First off - Where is the fuel filter located and is it something I can do myself? My eBahn reader doesnt point it out and keeps crashing on me.
I did a search to see if any one else is having this next problem but nothing came up. Cars not firing up too great. Spins fine but comes to life slowly. Once started it's ok but now ~3K rpm my systems back firing and the exhaust smells of Burning plastic.

The car was running pretty rich when I first bought it (1 year ago) and failed pcv system /MAF and o2 sensors im sure has done "wonders" in the Catalytic. If the cat was plugged/shot is there a block I can measure w/ the ECS reader or just take it to the mechanics for the VAG?

Once I get the Home Depot catch can in and system cleaned and the turbo checked out - I think ill just have the new DP put on/Magnaflow cat and Muffler to see if the systems just over whelmed with junk.

Fluids are full/no contamination and no colored smoke out the exhaust. Just that burning plastic smell.

 

Could be many things. A Bad MAF or perhaps a Vacuum leak somewhere.
I would definitely have it checked with someone that has a Vag com.
Those Cats on the TT don't clog that easily. They are pretty heavy duty and will probably outlast the car. My car is running great and I did have the 42 draft design DP put on and there
is definitely a difference in how the car pulls especially from the midrange to the high end.
However, it is not a miracle cure and if your car is running badly a new DP wont fix the problem.
Have it checked and keep us posted on what it was. Perhaps Bad Coil Packs... The list goes on and one. Secondary Air pump system is known to have issued as well as the PCV system.

 

So far i've had new plugs/packs and Brand spanking new MAF put on it. New DV/Catback and the system got pressure checked and has zero leaks. There is black soot (suet) w/e shooting out the tailpipe. Whether the system is running rich or the PCV system is just built of fail and letting me down I dunno.
Heavy duty cleaning is scheduled in a week or two (From turbo to head being taken off and cleaned) *shrug* maybe ill just pull the head while im at it and have that hot tanked and reserviced.

Whats an easy way to test the 2nd air pump for being faulty?

 

First off - Where is the fuel filter located and is it something I can do myself? My eBahn reader doesnt point it out and keeps crashing on me. In front of the rear passenger tire. Its a simply DIY and will post a how to if needed. Would of posted the vagcat diagram but its down right now.


I did a search to see if any one else is having this next problem but nothing came up. Cars not firing up too great. Spins fine but comes to life slowly. Once started it's ok but now ~3K rpm my systems back firing and the exhaust smells of Burning plastic.

All i can say is scan it and see what comes up. Could be a bad cat, bad vac line to the egr or failing/dead sai and so on.

The car was running pretty rich when I first bought it (1 year ago) and failed pcv system /MAF and o2 sensors im sure has done "wonders" in the Catalytic. If the cat was plugged/shot is there a block I can measure w/ the ECS reader or just take it to the mechanics for the VAG?

you should get a incorrect flow reader (i believe) code for a blocked cat... we cats since you are a quatrro.

Fluids are full/no contamination and no colored smoke out the exhaust. Just that burning plastic smell.

Try to track down the smell. It could be something touching something hot and just need pulled from the heat.

 

it doesnt kick on, you get a code, or you find a leak in the plastic lines

 

Listen to Cincy. He knows his stuff! Best way is to scan it with a Vag com. See if there is someone listed in your area that has one that would be willing to help you out.
I am very fortunate to have friends that have helped me more than once and saved me thousands of dollars that the dealer would have charged me for things that could have easily been corrected by yourself. The Fuel filter is pretty easy to swap. I just did mine and if I can do it anyone can.
Hope you get it figured out soon!

Tom in INdy