Dodger3844

Need some feedback please, please....I recently took my '02 Allroad (74K) in for diag a couple of weeks ago due to CEL. All checked out ok beyond a few non-critical codes that were likely sensor/vaccum related. Performance was still excellent at that time. Plan was to further investigate during a 75/80K service (including TB replacement. CEL came back on (as expected) a week later but now I am having serious performance problems such as severe sluggishness and lack of power/acceleration, and a nice case of vibrations - and oddly enough the CEL went out for a short period but now back on. On top of this I am noticing now a very strong odor emitting - similar to a sulfur-type smell (like rotten eggs). Seems to be getting progressively worse (or maybe this is my paranoia). I am very worried about driving too far or pushing the speed beyond say 35/40 due the steady vibration and terrible response. On top of this I am out of town and feeling a bit stranded with much worries about a deeper problem. Plus now forced to see a performance shop in which I am not familiar. They are considered European specialists including Audis but who knows. They promised to hook me up first thing on Mon AM but I would like to be armed with some knowledge about possible problems (and associated costs) before going in. Any feedback/ideas would be greatly welcomed. Thanks!!

Judge AR

Sounds like it could be a coilpack and/or maybe either a bad MAF or O2 sensor.

paulroad

you have been driving with a failed coil pack (i think) doing so is putting unburned fuel into the exhaust and fouling the cats which in turn is causing the O2 sensors to fail.

A simple scan at an auto zone will tell you what cylinder's coil pack has failed. Its also a simple 5 minute DIY to replace it and Auto Zone may even have one.

It is possible the other symptoms may clear. But only time will tell.

04 allroad

Yup, coilpack...

Dodger3844

Wow...thanks for the responses and hopefully a sense of relief. Funny enough I had just visited the local Autozone here and they identified a lean code and a 5 cylinder failure/misfire. I just got off the phone with them and they not only have one CP but will also offered to work with on a swamp procedure to confirm this problem. I hope this will work and if not I am researching the MAF route too. Not sure if they have those and would also like to know how to DIY replace that too??...like the most recent posters.

Once again thanks for the quick responses and I'll keep everyone posted...fingers crossed!! Hope to be back on the road heading home tomorrow with my credit card intact!

Dodger3844

Well unfortunately the coil pack replacement did not resolve anything so had the AR towed to a local indy. Seems after an hour or so of troubleshooting they were unable to get the #5 coil pack to communicate with the computer. Switched the two modules that control the coil packs and voila no codes. They are replacing the module at a tune of approx. $250+ plus the labor. Hope this will do it even though a little hurt in the wallet. Now the worry starts for when the other will go out??? Anybody have similar repairs?? Still waiting at the Starbucks to get good news of successful repair and pick-up AR. Hope to be back on road to NC today or tomorrow.

Dodger3844

Bingo! AR back on road and running smooth as ever...maybe even smoother since I added some Lucas injection cleaner as a last ditch cheap effort last night. But probably just feels great since it has been running so poorly the last few days...80K up next...cha ching!