So, I go to leave work yesterday, and I immediately notice the car shuddering crazily when the engine is on, in any gear or in neutral. I put it in reverse to back out, it's still chugging. The check engine light is blinking. I have to make it to the fedex box before 7, so i drove a mile there, then call AAA. They say it's best to no longer drive the car, so I have it towed to my warranty place. As of this morning, they haven't checked out the car, so I still don't know what's wrong.

Any ideas?

 

Sounds like a failed ignition coil. The same symptoms happened to mine... twice! Fortunately, they've developed a new coil design that should be used for your engine. There was a recall made by Audi that covered the 1.8T engine, but I don't remember how far back they went. You should have received the recall letter when the campaign was going last year. All 4 of your ignition coils should be replaced with the latest part.

 

coil packs do sound like the problem. next time you get a blinking CEL, pull over immediately. You run the risk of causing farther damage when you drive on a blinking cel.

 

Go with the new Bosch unit! I put one in the Audi and wham! Much better starting power!

 

Hooray, they haven't yet looked at the car, and it's been there all day. So, I don't know if the warranty covers my rental, or if I'm paying for it myself.

 

Any news? Did they find out what was causing the problem?

 

I got it back today, but I was late for work already, so I didn't have a chance to ask what the hell was up. I have to call when I get a chance. They fixed it under warranty, so I paid nothing. Not too shabby.

 

its either a failed coilpack, or a dead ignition amplifier,