So I have an 1998 Audi A4 Quattro LOVE MY CAR. Purchased it when my Dad passed away. It has 120k on it have had it since September of 2009 in May of 2011 while driving all of a sudden it started to lag. I am very gentle with this car. I am a female. I need my car back up and running I have numerous Doctors apts, Oncology apts and having just the Yukon is not cutting it for my family.. Replaced the CAT, Coils, etc etc did it all. Even new timing belt. Well you go to start her up and she starts like a champ but the Cat is glowing red and smell of gas! It seems as if to much gas is getting dumped in somewhere. If that even makes sense! What could be going on? I have read about taking the ECU out etc etc could this be whats going on throttle body needs to be reprogrammed? HELP!

 

are you sure you replaced all the coil packs? Because it sounds like you're having a coil pack problem. It's a common problem with A4, try replacing all the coil packs and see if it helps.

 

Yes all packs have been replaced when you go and mess with the throttle you can smell gas and the Cat glows red it runs great but cannot drive due to the glowing red Cat do not want to mess anything up. Just need it drivable asap because I am getting to wore out with 1 vehicle 2 drivers just way to much for me!