Audi A3 - Uneven idling 400-1200rpm + cutting out!!

[spudmanpete]

PLEASE HELP ME IF YOU CAN MY HEAD FEELS LIKE THE ONE IN THE MIDLE...

I've had my A3 for 18 months and the tick over hasn’t been that good from the start but more recently has got so bad the rpm when idling can fluctuate between 400-1200rpm! Occasionally cutting out all together.

The cutting out is a real problem when I have got the clutch depressed.

In addition to this: I have had what I believe to be a separate problem in the last two months of oil in my water (almost like pure oil though not the mayo stuff you'd probably expect from a head gasket or similar!!! Dun dun derrr, surprise surprise all my local garages kicked the wheel and said..."that’ll be the head gasket mate"!

I continued to make enquires and a few more informed people suggested it may be worth changing the external oil cooler as a first port of call. Which I have now had done. Seems to have rectified the problem (fingers crossed), however just wanted to mention this problem incase you thought the two may be related.

In short, my cars running terribly please help me if you can.

Many many thanks
Pete

[kenny44]

Hi mate

Im experiencing the same problem with my Audi, Its ok when its been left overnight but once ive driven it for a long period of time it just gets sloggish and gets really bad uneven idling! Is it worth taking it to an Audi dealership or just go down to my local "back street" garage and getting it checked out? if not could you recommend what I can do? and how much roughly will it cost??

I wait for your reply

Kenny44

[Rusko]

Hi

Had rough idling and cutting out on my '97 1.8T. Look at cleaning the throttle body - its on here somewhere!!

Did mine in about half hour and problem cured, no rough idling and no stalling.

Hope this helps

Rusko

[spudmanpete]

I was almost ready to scrap the hunk of metal but as a last ditch attemo took it to a small specialist garage who used a diagnostic testing machine (40 quid) and got an error report for some switch id never heard of just infront of the radiator and something to do with the power steering i think. Had it changed (part cost 20 quid), plus the fellar did a leaking filter he found while working on the car and my baby now runns like an absolute dream!

One good mecanic + one average diagnostic machine = problem solved!

[REEN]

Hi
I have a similar problem with a 2.8 v6 quattro. It keeps cutting out but also missfires and pops. was wondering where you had the diagnostic test done spudmanpete?

[spudmanpete]

Have PM'ed you along version of this but basicly ill stick the garages contact details up here asap mate (about two weeks time as im not at home).

Pete

[spudmanpete]

Sorry for the delay mate, it was pweuroparts.com (01384 565300) i used and was well happy with them!

Good luck.

Hi
I have a similar problem with a 2.8 v6 quattro. It keeps cutting out but also missfires and pops. was wondering where you had the diagnostic test done spudmanpete?