CEL # 16686 Cylinder 2 misfire, P16684?? Random misfire, '03 A4 1.8T manual
 

Ok so I buy a used Audi, and it is in good running condition. I drive for about a week and the check engine light turns up. I noticed that i forced the engine to go close to the 5000 rev and then switched to second gear. I could have sped up to enter the freeway at a much slower acceleration, but I still think that my car should be able to handle a little push. Anyway, the engine light went away, but came back after I would pass the 3000 rev mark. So I took it to a mechanic shop and they read three codes. Random misfire, Cylinder 2 misfire, and a power steering code.

I wanted to know if any person can suggest anything. Thanks

Coil packs my friend, very common, there may even be a recall if you decided to take it to the dealer.
Don't worry about the power steering right at the moment.
You can buy a set of four at www.ecstuning.com, i would recommend getting the Hitachi packs that bolt down to the valve cover, the push down ones from Bremi suck.

Edit: if you really want to diagnose it, switch the coil pack from cylinder 2 to 3 and see if the misfire moves.

Man that was a fast reply. I switched the coil packs around but I was too shy to take the car to the same mechanic and bug that person to check if another cylinder read a misfire, I don't have a reader myself, I went to Kragen, and they don't read codes here in SF for free. So do you still recommend the packs? I checked the plugs and they were okay. I am just hoping that it's not a major engine problem.

If it feels like a DEAD miss and the engine isn't making crap for power then yes its the packs.
I would recommend replacing those with hitachi packs as soon as i bought the car anyways.

P.S. Don't run your engine with a misfire or you will smoke the cat converter, and those aren't cheap on these cars.

Alright auditech79. I will replace the packs. I appreciate the help.

Good lookin out

stay fresh
:cool:

hey i just replaced the original coil packs to new hitachi E coil packs from the exact website that you recommended. I wanted to let you know that I am EXTREMELY HAPPY WITH THE PERFORMANCE CHANGE! I have no studdering or any type of failure. The CEL is still there, but when I haul ass, it doesn't blink anymore. I don't know how to take the check engine light off.