Best regards, Poldi.

Relay 109 Search.

The part number is 219 and it's located near the engine control unit (ECU) in the A4. It's probably in the same location in the A3. The cost is approximately 19€.

That reminds me, in a similar case here on the forum, it was the control unit... (although it was in conjunction with tuning modifications and due to a poorly soldered base for the chip).

Best regards, Poldi.

Interestingly, the problem has never occurred during the winter. It only started happening recently, during these warmer days.

By the way, the error memory didn't show any results. However, that's probably because the engine started again after about 10 minutes, so there likely wasn't an error anymore.

Audi A3, TDI, 110 horsepower, manufactured in 1999.

-> 109 or its audio equivalent, as Martin already mentioned.

Thank you for your feedback! Do I need to take it to an Audi dealership, an independent repair shop, or can I replace it myself?

For VWs: self-service.

buy, remove the old one, insert the new one, done.

The same applies to Audi.

bastion wrote:

At Audi, it's called 219 and is located near the engine control unit (ECU) in the A4. It's probably the same in the A3. The cost is approximately 19€.

In the A3, it should be located in slot 12 of the central electrical unit, underneath the steering wheel (relay for the diesel direct injection system).

I have now acquired relay 109. However, I'm still not entirely clear on where I need to replace it. Do I need to remove the entire dashboard panel below the steering wheel to do so?

Yes, unfortunately.

Remove the cover over the fuses. Underneath, you will find 4 screws.
There are three more screws located in the housing. Pull the mounting plate, which is located near the light switch, slightly towards the door to release the latch. It is still locked twice at the steering wheel height. Then, disconnect the connector at the light switch and at the automatic headlight range control (LWR). Now you should be able to remove it .

Everything worked out, thank you very much! The fact that the '109' label on the relay is upside down, unlike before, shouldn't bother me, right?!? At least, so far it's running without any problems .

sabethx wrote:

Everything worked out, thank you very much! The fact that the "109" label on the relay is upside down, unlike before, shouldn't bother me, right?!? At least, so far it's running without any problems

.

Sure. And don't worry about the installation position .