My 03 3.0 has a check engine light and I took it in to get it checked out. I tried to get as much info from them as I could but did not get the actual codes. They said I needed a new purge valve and a new air/fuel ratio sensor which at the risk of sounding dumb I believe is the O2 sensor. 800$'s I have done some looking and the purge valve seems an easy enough swap but what about O2 sensor? Do-able? Should I just order the bentley for it and do it myself, I can follow directions I just have not had a car that was out of warranty for the last 8yrs or so and haven't done any work besides brakes and oil etc.


Any help is app, I really don't have 800$'s

 

Purge valve - piece of cake. O2 sensor not bad, a bit of a pain to reach though. I would strongly recommend getting a code reader, whether it is a generic OBD2 scan tool from Harbor Freight for $40 or a VAG-COM cable from eBay with the shareware license. The Bentley is nice to have but this forum has better info on most things! First I would get the reader to confirm what is needed, then work on cutting the cord from the mechanic and saving yourself from some horrible bills that these cars can run up.

 

YES -YES- VAG-COM --

Bentley - only OK but can save your butt at times.

Forums -- YES YES -- here, audizine, Bentley, Audi world etc. Half the fun is searching for info

 

Does the Bentley have good parts replacement procedures, description or pictures? The vag-com is really cheap! Are they really only 20$'s?

 

The Bentley assumes you already have some knowledge about cars.

 

Bentley -good procedures etc. -- no but you 'll need one

VagCom -$20 maybe for the cable - you'll need a puter and the free software.. Read the multiple posts in here about RossTECH and eBay VAGCOM