Hi guys,

So here is my story..... I drive a 2000 a4 1.8t quattro andabout 2 days ago the CEL appears while I'm out of town on a road trip. I take it to a mech so I could get the code pulled and see what the problem is, it comes back unreadable so off to audi I go. They pull the code and it comes back fine so they reset the CEL and everything is good. So I'm driving down the road and the CEL comes back on and starts blinking plus the car starts to hesitate badly and I can hear a ticking sound from under the hood (timing belt)?. I pull over asap and let the car sit and it hesitates to the point of almost stalling but wont die.....long story short I call a tow truck and drop it off at audi. Anyone have an idea what it could be?, the MAF was replaced less than 3k ago and I know the right side o2 sensor is on its way out......

JC

 

without the fault code it will only be a guess so get the code(s)a flashing CEL isn't good I also doubt its the timing belt,
check all the electrical connections are on tight and vacuum lines are ok ( and the flexi pipe from the MAF to the throttle body is on tight and not damaged )

 

A blinking CEL is usually caused by a misfire. As Dave said have the codes read
to be sure.

 

*update

I guess because I have an aftermarket deck in my car the codes can't be read, but they think it is a cam shaft tensioner that has broke and thats throwing the timing off......I did have a bit of a rattle or almost diesel sounding noise so they could be right about that I guess. would that make sense to you guys?

 

Have the sound system rewired, so you can pass inspection,
and read the codes. Flashing CEL usually means a misfire.

 

Thanks I appreciate all the help, the audi tech said all I have to do is unhooke the aftermarket deck and their tools will be able to read the code then........I'll keep you all updated, hopefully this isn't too costly :S