I posted this in the General Tech section with not much luck... I'm hoping my A6 friends can help? Thanks!



Ok. I'm a little pissed off today. I had my A6 in the shop about 2 months ago because the CEL was on. The code was P0441 and they found that I had a bad CAT and a bad mass air flow sensor. Well, my light came on again (I'm not very surprised...) and it is pulling the same damn code! P0441 - EVAP emission System Improper Purge Flow. I have absolutely no symptoms of a problem and the performance of the car has been perfect. Anyone have any ideas on what this could be? I'm thinking that it's probably the other CAT? I asked the guy at the stealership when it was in there to be fixed the last time, if the other CAT could have been bad and he said no, but didn't even check it! Sounds to me like they are trying to get me past the warranty period to save money.

Anyway, I'm really pissed and would really, really like some advice on what this could be before I go in there on Tuesday to rip them a new one. Thanks in advance!

 

If they pulled a code for an evap system improper flow and replaced a cat i would run far and fast from that place. The two are completly unrelated. You probably have a bad purge valve. Either stuck open or closed. You can also have a vacuum leak in the line that leads from the valve to the engine. The valve itself is located ontop of the airbox. It has two wires and two vacuum lines going to it.

 

that's my answer too, EVAP canister purge valve or hose connection

 

They replaced the CAT because of another code that was pulled then also. They replaced the mass air flow sensor for this one. I'll just have to schedule it and take it to the stealership again. I really hate going in there. [:@]

 

Honestly, i would just do it yourself. Its a really easy job.

On the left side of the engine compartment,facing the rear of the car from the front. There is a plastic kinda triagular plastic cover. Pull it off. It just clips in place. Dont be afraid to break it, it doesnt do anything anyway. Under that is the airbox. On top of that is a cylinderical shaped valve in a rubber boot. Part of the boot slides onto part of the airbox that sticks out. Youll know you have the right part because it has two wires and two vacuum lines. First disconnect the connector. Push the metal wire lock in with your thumb and pull it off. Next cut the clamps that hold on the vacuum lines. Theres two of them. Use an l shaped pointy object to get between the plastic nipple of the valve and the rubber hose. It also helps to spary some lubricant in there. That step isnt absolutly necessary but it will help with whats next. Pull the vacuum lines off the valve. You can also use a screwdriver to pry them off the valve. Slide the valve and boot off the airbox. Slide valve out of boot and replace with new ones. Use new screwclamps to resecure vacuum lines. Connect electrical connector. Have a beer knowing you saved yourself 100 bucks from dealer.

Tool list-side cutters to cut clamps, flathead screwdriver, l shaped hook tool,

Difficutly rating-Extreamly easy.

Danger level-None. You dont have to jack up the car. You cant do anything that will make your car undriveble.