Need Maintinance Advice!!

[AudiKat]

I just purchased a 2003 A4 3.0 in September with about 91K on it. Ever since, it has been nothing but trouble. It started with a "check engine" code P0741 (Powertrain: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off). So I had the torque converter replaced.

Now the ESP light won't go away at times. I understand that wet weather can make it stay on, but when the roads are bone dry and it hasn't rained or snowed....why is it still on!? Time to get that replaced!

Ontop of that, an extremely loud winding/moaning noise when I turn the steering wheel (power steering pump to be replaced next week).

The car is coming up on 97K and I'm gettin anxious about having the timing belt and water pump replaced. The dealer says to have it done at 105K, and a lot of people on the forum say 90K......Definitely would rather have it changed before there is a problem.

What are the thoughts on the timing belt and water pump replacement? Also, how much does it usually cost (the dealer gave me the run-around when I asked). HOw imporant is replacing the ESP sensor? Can it wait until the tb/wp is done?

[Wanted]

First off - stay away from the dealer. They will kill you on the labor charges and the mark up of the parts. Find a good Euro VW/Audi shop that will help you keep the car running as opposed to the dealer who is trying to gouge you.

Second - at 91,000 miles, there are few things on these cars that are going to go wrong. No offense - but these cars aren't honda's and toyotas - it's going to cost a little more to own/maintain them. Mine has 95k and it's to be expected. I have multiple cars and they all have high mileage and I know that things are going to happen. So it might take a little bit of mindset change if you're going to drive a high end german car with some miles on it.

If you aren't loosing power steering fluid on a regular basis - try flushing the system instead of replacing the pump (unless of course you have an aftermarket warranty). In really cold weather these things have a tendancy to whine and are very sensitive to the fluid level in the pump. Make sure to flush it (even if you do the turkey baster method - just search "turkey baster power steering" ) with the mineral based product only.

Regarding the timing belt - it's very critical that you do the TB sometime between now and 105K as it's a "failure" component that could lead to damage. If you're not driving hard and jumping off the line, etc you can push it a little farther. If you're driving it like you stole it - halt on anything else you have planned and get it done. A Euro shop should be able to do it anywhere from 850 to 1100 or so.

On the ESP light - search all across this forum (not just the B6's) and see what it says. I wouldn't be surprised if it's just a sensor of some sort that is going south. I can't imagine that is too expensive but I could be wrong.

Best of luck to you!

[Rockclimbersh]

X2 on the timing belt job. Consider it insurance. If your belt snaps there's a good chance you'll lose the whole motor and your car would be close to totalled. I'm at 70K and just did a full TB job at a local Euro shop and they charged me 850, but I got a special deal. The quote given earlier of 850-1100 is probably about right. The job requires the removal of the front bumper, radiator and AC condenser. It's not a small job and a professional should do it.