Hood Release Malfunction
06-23-2006, 08:23 AM
#1
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Hood Release Malfunction
I was atempting to check the oil level three days ago and much to my amazement I could not find the external hood release, I know I had one,when I took receipt of the RS two weeks ago. Called my local Audi dealer and was given an apt for this upcomming Monday I get the feeling this is not going to be an easy fix?? as this is a small dealership in Wisconsin, any words of wisdom?? I would also like to know if there is a laundry list of common problems that occur with this gorgeous Daytona Grey RS6 with 19000 miles on it?? I fear I should have consulted this board before I bought her.
06-23-2006, 09:16 AM
#3
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Re: You have the "tab break" issue...you're gonna need an entire new front grille.
Is this "Tab Break Issue" a well known problem with this auto and should the dealer have a tech. posting on it?? I'm trying to find out as much about this issue as I can before monday mainly because of my prior dealings with my "01 S4" with these guys. Is there someplace on this site with prior posts on this, appreciate any help I can get.
06-23-2006, 09:49 AM
#4
I can't seem to link to my post on this subject, so here's the whole thing...
"Hood-release failure" post...
<i> <b> <font color="blue"> "Customer states hood will not open because release-tongue does not travel through grill." </font> </b> </i>
In well under an hour's time this morning, most-excellent RS6 technician, Dale K. (who had a full head of hair just prior to the release of the RS6 in 2003), replaced my grill which part has a small plastic "guide tab" (for the hood-release tongue) that can break off completely. When it does, the hood-release tongue does not travel through the grill after the hood-release lever is pulled inside the cockpit, which means you cannot open the hood.
First Dale had to open the hood, which he accomplished using a coathanger to grab the arm of the release mechanism (aided by a flashlight), and ultimately looking from the side of the partially released hood to see the arm. (This procedure could come in handy should the tab break off when your closest RS6 dealer is two states away.)
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19949/img_4900.jpg">
As you can see in the photo below, the hood-release tab which should travel through the grill and be perpendicular to it, is cockeyed here. See the little tab to the right of the black plastic guide (in this view)? There should be an identical tab to the left. That's the tab that's broken off allowing the release-tongue to travel off-kilter farther to the left, instead of going straight through the grill.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19949/img_4902.jpg">
The grill's a $200 part, but the offending tab (missing below just to the right of the guide in this view) is but a small molded piece. But unlike its identical twin, this piece takes a "shot" every time the hood release is popped.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19949/img_4907.jpg">
Here's a shot of the same area on the new grill for comparison. To try to avoid a recurrence, Dale added grease to the side of the release-tab (the one that moves) to reduce friction with the stationary tab (the one that breaks).
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19949/img_4904.jpg">
Here's the grill being re-installed. There are four allen bolts at the bottom, much simpler than the clips used on many earlier Audi grills.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19949/img_4905.jpg">
Owing to the trauma she endured in having this amount of "dental work," upon returning home, I promptly gave Frances a sponge bath and returned her to her garage stall for a good nap.
<i> <b> <font color="blue"> "Customer states hood will not open because release-tongue does not travel through grill." </font> </b> </i>
In well under an hour's time this morning, most-excellent RS6 technician, Dale K. (who had a full head of hair just prior to the release of the RS6 in 2003), replaced my grill which part has a small plastic "guide tab" (for the hood-release tongue) that can break off completely. When it does, the hood-release tongue does not travel through the grill after the hood-release lever is pulled inside the cockpit, which means you cannot open the hood.
First Dale had to open the hood, which he accomplished using a coathanger to grab the arm of the release mechanism (aided by a flashlight), and ultimately looking from the side of the partially released hood to see the arm. (This procedure could come in handy should the tab break off when your closest RS6 dealer is two states away.)
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19949/img_4900.jpg">
As you can see in the photo below, the hood-release tab which should travel through the grill and be perpendicular to it, is cockeyed here. See the little tab to the right of the black plastic guide (in this view)? There should be an identical tab to the left. That's the tab that's broken off allowing the release-tongue to travel off-kilter farther to the left, instead of going straight through the grill.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19949/img_4902.jpg">
The grill's a $200 part, but the offending tab (missing below just to the right of the guide in this view) is but a small molded piece. But unlike its identical twin, this piece takes a "shot" every time the hood release is popped.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19949/img_4907.jpg">
Here's a shot of the same area on the new grill for comparison. To try to avoid a recurrence, Dale added grease to the side of the release-tab (the one that moves) to reduce friction with the stationary tab (the one that breaks).
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19949/img_4904.jpg">
Here's the grill being re-installed. There are four allen bolts at the bottom, much simpler than the clips used on many earlier Audi grills.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19949/img_4905.jpg">
Owing to the trauma she endured in having this amount of "dental work," upon returning home, I promptly gave Frances a sponge bath and returned her to her garage stall for a good nap.
06-23-2006, 09:56 AM
#6
And yes, you probably SHOULD have been on this forum before you bought, but don't worry...
...the cars are wonderful. But they are mechanical and high-performance, so **** does go wrong.
If I were you, I'd spend time reading over this forum for the past several months' worth of posts to get a context for the cars and what issues owners here yak about. That'll give you a frame of reference. Then use the forum search function to go into greater depth on particular issues.
One more thing: Your local Audi dealer's service commitment and expertise (RS6s need special certified technicians, for example) will have a big influence on your ownership experience.
If I were you, I'd spend time reading over this forum for the past several months' worth of posts to get a context for the cars and what issues owners here yak about. That'll give you a frame of reference. Then use the forum search function to go into greater depth on particular issues.
One more thing: Your local Audi dealer's service commitment and expertise (RS6s need special certified technicians, for example) will have a big influence on your ownership experience.
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06-23-2006, 10:43 AM
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Re: I can't seem to link to my post on this subject, so here's the whole thing...
Outstanding, highly appreciated, have printed this and will take it to the dealer. I'll spend actually, a great deal of time reviewing this forum and hope to god I dont become physically ill. This was (purchase) no inexpensive proposition as you are aware.
06-23-2006, 11:04 AM
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Here's my laundry list, based solely upon my experience:
- 19k you say? - new pads/rotors just around the bend for you
- engine turns over but doesn't catch? - new wiring harness will solve that (17 days at dealer)
- suspension feels funny (skittish, thumping?) -
congrats, your DRC is leaking ... and good luck finding a dealer that knows how to repair it, certified or not! (21 days and counting in my garage. I think its only a matter of time before I go the Stasis-Ohlins coilover route.)
But I still love this car, so don't get too depressed. Oh, and in case no one has as yet mentioned it to you, DO NOT use any oil other than the very specific spec that Audi calls for - failing which your warranty will be voided.
Good luck, and keep us advised of your adventures.
- engine turns over but doesn't catch? - new wiring harness will solve that (17 days at dealer)
- suspension feels funny (skittish, thumping?) -
congrats, your DRC is leaking ... and good luck finding a dealer that knows how to repair it, certified or not! (21 days and counting in my garage. I think its only a matter of time before I go the Stasis-Ohlins coilover route.)
But I still love this car, so don't get too depressed. Oh, and in case no one has as yet mentioned it to you, DO NOT use any oil other than the very specific spec that Audi calls for - failing which your warranty will be voided.
Good luck, and keep us advised of your adventures.