Strange/Intermittent Starting Issue, EPC Light

[mdk]

hello,

A4 1.8t 130k, here's the scenario:

Most of the time, engine starts normally. No lights, runs great, no issues.

Occasionally, however, when the engine is hot and has been off for around 10 minutes, but less than an hour or so, the starter will turn for 5-10 seconds before the engins starts. When this happens, the EPC Light comes on, however, if the engine is shut off and started 5 seconds later, it starts instantly, no lights, runs fine.

Scan shows two things - Engine Speed sensor and P0328, both intermittent.

(okay ** just now found similar topics)

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...d+sensor+p0328
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...d+sensor+p0328

Looks like I should probably replace the engine speed sensor then? Is it likely that this is tied to the other error code as well?

Any insight would be great - thanks!

[alexza4]

Engine speed sensor can absolutely cause startup issues as well as stalling issues.

[my1stturbo]

Yeah, I had something similar the first time my speed sensor went.

[lookaught]

I have this identical problem, except after the hot start problem my car was intermittently turning off on the highway. It would restart most times when still rolling by itself, but once I had to pull over, but the car restarted fine afterwards.

Also, after the car stalled at speed the red oil light flashed a few times. I'm guessing this is related to the engine stalling because the car has never had the red oil light in the past and it seems way to coincidental to be a separate problem.

Codes:

16706 - Engine Speed Sensor (G28): No Signal
P0322 - 004 - No Signal/Communication - MIL ON
16395 - Bank 1: Camshaft A (Intake): Retard Setpoint not Reached (Over-Advanced)
P0011 - 002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
16705 - Engine Speed Sensor (G28): Implausible Signal
P0321 - 002 - Lower Limit Exceeded

Can anyone confirm the part number for a 2002 1.8t AMB motor is 078-906-433-A ? or maybe 071 957 147 ?

Thanks!

[nihil]

I had identical symptoms that got progressively worse over a couple months. It started out being hard to start after running for a while, then it would idle high with the EPC light, turn it off and restart would bring it back to normal. Then came a random stall in traffic, then a couple more stalls with some more hard starts. Had some collateral codes show up as well as the engine speed sensor code, replaced the engine speed sensor and it cleared things right up.

Edit: If I can find the receipt I'll check the part number for you since I have an `02 as well. It should be the same for any other AMB though.

[lookaught]

Thanks, those are exactly the symptoms. If you can find the PN that would be great, I'll do some searches in the meantime.

[drjonez]

Scan shows two things - Engine Speed sensor...intermittent.

This is your problem, replace now before it fails completely.

[old guy]

I'm pretty sure that this is the correct part number (078906433A) but no matter how much I search I can't find it listed for the AMB motor. Hopefully nihil can find his receipt to confirm.

Edit: Manufacturer's number: 1148990005. Marketed as both 078906344A as well as 071957147 so both of the numbers you listed are correct.

[lookaught]

Yeah OG that was the PN listed on a4mods.com and I know he has a 2002 which I assume is an AMB.

I'll probably just call genuineaudiparts in the morning and confirm with my VIN.

[lookaught]

Well I ordered an eBay knock off sensor for $21 shipped. It has a three year warranty and is a good deal compared with $70 shipped for an OEM piece. I'll post and let everyone know how the part works.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Crankshaft-P...0b91ce97c#shId

[drjonez]

I picked one up from o'riely....lifetime warranty. No problems with it.

[treedodger]

Mine failed intermittently at 85k miles (9 year old 2002 A4). Local foreign auto part store had one. Seems to be a common failure on these cars.

After you remove the bolt that secures it in place, it should pull straight out. I had to used vice-grips on the old one to get enough grip on it to pull it out. The o-ring was stuck to the block. If yours isn't stuck, it's an easy job.

[BARRY]

damn...oddly i'm having the same issues. i change my plugs as i thought that was the problem. problem didn't get any better.

sometimes i'll start the car and it'll run rough like its running on 3 cylinders. i turn off the engine and restart and its fine.

gotta love german cars...EVERY sensor dies in time.

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Sounds like your subject to a faulty crank position sensor! We have quality German made sensors in stock below!

Click HERE to order or for more information.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Jason

[biglip]

crank sensor for sure, do it asap, in the winter its not soo bad, but when it gets warm, u can stall while driving, done wanna lose power when ur on the road

[lookaught]

I installed the eBay crank sensor two days ago and it appears to have fixed the problem. It was only $15.09 shipped when I called the shop. It fit perfectly and was easy to install, but is definitely a knock off and just looking at the sensor compared with the stock one I can tell it is a bit cheaper, but then again, it was 1/4 the price of an OEM and has a three year warranty.

Thanks for the help everyone!