So my sons 2002 A4 Quattro automatic sport package with the big six engine is giving him fits.
Engine sputs and sputters like a crazed animal with check engine lights all over the place. Barely makes 25mph. Earlier code check indicated something with the cat converters. Car has approx 126K on it. Local Audi dealer completed full timing belt service, plugs, wires and coils etc about 10K ago. Motor is quiet, smooth and pulls hard when running right. Car is in really good condition overall.

So could the cats really be bad or clogged up to do this? He is buying a code reader tonight and I can pass them along here. But are there any initial thoughts out there? What about replacement cats from discountcatalyticconverters.com? Prices are crazy good and shipping for both sides less than 12 bucks! I think he also said the PCV valve is bad.

Any help would be great. And thanks.

 

A generic code reader will NOT read all the modules in the Audi. It will only read the ECM and maybe the TCM.... Your best bet is the VAG com... What exactly was the code you pulled earlier?

I'm COMPLETELY stabbing in the dark here....but unplug your MAF sensor while it's running and see what happens....but if the PCV valve is bad, that would cause your issues as well, but I've rarely if ever heard of cats being clogged on an audi, but I'm sure it's possible.

With a VAG code reader, it'll point you in the right direction.

 

I only know he ordered a code reader from an Audi parts place. Thanks for the advice and I will pass this along and report back. He won't receive his reader until next week so I will post then.
Again, thanks much!