Finally got a scanner and P0305...

[jayulzvern]

So I just got myself a scanning tool and by chance I've had a reason to use it. I am consistently getting a P0305 code. Both "P0305" and "P0305 P". If I am not mistaken this is a misfire in cylinder number 5. Searching the forum there are a few worst case scenarios which I do not want to think about but the easiest solution would be to replace the coil and spark plug in number 5.

ECS has this kit:
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B7_A4--V6_3.2L/Engine/Ignition/ES2535689/

Which includes 6 coils and 6 spark plugs. There is another kit which includes the coils with black tops. What is the difference? Or just get the same as what comes with my car?

Another question is should I take this importunity to pick up some "better" spark plugs? If anyone thinks that's a good idea, do you have any recommendations? I haven't really investigated this option much. What about the other brands of coil like Karlyn or Beru that are available on ECS, what improvements could I expect with those, and again would this be a good idea?

TIA.

[Dcass08]

Just move that coil pack to a different cylinder and see if the misfire follows it first.

[jimrobbington]

Just move that coil pack to a different cylinder and see if the misfire follows it first.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

Sent from my porcelain throne.

[jayulzvern]

That's a good idea but lets assume it does, I had to replace #1 coil pack 5k miles ago so I guess they are reaching the end of their life (car has 65K). The spark plugs are relatively new so if I cant expect a significant gains by upgrading the plugs then that makes no sense. The coil is the most likely suspect. I've done a little more looking around now and am confused as to the coil pack designations. If I decide to go OEM then its easy I just replace the coil with another OEM, but what about something like a E, F, or R series coil what gains should I expect and what does the different series mean?

[LoKisSpYdR]

I believe it's revisions to design.

[jimrobbington]

You will not get better performance from any oem coil. The newer the revision, the longer they "should" last.

Sent from my porcelain throne.

[jayulzvern]

I replaced all 6 spark plugs and coils with OEM because I thought it good measure as I lost one coil 5k ago, and its cheaper then my diagnostic fee. Well that did not fix the problem.

I can erase the codes and the car runs fine as long as I keep the revs below 4200. If I rev it any higher then that I get a flashing CEL, the ESP light comes on and the EPC light also comes on. Restart the car and the EPC light stays on and the car runs like it is missing.

Any ideas? what should be my next trouble shooting step?

[slvrb7]

check your injectors

[esm]

What scanner did you get? I've been thinking about getting one...

[jayulzvern]

one from newegg

[themadscientist]

one from newegg

You really should invest in a genuine Ross-tech VCDS setup. It will cover most any needs for a diy'er.

With this being an FSI engine, it's not exactly easy to swap around injectors or test them. I can't recall if your 3.2 has individual cam phasers or not. Anyways, if you can run a compression test, then do that. Unless you're comfortable pulling injectors and tearing more stuff down, there's not much you can do. If you had VCDS you could probably diagnose it, but a misfire isn't always a simple fix.

[jayulzvern]

You really should invest in a genuine Ross-tech VCDS setup. It will cover most any needs for a diy'er.

With this being an FSI engine, it's not exactly easy to swap around injectors or test them. I can't recall if your 3.2 has individual cam phasers or not. Anyways, if you can run a compression test, then do that. Unless you're comfortable pulling injectors and tearing more stuff down, there's not much you can do. If you had VCDS you could probably diagnose it, but a misfire isn't always a simple fix.

ave looked around for a walk through of getting access to the injectors and cant find anything specific to the 3.2 but it does look involved. The fact that the lights come on consistently consistent at 4200rpm makes me think that its a functional problem and not something that could get fixed with injector cleaner, also it seems like my MPG have gotten worse.

They are expensive but whats the vote on replacing the injector?

[jayulzvern]

Ran some injector cleaner through the tank and it hasn't made a difference yet. What is the normal life span of the injectors? I would rather replace things before they break.

[themadscientist]

Ran some injector cleaner through the tank and it hasn't made a difference yet. What is the normal life span of the injectors? I would rather replace things before they break.

That's the thing, there's no way to pin point the injectors without VCDS or a factory terminal. It could be a number of other things. You really need the right diagnostic equipment and information.

[themadscientist]

Another thing, I've seen the variable manifolds on those create different issues.

I'm not trying to be a dick, but I think you may be in a little over your head at this point. Still, do a compression check. Keep it simple. Start reading about FSI engines and how the manage themselves; it's a lot different than the traditional bosch systems. There's a lot of things to consider for what really is a very vague problem. VCDS will show more codes (manufacturer specific) that your generic scanner won't pick up on and you can run output tests, view measuring blocks, real-time data, etc. I know it sounds like I have stock in Ross tech but it really is the best solution by a long shot for a DIY'er. Even then, I'm upgrading from VCDS to a big boy factory terminal this year.

[jayulzvern]

Another thing, I've seen the variable manifolds on those create different issues.

I'm not trying to be a dick, but I think you may be in a little over your head at this point. Still, do a compression check. Keep it simple. Start reading about FSI engines and how the manage themselves; it's a lot different than the traditional bosch systems. There's a lot of things to consider for what really is a very vague problem. VCDS will show more codes (manufacturer specific) that your generic scanner won't pick up on and you can run output tests, view measuring blocks, real-time data, etc. I know it sounds like I have stock in Ross tech but it really is the best solution by a long shot for a DIY'er. Even then, I'm upgrading from VCDS to a big boy factory terminal this year.

Dont sound like a dick or like your trying to push a product, just that you've got some experience. I wonder how hard it is to learn. If I need 50hr of training to understand the system then I'm not sure if I can do that, or that its worth it. The whole point of DIY is to reduce the cost of operation, in addition to having a little fun.

[jayulzvern]

That's the thing, there's no way to pin point the injectors without VCDS or a factory terminal. It could be a number of other things. You really need the right diagnostic equipment and information.

Also If the miss fire always shows up on number 5 then isn't it safe to assume that's where the problem is?

[jayulzvern]

Took it to the dealer and they told me its carbon buildup. They will clean all cylinders for me, but what can I do to prevent this in the future?

[ijaved]

Took it to the dealer and they told me its carbon buildup. They will clean all cylinders for me, but what can I do to prevent this in the future?

Sticky in DIY section. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/337541-Audi-FSI-Engine-Carbon-Build-up-Thread-for-B7-A4-2-0T-3-2

[80sGuy]

one from neweggAutel MaxiScan MS300?

[themadscientist]

Ran some injector cleaner through the tank and it hasn't made a difference yet. What is the normal life span of the injectors? I would rather replace things before they break.

Sorry, I missed the updates here. The carbon deposits is why I suggested the compression test. The FSI injectors are pretty stout. I haven't seen or heard of a bad one yet.

[jayulzvern]

Now I understand, you thought I'd loose compression because of a poorly seated valve. Have any recommendations on preventing the carbon buildup problem?

[jayulzvern]

Sticky in DIY section. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/337541-Audi-FSI-Engine-Carbon-Build-up-Thread-for-B7-A4-2-0T-3-2


Very nice thank you.

[jayulzvern]

after injector cleaning the problem showed up again. The dealer is going to replace 2 injectors because they said the gunk from the cleaning fowled two injectors. That makes no sense to me but I think I understand cars better then my service guy, he just takes good care of me.

What kind of reliability have people seen with these injectors? should I go ahead and replace the others?

[slvrb7]

well you could get a flow test done to make sure the rest of your injectors are working properly, or just replace the rest while they are in there.