Emission & Engine fault lights /ABS - Potential expensive repair ?

[malt56]

Hi,
I have had 2 intermittent faults on my car - emissions light illuminates and getting code P046c on reader , when emissions light off , I sometimes get an engine management light illuminated in association with reduced power , however no OBD fault codes recorded. I have put the car into a garage for checking and they have told me its the EGR valve which MAY be the issue . The price for the EGR valve is ~£300 , however they say that due to positioning on the A3 8P 2009 at the bulkhead side of the engine, the easiest way to replace is for a complete engine removal which is going to cost ~£1000+ ( assuming nothing damaged or needing replaced during disassembly process) . To complicate matters , they also said that EGR valve does not come with any guarantee ( temperamental items ? ) and that even when it is replaced - it may NOT be the real cause of the issues - Given the age of the car - this interim quote has left me wondering if its worth repairing. Coupled with the above also need a rear ABS sensor ( maybe) - again garage saying it might not be sensor - could be wiring/ABS pump or even the ECU which is the issue ( only quoting the least expensive fix item) . The lack of certainty from my local garage is not filling me with hope ( also wondering if they really do not want to tackle fixing the car and deliberately trying to put me off). Looking for advice on :-
1) Is EGR replacement as difficult and unreliable as garage seems to imply ?
2) Should I ditch local guy in favour of Audi garage ( might be more expensive - but would offer better peace of mind in quality repair ?)
3) How to test an ABS sensor to determine if it really is the fault or not - not happy with replace/check items from the sensor to the ECU - could work out an even more expensive repair rather than targeted fixes.

[jonathanfenton]

Can’t answer them all but I would use an Audi specialist as they see and deal with these issues more often. Never heard of an engine out to change an EGR. Sounds to me like he doesn’t want the work. Sensor could be knackered I’ve replaced a sensor ring too before now as it was knocking the sensor reading off. Sounds like you need a second opinion. If it’s coked up and you drive with poor quality ie supermarket fuel it can coke up the egr. Some have had success with using decent fuel and some spirited driving to help clear the crud out.

[malt56]

Spoke to local garage again - car only failed MOT for a headlight bulb & ABS sensor - car passed emissions tests !! + they saw no issues with emissions light or engine management lights - so will try and get a clean MOT and then continue investigation with intermittent emissions/engine lights and then get audi garage to investigate if it still persists.!!