2004 Allroad Suspension problem

[AldbourneA6]

The symptoms :

Suspension at its lowest ride height
Yellow light on dash flashes for a minute or so, then go's solid. Once that happens I can't disengage the ESP.
Bottom green light on ride height indicator constantly flashes

And I dont know if this is just a coincidence, but just below the fuel flap and to the rear of the offside rear arch (but not on the flared moulding) there is an oily residue.

What I'd like to know is the cure.


Cheers in advance.

[AldbourneA6]

Would also like to add that I can't hear the compressor running at all.

This problem occurred overnight, so my theory (after reading numerous threads on here) is that the control module has gone **** up.

[bagpipingandy]

I think we need a fault code for this one, its a bit unussual, does the car sit ok at what looks like level 1?, the flashing ussually means the level has dropped and it is raising the car, the solid light then indicates a problem, it may just be the compressor is not running.

check connections to module in LH of boot, check connections to compressor and valve block.

check fuses: Fuse S110 (40 Amp) self leveling suspension fuse (location 23 in 8 point relay carrier under steering wheel) check relay j403 ussually marked 373, these are for the motor

Other than the checks a fault code will shed some light on it.

Regards

Andy

[ceilidhalfie]

Just a comment on your "oil residue". This maybe nothinhg to do with your compressor problem. I was getting this sort of residue on the garage floor - just one or two drops, usually after the car was washed or when it was wet when garaged. Turned out to be a blocked drain pipe in the the diesel filler cap (which is right above the area you described). If you insert a straight length of coat-hanger wire down the hole, you will get a lot of black diesel/water yukky mix coming out the bottom - on my car, this had been building up over 10 years!
May not be your problem, buth worth checking that this pipe is not blocked.

[big1pie2003]

Mine did the same thing a while back.

It was under warranty so they plugged it in and it was the front left ride height sensor. This is one of those jobs you need to get plugged in, damn technology.

I'm considering investing in a OBD/VAG COM Tool for the next time the car throws a wobbly.

[AldbourneA6]

Cheers for the advice.

The car sits square at what appears to be the lowest ride height.

I'm going to book it in to Swindon Audi and see what the diagnostic check comes up with and what they recommend.

Once I get the info then i'll decide whether to use them or find an independent.

[AldbourneA6]

Car was taken today to Swindon Audi.

At the end of the day I had a call saying that they have their top technician on the job and after sticking it on the machine it says ' some values blah blah blah lower than blah blah blah'

And they need another 2 hours tomorrow to try and find the problem.

At £120 an hour plus VAT!!! FFS!!!!

But when they find the cause of my problem they will incorporate the diagnosis charge into the repair.

Daylight robbery is the phrase that springs to mind!

I'll be a tad annoyed if they charge me the best part of 400 sheets just to find the problem.

I'm a heating engineer, and if I'm not 100% sure of the problem I try changing some parts to see if that cures the problem. I'll then only charge my customer for the price of the actual part that was faulty, and a relative charge for my labour ( but not the whole amount as I was not 100% sure in the 1st place)

I really hope Swindon Audi do the same.

[big1pie2003]

For that money I would of bought the VCDS kit, fueled my car, drove to your house diagnosed it and still made a profit. No warranty from me though ;-)

Sounds the same fault as mine had, when my front LH level sensor failed the car dropped to its lowest setting until it was repaired. I believe you need to have the VCDS to make the new sensor work. (I may be wrong)

Off topic slightly, I'm currently running mine with puncture repair slime in the front bags (and have been for a few months). I was about to take the caravan out and literally the day before I found a leak in the front left bag. Used some tyre slime and all was well for a month or three. I have now had to slime the other side and now run the car at level 3 and stay below 55mph to ensure it stays there. As I've spent all my cash this month on a failed water pump and associated dramas, I'm also getting pretty desperate for a new set of front bags. Been trawling the globe to track down a set and the best value and quality appear to be the Arnott bags from the US. I am also certain that as soon as I replace the bags, the compressor is gonna go **** up. I'll track down the guy on here who sells a repair kit and give it a go before I spend the big bucks.

Its an awesome car and I love the thing but there comes a point when £500 every other month is a bit too much to swallow.

Hope she doesnt dent the wallet too much, let us know how you get on.

Pat.

[AldbourneA6]

Had 'THE CALL' from the garage today.

Compressor is goosed :-(

£1300 all in. New compressor, labour, diagnosis and VAT.

Only had the car 3 months. Shelled out £700 for a full set of Pirelli Allroads after a blowout on the M4 and now this.

Car was first registered in Jan 04, and has 160,000 on the clock. Runs sweet as a nut, and has full Audi service history from day 1.

Had an Impreza before but it became impractical with 2 dogs, camping trips etc.

Really like the car, and it hasn't put me off getting a newer version in a couple of years. 3.0 TDi would be my ideal next Allroad.

[big1pie2003]

**** the bed, seriously mate, I would not pay that. I've found the compressor on ebay for around £300 for an original. I will do the job for you for a crate of beer and fuel money, if for no other reason than I need to do mine very soon. Your not too far from me.

Like I said, can't offer you warranty but I have jacks and axle stands, a shed load of loctite, grease and tools. You do not need to pay that.

If you want some comeback then have a search through here, I would start with Crasher as I believe he is in the trade (although in Nottingham).

The offer is there if you want.