payless:

@Siena

I really need your help. I just bought a 2005 Volkswagen Passat 2.8. V6 engine few weeks ago. I just discovered that the car is not running/starting. I called a mechanic to look at the problem and after he checked the car, he told me I need to replace the engine completely because the engine has blown cylinders.

I went for another mechanic and the second mechanic checked the car and told me the engine was good and the car only need new timing belt, water pump, pulley and other kits that come with timing belt.

My question to you sir is, should I beleive the first mechanic or the second mechanic? The second mechanic was adamant that the engine is fine. He assured me that the car should be fine after replacing the timing belt with other kits that come with it. What should I do now?

payless:

There was noise when it happened. The sound was like click click click. But, it is turning over fine.

payless:

Yes, there was noise when it happened.

blackwhale:

As you asked, Scan done today had the following read outs:
Engine diagnostics
16502 engine coolant temp sensors (G62) signal  too high P0118-35-00
16684 random multiple cylinder misfire P0300-35-10th intermittent
16687 cylinder 3 p0303-35-10 misfire detected
16690 cylinder 6 P0306-35-10 misfire intermittent

Transmission diagnostics diagnostics
18158 supply voltage too low.
09026 no data.

Airbags diagnostics
01299 (J533)
45317 no data
08357 no data
00532 supply voltage B+

Instrument cluster diagnostics
0079 outside air temp sensors (G17)

Siena:

Please don't sell your car as scrap!

I need a bit more detail - engine size. ECU faults are rare.

Power loss in motion, EPC (Electronic Performance Control) light came on, in conjunction with the CEL (Check Engine Light). Most common causes:

a) Faulty crank position / engine rpm sender.
b) Faulty camshaft position sender.
c) ECU power supply interrupted.

1) The crank sender gives information to the ECU upon start-up. It also tells the ECU the crankshaft angle (top-dead centre). This information is used for fuel injection phasing. Once the engine is running, the crank sender only has to do correction. If it fails whilst the engine is running, the EPC light will come on, the ECU map switches to a back-up system (limp-home mode) and of course, the engine will run at reduced power. Very rarely will it cause a stall, though if you turn the engine off, it won't restart. Or if it does (partial failure) the check engine light will illuminate, together with the EPC warning.

2) A faulty camshaft position sender will cause similar issues. Absolute failure will now allow restart of the engine. It will limit engine speed to approximately 4,000 rpm, as correction to injection rate and spark angle will not take place at higher rpm.

3) The ECU has two 12V supplies. A permanent one (terminal 30) and a switched one (terminal 15). The switched one only gives 12V with the ignition on, and is fused. If this is missing, the car will not run. Another sure ECU killer is water. The VW Bora / Jetta ECU lives in the scuttle area, with the wiper motor. If the water drains either side of the scuttle area are blocked, it will fill with rain / car wash water, to the level of the multi-plug, which is NOT waterproof.

I'll need more detail:

01) Engine size.
02) Fault code that was read during OBD scan.
03) Part number of both ECU's - original and replacement.

We'll proceed from there.

Siena:

And come Monday, all the items will be sent to Ikoksi by DHL Express. I'll keep updates coming, and obviously for security reasons, will update Ikoksi tracking details via email.

All parts ready to ship via DHL Express:

iKoksi:

Hello Siena can confirm receipt of shipment and contents intact, just regret excluding the Bently Repair Manual. I do not have the reqd tools to F125 replacement as such i'll have to work with a mechanic later today.

*what my car does now (past 2 days) is that the PRNDS illumination only and ALWAYS comes on once i shift to 'R', with a large jerk. It doesn't come on 'D'. I don't understand this.

Very many thanks Mr Siena for all your efforts.
God Bless

Tsan:

Hi Siena,

Top of the day to you. First I must commend you on the good work you are doing here. God Bless You always.
I am just about to bring into Nigeria a 2009 Q7 Premium Plus and  was hoping that you might be able to give me some pointers on
what to look out for in terms of maintenance and the usual issuer peculiar to the car.

Here is a link to the car its self. It should be in Nigeria by late January.

http://www.ocautohaus.com/detail-2009-audi-q7-quattro_4dr_3_6l_premium-used-7718070.html

God bless and hope the baby is doing good.

Thanks bro, baby Sienna's doing great, thanks.

The 3,6 VR6 24V is an enlarged version of the Volkswagen Golf 3,2 VR6. Very strong bottom end, to the point there are turbocharger kits available for them, and they handle the extra power extremely well. The engine is pretty much bomb proof. In terms of issues, there aren't any obvious ones. The camshafts are chain-driven, so a full service history is essential, and proof that good quality fully synthetic oil has been used.

The timing chain needs constant lubrication from clean oil, if oil changes intervals are ignored, the chain will have partially-seized links. This will cause it to stretch. If it gets stretched, there will be a distinct rattle from the top of the engine at idle, and on overrun. It will also cause oil pump drive issues (the oil pump is driven by the same chain). Replacement is a labour intensive procedure, and not a roadside job.

The Q7 is a heavy car, and can munch front suspension arm bushes. It should drive straight, and remain so even under heavy braking. If it pulls to one side, the front lower suspension arm bushes are worn. Bushes are not available as separate items, so complete arms would be needed. I always scan late model cars before making an offer, you've obviously already bought yours, so that's a moot point.

Service will be on Audi's Longlife Service as per the DIS (Driver Information Display). As long as you keep to the prescribed service intervals, you'll be fine. As I stated earlier, make sure the Service Booklet is fully stamped, and up to date. Any gaps should be treated with caution. Given the vehicle's age, I can't imagine servicing would have been neglected. Make sure your instruction manual is present, and you have at least 3 keys.

Best of luck with your new purchase, keep us posted when she arrives!

Rugga:

Hello Siena,
This is a wonderful thread for we the German machine peopl, expecially the Audi fans, just ordered a 2003 A4, but with some issuses, how do i get a scanner to assist in future issues. hope when the car comes in. Thanks

Chi_Chi77:

Mr Siena,

I have a transmission question, If u can kindly help me answer -  pls send me your general email address by posting it here, the one listed here in the forum under "know your dealer" is not going through.

Thanks sir. Much appreciated! 

Siena:

Sure - here it is:

siena_@hotmail.co.uk

Chi_Chi77:

Thanks, you have mail.

gogodaye:

Good day, Sir, l'd earlier in the day forwarded the photograph of the Gamma radio in my Volkwagen Vento that has hibernated into SAFE mode. l'm also looking forward to your response to the issue lid raised about the procurement of both the Owner and service manuals. Thank you for your assistance. Cheers.

gogodaye:

Good day, Sir, l'd earlier in the day forwarded the photograph of the Gamma radio in my Volkwagen Vento that has hibernated into SAFE mode.

kennykoll:

I have this concern about my VW Golf IV, once you start the engine the ABS and arm brake icon lights comes and will not go off until the engine is switched off. kindly advise what could be wrong here. Thanks in anticipation.