charco68

so, the dealer called to say they have traced my thrice glowing 'check engine' light (and trip to the shop) to a cylinder misfire. (previous post of 'three times a charm?')

they don't know why it's happening, and they'll get back to me. anyone experience this? and is this just a blip for a 2.0T with 1500 miles? or should i start asking for a new car?

barklesswonders

I was told by an Audi rep that they know replacing the head will stop the problem. The engineers were trying to find out the exact cause of the problem.
You may want to review your state's lemon law. It doesn't hurt to know what constitutes a lemon in your state and what action(s) you need to take if you feel you have a lemon.

charco68

thanks! i appreciate the feedback. the rep called me today and said it's not a defect in the engine, but likely a computer controlled problem. they keep saying they'll get to the bottom of it. i still have the loaner A4 2.0 with the CVT...that transmission is nuts!

charco68

oy! the rep just called to say they've called in a specialist to 'get the bottom of it.' i wonder if that's service jargon for 'we don't know what the f#&k is going on.'

barklesswonders

before it was deemed "EWAG" - every wild *** guess, which what they were down to trying. It was at that point that Audi decided to buy it back.
Have you researched your state's lemon law?

charco68

thanks for your reponse...according to my state, this attempt being the third is my tipping point by law. if they don't (or can't) fix it, i can claim it. i spoke to a rep from the 'how was your experience' company, who were alarmed at the situation when informed them. my next call was to AoA, who were dismayed and said they'd get on it. however, as the days tick by i'm getting leery of taking it back. i let my service rep know that our next conversation may be about getting another car. i just think a brand new car in the shop three times and once for a whole week doesn't bode well.

charco68

the trouble has been traced (they think) to the rocker arms/valve lifters. they have parts ordered from germany, and they believe that will fix the trouble. they have no experience with this, since this car is so new to them.

AoA has said they want this last attempt to repair, and if it's not corrected, we'll move forward. it makes me nervous to think of my engine being apart this soon, but everyone's assured me that it'll be as good as new. (cross fingers, take drag from cig)

barklesswonders

I hope the rocker arms/lifters fix the problem.
I don't wish the buy back process on anyone. It was not pleasant, but I have to give the General Manager of Niello Audi credit for covering the costs that AoA wouldn't. The replacement car just hit 1k miles and other than having to try three times to get it started one morning, everything else has been fine. No misfiring & no CEL.

charco68

thanks, bw...you had this same problem? i'd like to hear more about it, and your buy-back process if you're willing.

barklesswonders

AoA's attitude was that they were replacing my car for "goodwill".
Under California lemon law, 4 tries or 30 days out of service qualifies the car as a lemon. To comply with the law, I notified AoA via certified mail, with all of the specifics and attached copies of the repair orders. I sent my letter at day 18, after being told by my service advisor that they had no idea what the problem was. It was the week before Thanksgiving and due to the holiday, day 30 would be the Monday right Thanksgiving.
The Service Manager has to complete paperwork for AoA as part of the process.
If they had been able to fix the problem within 30 days, I would not have been covered under the lemon law.