p00087 -fuel pressure too low

[saj_a6]

Hi folks, looking for a bit of friendly community advice into a problem and the way the dealers are managing it.

History is I have a 3.0 TDI Quattro, automatic. Bought it Audi approved used car scheme 22 months ago, had Audi services since I’ve had it and only had audi services looking through the services book.

At the end of November noticed one morning on starting the car that the engine management light (coil symbol) was flashing. At the same time could see that the engine kept sounding as if it would momentarily under rev and then pick up as though over compensating and trying not to stall. Turned the engine off and back on the warning light was gone and she drove fine without any issues.
Over the next week noticed it would tend to do this when first starting the car in the mornings, or when setting off and soon after coming to an idle at the end of the road.
If I got going and didn’t have to stop would stay off and drive fine, same if I turned the engine off and back on and drive steadily at speed without having to slow down to a halt.

Took it to a local garage who I was picking some front tyres off and got them to just run a quick diagnostic and it showed
P0087/000135 - Fuel Rail/System Pressure: Too Low, they suggested trying to change the filter first but mentioned could also be the fuel pump or sensor.
At this point were due to drive to centreparcs so figured I’d change the filter myself. Changed it over and (albeit to a eurocarparts filter as it was easier to get hold of on the weekend) and drove with things looking ok. However on returning problems picked up again and gradually more frequent and to a couple of occasions where the engine stalled coming to a set of lights.

So eventually booked it in with Audi as was due a service as well at the end of December.
Car currently is 11 month out of the approved scheme warranty. Bank holidays didn’t help in getting the car through some diagnostic tests but initially the garage claimed they couldn’t diagnose the fault. Apparently this has involved sending information from the garage to Milton Keynes and Germany and at times waiting to hear back any advice re further tests or possible causes.
Had tried changing the fuel filter to an audi one with no improvement. They’ve told me they’ve looked at the fuel pump and cant see any sign of damage/metal shavings as described in some of the posts I’ve seen online.
The latest is they are waiting for ‘donor car’ so that they can try swapping some of the parts such as the fuel pump to see if it clears the problem before ordering brand new parts ?!

Now been a month, and although it’s been great to have a courtesy car for work, a bit frustrated by the whole situation. They have agreed that there would be some Audi goodwill towards the cost and keep assuring me they’ll look after me and I won’t get lumbered with a ridiculous bill of 2-3 grand.

Part of me sits there thinking may be should be patient and as its not under warranty any more maybe this is the best way to diagnose the fault correctly the first time so I’m not coming back and forth with the car. The skeptic in me feels a month is taking the p***.

So that’s the situation at the moment and just wondered what thoughts people had about the initial fault and of Audis handling of the situation.

[dan2485]

The tank fuel lift pump would be the next port of call.

This normally causes the car to start to loose power on hils etc.

[KjetilRos]

16471/P0087/000135 - Ross-Tech Wiki

Probably fault in tank pump

[saj_a6]

cheers for the ross tech link. saw a couple of other forum posts stating similar. Will speak to the Audi garage and see if they've at least ruled out all those causes.

[Alan02]

Has the rail pressure sensor and regulator been checked? Also HP pump pressure tested?

[MarkTM]

They have agreed that there would be some Audi goodwill towards the cost and keep assuring me they’ll look after me and I won’t get lumbered with a ridiculous bill of 2-3 grand.

Bill will be £1999.99 inc VAT then

I would suggest

A) you invest in VCDS to do the diagnostics yourself, since you sound like you know your way around an engine
B) Please post in a larger font as yours is a complete pig to read

Sadly I don't live closer, I have a 3.0 quattro 07 (don't think you stated your year), and would have happily been your donor car

Do our cars have fuel pressure regulators? My Jaguar had a similar issue as yours and that was the cause, luckily a £30 DIY change

[c4a5er]

It sounds like they are trying to keep costs down as much as possible for you....IMO it's very rare to find a dealer prepared to try parts from a similar car to aid diagnosis, normally they would throw everything at it at your expense. If it were me i'd be happy with the use of a courtesy car for as long as it takes rather than risk a bigger bill by putting pressure on them for a quicker fix.

[saj_a6]

sorry bout the font, glad its a bit more readable now
Not sure about knowing myself around an engine but much the wiser thanks to this forum.

Mine is 09 facelift model

Put the sceptic in me to rest for the last week as you said c4a5er and just been enjoying the car while they look into the matter.

They've come back to me asking for go ahead to try changing a few parts, struggled to get a donor car and we decided we couldnt just keep hanging around. been a month now already.

They're still none the wiser with the diagnosis and suggested either 2 options.
Either the fault lies with the fuel rail ( I'm assuming this would mean covering the possibility of it being the fuel rail sensor and regulator perhaps Alan?) and the cost of replacing the fuel rail was quoted as aorund £500 including labour. Of which 50% would then be covered by goodwill.
Alternatively they suggested replacing the fuel rail, fuel pump and some of the fuel lines to a tune of £2600, again with a 50% contribution of this cost by audi.

I opted for replacing the fuel rail.
time to keep those fingers crossed otherwise might end up being £1999 (still got to pay for the service an pads..)

[Alan02]

Unless audi dont recommend replacing the sensor or regulator seperately, I dont see why they need to replace the whole rail? Could be as simple as a split in the o-ring on the regulator?

[dan2485]

Why should you pay for their fault finding.

if they fit parts and it does not fix it, get them to put the old ones back on.

I I would be concerned that a dealer can't fix a fuel issue quickly.

With thy the time that your car has been with them you could have rebuilt the complete fuel system and more.