first car issue in a while...

[AsianA408]

ok im a 99 2.8 tip.

im driving normal either up hill or flat road with RPMs from 1,500 to 2,500. and sometimes the car shutters on me and feels like its losing power for a split second and regains power again. im at 72k and havent done my timing belt yet if that really matters. does this sound like an engine issue? or a tranny issue? any help would work guys. ive been on this board for a while and this is the first issue in a long time.

[dtmevolution]

Check your engine oil levels and do an oil change. I had the same problem in my nissan, it was running without engine oil for a while then the engine blew.

[A4_Andre]

could it be a misfire? coilpacks, spark plugs, wires? my car misfired when i needed a new engine temperature sensor also.

[Devious27t]

if it were coilpack the check engine light would be blinking... how long has it been since you have changed your plugs i would recommend doing that before you jump to any major conclusion, your description happens very commonly with fouled plugs.

[EVIL-AUDI]

Time for a VAG

[AsianA408]

so you guys suggest changing the plugs? i know my MAF sensor is shot to hell. if that has anything to do with it. it was when i was installing my intake.

[aborchew]

It can't hurt to do the timing belt either, if that goes you're going to be paying for a lot more than a new timing belt.

[koolAsiCE]

change the belt, plugs and water pump to be on the safe side.

[maxh2o]

Sounds like a misfire John, I say get your plugs changed and if that doesn't help, get VAG'd may be something else like your trindle switch.

And since you have a 2.8 do you know if you have a timing belt or Chain? I had a chain on my old 90sport 2.8 which you really don't have to worry about. If you've got the belt, change it ASAP! ANd get the pump done to be on the safe side.

You going to ALMS at all? And although I'm clearly in no hurry, any chance of me getting my stocks back sometime? pm me.

[audidood]

kinda pushin your luck with 72k on the orig. timing belt.

[jesseahhstyle]

My timing belt slipped at 71k with my 1.8t. *previous owner* IIRC w/ the 2.8 they are ment to last longer I want to say I read somewhere saying they usually last to about 90k

I was having that problem a little bit but since i replaced my battery its gone. But as what everyone said before check the spark plugs -- plus if your MAF is dead that will throw off alot of things if you are not getting the right amount of Air/Fuel mix your car will sputter like its doing.

[dtmevolution]

what everyone else said. Also borrow someone's working MAF and test it with your car.

[aborchew]

I'm also a '98 2.8 and it's definately a timing belt, not a chain.

[dtmevolution]

why couldnt AOA have spent a few more cents for a chain insttead of the age old belt!

[awe4rings]

Originally posted by dtmevolution
why couldnt AOA have spent a few more cents for a chain insttead of the age old belt!

Keep production cost lower so people can more easily afford the lowest line of car they sell. Diversify their overall market if you will.

[A4 in SC]

Anyone w/ a VR6 VW can answer that question - the chain isn't fool-proof either. They are known for stretching over time. They actually stretch more than a belt. I'd much rather pay for a belt than a chain... price them - you would too. See what I mean?

[dtmevolution]

My Audi is having its mid-life crisis right now. You know...all that expensive Euro maintenance woo's.

[AsianA408]

ok im gonna go take care of the 75k service then. just to be safe then sorry.

[AsianA408]

would it be the plugs tho?

[bitterchild]

plugs or maf. TB would not have any bearing on the problem you've described. You should check for some soft codes. If there is a random misfire or one only under heavy load (hill climb @ low rpm) it may not be enough to trigger a CE light but it will store it for a few days. Improper maf signal, bad plugs, partially shorted plug wires can all be causes. Coil packs are unlikely to be causing such a low frequency issue. Just pull your plugs and your diagnosis will be that much easier.