Blew a coil pack today

[FastB7S4]

...at least that's what I think it was. I had just left work and driven maybe 1/2 a mile when the car began to shake and the check engine light came on. Next thing I know, there was smoke coming from under the hood. I quick pull over and popped the hood and notice that the smoke (and burning smell) was coming from one of the things where the spark plug is (sorry, I'm not mechanically savvy to know the exact name). The car wouldn't start back up and I was left stranded. Had to call Audi Roadside Assistance to get a tow to the dealership. An hour and a half later, the tow truck shows up. What a way to end the day. By the way, I only have 25k miles.

[likewater]

The location you mention sounds like a coil pack. The smoke is curious though and the fact that it wouldn't start is not indicative to my knowledge of a blown coil pack. I had one and the car started fine but idle was really bad and it was low on power of course. Let us know what the dealer tells you. Good luck.

[Quattroownsyou]

Audi coil packs are junk. Doesn't help that there is sooo much heat generated under the hoods of our cars that things will eventually break down or even melt (sounds like in your case). I would have it pulled and ask to see it. If it is melted, call AOA.

[FastB7S4]

I would have it pulled and ask to see it. If it is melted, call AOA.

What would they do if that was the case other than fix it under warranty?

[99PanozAIV]

Audi coil packs are junk.

That really does seem to be the consensus. Are there any good aftermarket coils that work (in my case for a 2008 S4 Avant)?

[danski]

I've blown a few Coil packs with my Jetta and S4.

The engine shakes because a cylinder isn't firing but the car should start. Smoke is also new to me.

[FastB7S4]

Just talked to the service advisor. The coilpack was melted hence the smoke and burning smell. All fixed now, though.

We've been in a heat wave here in the northeast (98 degrees for like 5 straight days) so I've been driving around with the AC full blast. Wonder if that had anything to do with it.

[WinterRunner]

the A4 coils catch on fire. I'm in the same boat as you, I've blown 3 since I've owned the car........... no smoke though, thank god.

[BGEDWN]

there is sooo much heat generated under the hoods of our cars

Word

[colonelburke]

We've been in a heat wave here in the northeast (98 degrees for like 5 straight days) so I've been driving around with the AC full blast. Wonder if that had anything to do with it.

Heat wave? Thats normal this time of year down here, then add 98% humidity and now you're cooking. We'll start hitting 100 degrees soon with the humidity. I remember when I was in grad school up North and we were playing intramural softball and this girl was complaining of the heat, it was 82. Felt good to me. You'll be fine, just stay cool and hydrated. And back on topic, glad it was only a coilpack, one of my big fears living in a rural area.

[FastB7S4]

LOL, yeah, heat wave. 3 days in a row of 90 degree + is considered a heat wave.

[joeycuccaro]

LOL, yeah, heat wave. 3 days in a row of 90 degree + is considered a heat wave.

Yeah same here in NJ. Glad you got the coil taken care of. Did they just replace the one or the whole bank?

[FastB7S4]

Just one. I asked if they could replace them all and they said that they are not allowed. I asked about the update and they told me that the coil pack problem is rare on S4's.

[WinterRunner]

Just one. I asked if they could replace them all and they said that they are not allowed. I asked about the update and they told me that the coil pack problem is rare on S4's.

Lol, rare huh? Doubtful......

[joeycuccaro]

Just one. I asked if they could replace them all and they said that they are not allowed. I asked about the update and they told me that the coil pack problem is rare on S4's.

LOL!

Thats why a whole bank was replaced on my car under warranty

[ajb007]

I blew a coil pack as well a few weeks ago...I had 49,700 miles on it...too close for my comfort....but at least it was before the 50k, otherwise I would probably be sore in certain areas...

[SonicJlee]

I had one of my coilpacks blow at 60k miles. Fortunately, it was covered by the CPO warranty. I just find it funny that they would not replace all of them, so I ended up buying a new whole new set a few hundred miles later because I didn't want another one or two to go and be left stranded. The new ones that I have are black rather than red (which is an aesthetic downgrade in my opinion) but supposedly are beefier than the ones that originally came on the car....

[FastB7S4]

The new ones that I have are black rather than red (which is an aesthetic downgrade in my opinion) but supposedly are beefier than the ones that originally came on the car....

Where did you get them?

[SonicJlee]

Where did you get them?

I got them from Cherry Hill Imports (Audi Dealer) in NJ. Supposedly there is a TSB out stating that these new, stronger coilpacks are replacements for the originals that came on our cars. Unfortunately, I don't have the part number on me...I'll post it later when I have it available.

[FastB7S4]

Ok, cool.

As for mine, they replaced the one coil pack and the wiring and a fuse as well.

[40valve]

Two of mine failed 5 days in to owning the car but the dealer replaced them all.

[joeycuccaro]

How come Audi doesn't issue a recall for the coil packs?

Its obvious that they are a common problem with our car. Nonetheless its possible for the coil packs to catch fire.

[colonelburke]

The fire is the true danger. I wonder how prevalent the fires are. Takes alot to get a carmaker's attention.

[ttr250]

i had one go at 20k miles..i just washed and waxed the car and was driving to downtown pittsburgh when i had that happened to me. the car looked good on the flat bed

[FastB7S4]

i Had One Go At 20k Miles..i Just Washed And Waxed The Car And Was Driving To Downtown Pittsburgh When I Had That Happened To Me. The Car Looked Good On The Flat Bed

Lol