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2003 A4 3.0 - Flashing Check Engine light, but now it does not light

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Old 01-15-2004, 11:41 AM
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Default 2003 A4 3.0 - Flashing Check Engine light, but now it does not light

Hi, I have a 2003 A4 3.0 6 spd with 7k miles. I started the car today in my garage (temp=36) and the "check engine" light started flashing and the engine was idling funny. It almost felt like it might stall on me. Anyway, I drove about 300 yards from the house before turning around and returning home (the light was flashing the entire time). Then I waited an hour before restarting the car and now the check engine light does not come on. Well it comes on when first starting the car as normal, but then it goes out. I called Audi and the receptionist said its not a problem if the check engine light is no longer coming on. What should I do?
Old 01-15-2004, 11:43 AM
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Default you are fine

What ever fault was there cleared. could have been moisture - who knows.

You can always have the codes read by someone with a VAG.
Old 01-15-2004, 11:48 AM
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Default Would you trust a mechanic to check your spelling?

Why trust a receptionist to diagnose a problem with your car? :&gt

I'd have it looked at, if only for piece-of-mind. It could be any number of things (or nothing), but it probably stored a code in your ECU that will help shed some light. Good luck...
Old 01-15-2004, 11:52 AM
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I agree. But do I call AoA to tow it in, or drive it as long as the light does not come on?
Old 01-15-2004, 11:54 AM
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Like Reggie said, it's probably fine to drive (as long as the light stays off).
Old 01-15-2004, 11:59 AM
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Concur (not that I'm some expert).
Old 01-15-2004, 12:00 PM
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Default Thanks Reggie and Shaun for fast replies. I'm nervous.

Never had a problem with my 98 A4. Traded it in on the 2003. It's too young to have a problem. I hope. I will attempt to drive it in and have the mechanic take a look at it. Thanks again.
Old 01-15-2004, 12:05 PM
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Default Oh, one thing that comes to mind is the coil pack issue...

Especially if it's cold where you live, the CEL could be symptomatic of a failing coilpack. Unfortunately, there's really no way to check them until they fail completely.

You might want to see if your car falls under the coil pack recall (all 2002s and early 2003s did) and try to get them replaced.

Good luck!
Old 01-15-2004, 12:22 PM
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Check all fluid levels to be on safe side...
Old 01-15-2004, 12:37 PM
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Default Ah ha! I was just reading" A4 FAQ: MIL & Common Causes"

It says that one of the causes of the MIL is if you start the car and then turn it off without letting it run for a while. Well, it just so happens that I was having some construction work done in my garage, so I started the car and pulled it out into the driveway in the morning. Then in the afternoon started it to put it back into the garage. Then 6 hours later when I started the car to go to the store I got the flashing check engine light. I hope this was the cause and that it never comes back again. Just wanted to share this in case it happens to anyone else. I'm still going to have the code checked when I take it in for an oil change.


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