Hi all,

I bought a 2003 1.8t Audi A4 about 6 months ago and have been having some problems.

The 2 main issues are:
- The car won't start. When I turn the key the ignition it sounds normal but won't 'tick over' and actually start.
- When the car does start, when I press the accelerator there is no power.

I took it to the gargage and they plugged it into their computer which gave me the following error codes.

17524 - Oxygen sensor
16486 - Air mass meter signal too loud
17887 - Brake vacuum system mechanical

The garage has advised that I need a new oxygen sensor and turbo. The total cost is $3,000.

I was wondering if anyone else had come across this problem and if anyone had any advice on any way I can fix this without spending so much money!

Thanks

 

I have not experienced this, and I own a non-turbo Audi so I have no experience with turbo engines, but here is a brief summary of what the Bentley manual says about your codes.

17524 = O2 sensor heater circuit, Bank 1, Sensor 1. Open circuit.
16486 = Mass or Volume Air Flow Circuit Low Input. Check the wiring of the MAF. Check for leaks in the air intake system downstream of the MAF.
17887 = Check that your vacuum pump is running. Check hoses to pump and hoses from pump to brake booster.

For 17524, I would check the wiring to the O2 sensor. If the wiring looks good, I would replace the O2 sensor. They aren't terribly expensive, and although I've never worked on the 1.8 engine, I don't think its a very difficult job to do.

For 16486, if the electrical connections to the MAF seem good, try cleaning the MAF. I'm not sure, but I think I've read of others using brake cleaner for this - you should search the web for info on proper cleaning of a MAF sensor.

With the car running, unplug the MAF. The car should run much worse with the MAF unplugged. If it doesn't, I would guess either the MAF isn't performing correctly (bad/dirty MAF, bad MAF wiring) or you have a leak in your air intake system that is letting air in downstream of the MAF.

For 17887, I have no experience with the vacuum pump/brake booster system, and I don't recall reading about anybody else's problem with the system, so I have no advice to offer other than making a good visual inspection, looking for cracked hoses.

 

Agree with above. I see nothing that indicates a bad turbo unless they heard something or saw a lot of leaking oil. Even with a failed turbo, it is driveable but without any power.


I cannot speak to the A4 1.8T, but my A6 had four O2 sensors. Oem Bosch's ran about $120 each. I had my indie garage replace them so I cannot address degree of difficulty. By the way, they still fire off CELs after replacement, which I attribute to the Billy Boat exhaust. A piece of black tape over the CEL solved the symptoms.

 

Literally just posted a thread on A4 starting issues that could be related: https://www.audiforums.com/forum/b6-...3/#post1475806

Hopefully that's all it is - $30 part. Good luck!

 

u can replace the o2 sensor wth a ratchet and a crows foot for about 10 minutes of time. Just go to autozone and get a crows foot and the right ratchet. Stick your arm into the motor and attact the crows foot. its very simple! 02 sensor can be purchased for under 100 on amazon

 

Hi folks,

Thanks for your help with this one. I decided to take it to the Audi garage to get a second opinion.

They have looked at it and advised they think it needs a new Power Control Module (currently awaiting a price). Not sure how much it will cost but hopefully less than the 3k the other garage quoted me!

The garage also said they don't think it needs an oxygen sensor. Not sure who to believe on this one but inclined to go with the Audi garage.

If it does I can always fix this later.

Cheers