Audi A3 1.6TDI engine issue - Not starting

[Youngie73]

Firstly Hi all and I hope everyone is well

I’m looking for some advice or a second opinion on an issue I’m facing with my recently purchased Audi A3 1.6 TDI 8P (SCAYCF1), 2011 model, with 94,000 miles on the clock. I bought it as a replacement for my previous Golf TDI, which unfortunately had an engine seize.
However, just 8 weeks into owning the Audi, I’ve encountered some serious issues. The dreaded flashing glow plug light, DPF warning light, and engine management light have all come on. I’ve been warned that the engine might need to be replaced, with the mechanic suggesting that it’s “spun a big shell” due to a knocking noise. Notably, the mechanic hasn’t actually inspected the engine or checked under the car yet.
Before this, I ran an OBD scanner on the engine while it was still running, and the following codes came up:

• P2426 - Exhaust Recirculation Cooling Valve Control - Circuit Low
• P0047 - Turbo/Supercharger Boost Control Solenoid - Circuit Low
• P0045 - Turbo/Supercharger Boost Control Solenoid - Circuit Open

I was advised to use an EGR cleaning solution and run the car a couple of times, which I did (at £20 a can), but it didn’t clear the warning lights. I also tried a DPF cleaner, hoping it might help. However, on my way back to the mechanic, the car suddenly died and now won’t start. Just before it cut out, there was a light grinding noise, followed by a complete loss of power. This was a shock since it had been running fine for 6 weeks.


Before these issues, I had taken the car to a local mechanic to change the oil because it had flagged an oil pressure issue during hot weather. The issue seemed to resolve itself once fresh oil and a new filter were put in. I’m not sure if this could have contributed to the engine problems, but I’m not very knowledgeable about engines.


I’d like to know if it’s common for this engine to develop these kinds of faults and whether replacing the engine with a donor, as the mechanic suggested, is the best course of action.


Many thanks in advance to all and fingers crossed I still stick with Audi (love the car, just not the problems)....

[Crasher]

The EGR unit on the CAYC is a reliability joke, we insist on only fitting genuine VAG units from TPS and still they have failed in three years. Aftermarket versions are even worse, we fitted one and it lasted a month so we fitted another and it didn’t even make it off the lift. They are also a trauma to change, virtually impossible without the car on a lift. However, I think the two problems are electrically connected but I need to study the wiring diagram at work to see if there could b a link.

[Youngie73]

Crasher many thanks for giving me some sort of guidance. I've actually already gone and got a EGR / Cooler unit, since its easier to change the whole unit all at once.

My concern was the noise I heard when attempting to move away, sounded like something grinding under the engine and now it will not start at all.. I'm guessing (not a mechanic mind) that the ECR valve has failed and that has caused the fault the light.
Although i've tried to rectify the issue with cleaning agents, its not resolved the issued and in fact now made it worst. My concern now is that something in the bottom end of the engine has gone and that's why I've been told that I need to replace engine..

but again many thanks all for you knowledge and support

Steve

[Crasher]

Does it turn over on the starter and sound normal, not spinning faster than normal?

[Youngie73]

I have a feeling the battery is flat now from the being left and attempting to start it.

At present when you try and turn it over, its just the clicking and no turn over. Like I said not sure if this is due to the battery not having enough charge, but I get the impression that this would not be a good sign.

[Crasher]

Get the battery on charge but check what it is, an original black cased Varta?

[Youngie73]

Another thing to mention is that the stop/start function was also malfunctioning when I first bought the car.

The fault kept appearing on the dashboard, but since I'm new to this model, I didn't think much of it and simply disabled the function using the button. This stopped the warning light from coming on every time I stopped.

Could this issue be related to the problem as well?

[Crasher]

Yes, a CAYC engine and the CAYB is the same as found in the Polo and Golf.

I hate the stop/start BUT it working is a very good indication of the cars health so maybe not related but due to the fault.