Hey guys,

I drive a 2009 Audi A4 2.0T. It's been a really fun car but the last few months have been nightmares. On top of a leaky shock, busted fuel injectors, and a bunch of other nightmares, I've managed to put just shy of 1000 miles on the car in the past 3 months and wracked up nearly $7,000 of repairs.

I've always trusted my mechanic but this last conversation left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm going to explain to you what he informed me as best as I can remember, and I'd appreciate it if anyone could give some insight as to whether this sounds legitimate or not.

I was driving my car and the Check Engine light came on. I had no choice but the drive the car another 40 miles, after which point I parked it. The next day I brought it into the shop. The code reading indicates something wrong with the air intake valve/manifold. After paying $160 for a diagnostic fee, my mechanic informs me that there is a butterfly valve in the intake manifold that changes depending on what the most efficient amount of air to intake at any given time is. (this is what I recall, not positive this is verbatim) There is an actuator on the valve, and something (a lever maybe) appeared to be stuck. They unstuck the lever and dismissed the check engine light. However after driving the car for 300 yards it came back on. He suspects it's the sensor. He suggested I just get a replacement air intake manifold as they come with a new sensor. I trusted his suggestion and said fine... but then he quoted me 4 hours labor. That sounds excessive... is that the normal amount of time it would take to replace an air intake manifold? Thanks for your help guys, just trying not to get stiffed.