I have a 2002 A4 3.0 Quattro and have been told today that I need yet another catalytic converter. This is the second one.(had it checked b/c of a MIL). The first was replaced at 56k and 3 years old (dealer acted like it was their warranty but in reality federal law). Now the car is 106K miles and I am being told it needs a new one.
1.) Does anyone know if the 8 year/80K mile federal law for catalytic converter defects applies to a new converter that is not a new vehicle? This converter is only 5 years old with 51K miles on it.
2.) I have read that there is some concern that the ignition coil recall is related to catalytic converter issues. Can anyone lend any credibility on this?

The car has had 2 ignition coils replaced in addition to the entire left cam assembly (basically the entire left engine in simplistic terms). Why on earth would I need ANOTHER catalytic converter?! Seems beyond ridiculous.

 

To save allot of money and add power. Just cut out the cat and put in a straight pipe through. Next you'll need to add an extender on the co2 monitor so your check engine light doesn't go off. That will save money add power and add sound to your car

 

Your first cat.... was their warranty. 4 years / 50k miles... The 8 / 80k is to cover some manufacturers, mostly Euro who has limited warranties and hold them to the same federal standard.

Now you have 2 cats on your car. Are you sure they are replacing the same one as before or the second one is now faulty...?

 

And No, the coils cannot attribute CAT failure.

I mean it can, but not to the fault of the manufacturer or dealer. That Flashing Check Engine Light indicates a catalyst damaging misfire. The only way the Cat is damaged is if you continue driving the car during the condition, showing driver negligence

 

Thanks you for the information. I can tell you I did not drive when the check engine light came on. I was literally within a mile of dealer service when it did and took it right in. I did find out from the EPA that the emissions law regarding Cats also extends to 5 yr./50K miles on a replaced converter. My first replacement was genuine Audi parts from a certified dealer and I was told it was new and not anything refurbished. Net - I am arguing they need to cover this as I am at 5 years and only 48K miles. As for the other, they are telling me that there are 2 cylinders that are faulty, but without paying $740 to take the engine apart for them to tell me EXACTLY what is wrong they can't tell me what is actually the issue. They do know that one is #5. Ironically, a year ago is when they fixed issues on cylinder#5, an actuator, etc. Arguing that this needs to be fixed based on their 12 months/12K miles labor and parts warranty. I still have not seen a total estimate as I was told the regional sales director from Audi Corp has a meeting with them onsite today. (12/2) Still waiting on a call and as of yet, no resolution.

 

That 5yr/50k on replaced cats is good to know. I had both replaced on my daughter's 2003 A4 3.0 at 79k. We brought it in to the dealer based on the ignition coil recall, but they came up with the bad cat. I wasn't really convinced and suspect they were milking Audi, but it did not cost me anything. BTW, the coils were "fine".

If you are not burning your fuel mixture because of a bad coil, it can get exhausted into the cats where it can ignite and damage them. I get intermittent CELs on my A6 for bad cats and it seems related to the occasional tank of 10% ethanol gas that I use (not deliberately, but when I am on a long trip and stop for fuel at a strange station). Of course, at 181k I may also have aged related failing cats.