Hello, I just purchased a 2000 S4 with 111,000 miles. It has a couple of problems, but I got it for only $11,500.

1. I don't know if the timing belt has been done so that's first priority. Is there any way to tell for sure?

2. I'm running in limp mode at 5psi. I have a gauge installed and "AWE Tuning" on the side so I assume it has or had a chip. From what I read, I'll pull codes with my OBDII reader and check for boost leaks.

3. Here's the biggest problem. When I come to a complete stop, I smell oil or rubber burning through the vents. I never smell it while moving, and when I look under the hood, the smell isn't there. Only through the vents. No leaks under the car what so ever. What do you think?

 

Here's an update:
#2 above: I pulled code P1606 (something to do with ABS). I cleared the code and it didn't return after a short run. Although, the car is still in limp mode. Still need help here.

#3 above: The car probably has a small oil leak, I need to find it when it's light. The seal between the engine bay and vent intake had fallen off completely so the smell was coming into the vents. I'll glue that back on and track down the leak.

 

To find the leak just let it sit overnight or until you notice some drippage, then judging by the area it is easy to pin point the location of the leak. Also you will need to replace the turbos sometime soon if they havent been already. When and if you do, throw down the little extra money for K04s, you'll be a lot happier and it'll be a lot more fun to drive with some extra tuning.

You can clear the code that caused the engine limp but its prone to come back until the issue is properly fixed.

 

Thanks for the reply. I checked this morning and I don't have any oil on the ground. It's a very minor seapage. The big problem was the smell into the vents because the seal had come off. That's fixed now.

What I really need is a comprehensive list of "What can cause limp mode". I checked the TBB today and it looks fine. I also have aftermarket DVs so that's probably not it. Is there such a list or troubleshooting procedure? I cleared my P1606 code and it's still in limp mode. Do I need to do the 3 minute reset?

 

woodhead wtf are you telling him to replace turbos for? 111,000 on it? My buddy has 148,000 on orignal turbos still. It matters how it's been driven, really a case by case senario

 

Don't replace the turbo's till they start to smoke or whine.

Anyway, I can't believe you are in limp mode, but there are no codes other then the ABS? I bet your ABS controller is going out.

I would NOT assume you have a chip, due to having a boost gauge.

CHECK FOR BOOST LEAKS! Test the DV's with a vacuum gauge, look at the TBB, make sure nothing is popped off.

No way to tell is the TB has been done, @ your mileage, it has BETTER been done! If you have no proof of it being done, consider it NOT being done, & do it.

 

The code p1606 description is as follows: rough road spec engine torque abs-ecu electrical malfunction. I don't have much info on this code but from some write ups it sounds like a communication error on the can bus between the engine control modue (ecm) and the abs control module. this may be a broken or shorted wire on the CAN-bus line or a control module failure of some sort. Or anything else. you would be surprised what could cause some electrical issues. Hope that helps.

 

My TBB has a nice big split in the left side. There's my limp mode. Also the oil is just a small seap on the rear of the valve cover. No biggie, but the exhaust manifold is right there and cooks up some smell.

 

I was meaning when and if they need to be, hence why I said "when and if", not that he needs to ASAP. He's just getting in the mile range where they start to go out, and its nice for someone new to S4s to know. Just a friendly reminder bro.

 

thought so, the valve cover gasket is known to leak oilonto the manifold on S4's

Samco TBB