Cold start issue

Hi,

I have a new 2007 A3 2.0T DSG w/ approx 1,300 miles on it so far. Purchased end of July. I've had a few occasions (4 or 5) where I start the car first thing in the morning and it doesn't turn over on the first try. Sort of sputters and stops. Second try starts her right up.
Does anyone else have this problem? Is this normal (I hope not)?
Once it's running, all is well. No other issues.

Thanks!
Joseppe

Make sure you have the latest software upgrade.  There was an upgrade that specifically addressed starting issues.  Search around the forums and you'll  find a thread on it I'm sure.

Looks like I3 fixes it?
How can I find my s/w version? or can only the dealer find that out?

Thanks!
-J

I would have thought that a car sold in July would have had that update already?   Maybe take it to the dealer and tell them your problem.   They will most likely do a diagnostic and reflash the ECU anyway.   Hopefully that helps.
 
Cheers!

I'm with Chef.
Go into your dealer and let them know thats the problem if it is the I3 problem the reflash does wonders!

Thanks guys, I'll take it in and let you know how it turns out.  What else does I3 fix/improve?

I just checked my sticker inside the door.  Manufactured 4/07.  Maybe it had the old software at time of assembly.

Hi,
I just found this post: http://forums.audiworld.com/20tfsi/msgs/252.phtml
and it looks like my VIN is *after* the ones requiring the I3 reflash.
Any other reasons for this problem?

Also, if I bring it in and they don't see the problem that day (doesn't always happen), will I have to pay $$?

Thanks!
- J

Joseppe-

You won't have to pay a dime. The car is under the new vehicle warranty.

~ Blue Jays ~

** Update **

Brought it in last night so they could see the issue in the morning.  They confirmed the problem, and said that they called Audi Tech support (I forget exactly what he called it), and they said it could either be a problem with an injector, or fluid leaking into a cylinder (i.e. head gasket).  They tested the injector - OK.  They are leaving the cooling system pressurized overnight to see if the coolant level goes down (i.e. flooding the cylinder?).  The tech said he noticed that my coolant level was a little below the top.

So... I'll report more when I find out.  Not too happy about having a head gasket go on a brand new car (if that's what it is).
How does one blow a head gasket??  Defect?

- J

There was another post a week or two ago about faulty tumble flaps. Apparently, they are flaps in the intake manifold that redirect air to help when cold starting. Supposedly it's a common problem on the 2.0T.

Just a thought.

Thanks Bamf, I'll mention it to the service tech.
- J

Just called the service tech.
* Cracked cylinder head *
I asked how this could happen and he said it was probably a factory defect - not anything I could have done.
No damage to the engine or anything else.
Part on order. Gets here next wed or so. :-(

So that's the scoop.
Thanks for listening!

- J

Ah, that sucks! I'm glad to hear that it's getting taken care of though. Better off happening now while it's under warranty than years down the road-- that's gotta be a costly repair!

Yea, sucks big time!  I don't even want to know how much it would have cost me... :-o
I hope this isn't a bad sign of things to come.  <think positive... think positive...>

Well, I'll let ya know how it turns out.  Hopefully they can get me an Audi loaner.  He said he would try.

- J

Well, I got 'er back today...  Everything seems to be back to normal.  They replaced the cylinder head - fluid was leaking into 2 cylinders.  They pressure tested overnight last night and found no further leaks.  Oh, and they changed the oil and coolant as well.  The service people were very good and courteous.  I was happy to get back the A3 after driving the A4 Avant 2.0T for 5 days.  The A3 is so much more fun to drive!
That's all for now.  I hope this is the end of the story... <crossing fingers>
-J

Glad to hear your baby is back to normal! 

Ugh!
Started it up today, and I got the problem again. Sputtered, then died. Kicked it over again and started up.
Crimony! Maybe something else is the root of this problem...
I'll see what happens over the weekend, maybe it was just a fluke.
- J

Hey how did this work out. They are pulling the same trick on my A6. I really think they have no idea what they are doing.
 
Did you get a check engine light. Did they pull any codes ?
Very interested ....D
 
 

This is scary stuff.  My A3 has been at my dealer for 1 week tomorrow. 

The issue started off the same way as mentioned in this thread.  It would NOT start the first time immediately in the mornings, but then the 2nd time it did, with no problem.

Issue started getting worst when I noticed it started doing the same as I was leaving work. 

Then the issue got worst when my A3 would just shut off completely, at red lights, stop signs, in my drive-way, etc. 

It would start, then shut off, start, then shut off.  

So, I couldnt drive it to the dealer.  I had to get Audi roadside to come and pick it up from my work parking lot and tow it on the flat-bed to the dealer.

The reason explained to me from the service people is that one of the fuel sensor's chips went and they had to order another directly from Audi, they said its a very very simple procedure to replace, its just the long wait because Audi does not ship these parts in bulk, only 1 at a time to specific dealers.

Anyway, it's 1 full week tomorrow and im still without my A3.

They said they would gladly give me a loaner but I havent made an attempt to get one from them, my dealer is rather far and I just drive my Jeep around for the time being.

Anyway, I am trying not to lose my cool and composure with this situation, but today im like a ticking time bomb.  I have been waiting for them to call me with an update, I dont want to keep nagging them, since they told me it will take about 1 week. 

I may have to go Audi corporate if I dont get my vehicle back by sometime next week.

I mean, for a 2007 Audi and I am experiencing this issue, with only 16,000 miles on my car?  It doesnt hold a bright spot for the future of me and this vehicle. 

I have already returned it to the dealer for the following issues:
     "Min Oil" light
    Open-sky rattling when open (still rattles after they tightened it)
    Tear/rip in my leather seat console

And now throw in this "shutting off" issue.

ok here's an update, if anybody cares, haha.

The part that was needed finally came in this morning.  It's some kind of "high pressure fuel chip". 

Anyway, I am heading to the dealer tomorrow to pick it up.  1 week and 1 day wait.  Not to bad I guess.

Picked my A3 today from the dealer. 

Everything was under warranty, here's what the invoice read:

A. Cause of stalling was P129F Low Pressure Sensor Outside of Tolerance.

B. Remove and install Low Pressure Fuel Sensor.

Drove her a bit today, seems back to normal. 

I'm glad to hear you got your car back. I hope this fixes your problem for good!

This just makes me realize how complex cars have gotten. My whole basis of what I know about the workings of engines comes from taking apart and repairing Chevy engines -- fairly primitive stuff (naturally-aspirated, push rod, no vvt,  etc) compared to our 2.0T. I've been picking up more and more from being exposed to VWs and Audis for the past couple years, but stuff like this still amazes me. I'm sure by the time I know all there is to know about this car they will have all sorts of new stuff out to boggle my mind.