Hi all,

Nice to see the support that is given here. Hopefully I can get some ideas after this post.

Audi A4 2.0L s-line 56 plate

The car has recently become temperamental/unusable. The ESP light will come on after sharp acceleration, usually followed by the EPC and engine management lights. Throttle response afterwards is average as to be expected. Switch the engine off/on and the lights extinguish.

Initially did some reading and opinions on similar problems pointed to the engine speed sensor, dirty throttle body or MAF.
I removed and cleaned the throttle body with appropriate cleaner, removed and cleaned the MAF with the appropriate cleaner. The battery was disconnected in order to clear the codes. Connected the battery and followed the sequence to set the throttle body. Started the car but no change other that the ESP light stayed on until I moved drove the car 20 meters. Accelerated up the road with reasonable aggression and the lights returned as previously mentioned.
Switch off/on, lights extinguish. I have now realised that I can get the ESP and EPC lights on if I take the engine sharply to over 3000RPM without moving. If I take the engine past 3000RPM slowly, the lights stay off.
My local Audi garage said that engine speed sensor is now called the crank impulse sender. I bought one, disconnected the battery (to clear the codes) and fitted the new sensor/sender. Connected the battery and followed the sequence to set the throttle body. Started the engine and the same problem.
Took it to get the codes read. I don't know exactly what the code was but it pointed towards the throttle sensor. Changed the throttle body. Same problem.

Ideas at the moment,

  • The battery is lazy - Currently out on charge.
  • Wiring - Are there relays etc under the ECU on this car?
  • MAF - Cleaned but not changed


Any suggestions/help is appreciated.