A4 Centaur's Build Thread

[A4 Centaur]

As many are aware who have lowered their cars, hard parts and soft parts are often the victims of debris and weather. I have lost many a panel under the car in snow storms and after the build-up of ice and snow under the chassis over the years.

Recently i was driving back from Scottsdale to Colorado and I began to hear a rubbing sound on the left rear (Drivers Side) of the car. After checking the car outside of Flagstaff, I notice the fender liner was collapsing over the wheel due to the weight of snow behind the liner.

With over 12" of snow already on the ground and time ticking, I made the call to keep driving. Well, the result was a violent fender liner ejection and the damage was thought to be confined to just that $124 part. After trying to re-fuel I noticed I was having a difficult time getting gas into the tank. Took around 20 minutes to fill the tank up, which normally is around a 5 min task.

I got home to Colorado and checked my codes with VAG COM, and found I had a P2404 code as now I have a CEL. Looking around on the web I found a variety of potential causes, but thought something else may be at play:



This vent line: 8K0-201-997-AM was discovered to be linked to the issue.



When the liner finally was pulled out from under the car it took out this vent line breather tube assembly.







So, if you ever have issues with filling your tank, and or you get a P2404 code, a quick check of this part may be in order, especially if you are lowered or have hit something on the highway in the left rear of the car.

Since I am lowered and was missing the $400 worth of plastic "acoustic sound panels" under the car, the wet snow from northern AZ built up enough to tear out two fairly expensive items and cause a few days of wonder and worry over what the problem was.

[whats77inaname]

Damn, that sucks. Glad it didn't leave you stranded!

[A4 Centaur]

^ Yea, I am still wondering why filling up is so problematic. No more codes, but it just doesn't seem to fill the same as before. The other valve which is connected to the gas tank requires a $1700 swap. Ouch.

[A4 Centaur]

Well, the P2404 code and CEL came back several times over the last few weeks. Doing a bit of research I found it might be the Leak Detection Pump (LDP), which is connected to a canister under the drivers side front fender area.

Car still has a hard time filling, so it probably means the Evap Canister is bad as well. Part is kinda pricey at $190.00



Looking under the drivers side of the car just in front of the fender well area:



3 13mm bolts hold that canister in place, and the removal of the old LDP is held on by 3 Torx screws and the clamps for the hose come off pretty easily.



Looks like no significant changes for the item over the last few years. My old one was full of water, and the hoses from the canister drained a lot of water as well, so that probably means the reason why I have had such a drama filling up the car is because the Evap Canister is bad/ clogged.

I will see what happens on my drive today.

[base14]

Well, the P2404 code and CEL came back several times over the last few weeks. Doing a bit of research I found it might be the Leak Detection Pump (LDP), which is connected to a canister under the drivers side front fender area.

Car still has a hard time filling, so it probably means the Evap Canister is bad as well. Part is kinda pricey at $190.00

I had to replace my Evap canister due to the previous owner slamming into something in the L rear and busting a hole in it 🤦🏻. FYI used canisters can be had on eBay for way cheaper. I got a used replacement for $60, and it worked like a charm.

All it has to do is hold gas vapor anyway... the only moving part is the LDP which you’ve already replaced.


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[A4 Centaur]

^Yea, good call on a used one. I was checking the other forums (B7 and B6) looks like some have taken theirs apart in the past or just removed them all together. I am still wondering how all that water made it in there? No holes or damage I can see.

[mkasperzak]

Whats up man? I came across your build thread last week doing some research on the ZF8 fluid change. I'm at 66k and about to do a TCU tune so figure it is the perfect time. Then Saturday morning, I'm heading to play a round of golf and you pulled up right behind me. Car is looking great, sorry I wasn't any fun... I had a healthy serving of beer the night before and was driving some non-car enthusiasts so didn't feel it would have been a great idea to dick around.

I've seen ya around town, never knew how deep your build was. When I saw the Stoptech's I figured you were K04 but wasn't sure. Anyway, cheers! love the avant, see you around this summer I'm sure. Were you heading to BW?

[A4 Centaur]

^Hey I'm over in the Broomfield area now and was probably driving down Denver/ DTC to help a buddy move. He has a pretty nice B8 Sedan with those blacked out Alzor wheels. Shoot me a PM and we can link up later.

[mkasperzak]

^Hey I'm over in the Broomfield area now and was probably driving down Denver/ DTC to help a buddy move. He has a pretty nice B8 Sedan with those blacked out Alzor wheels. Shoot me a PM and we can link up later.

Sounds good - yea you pulled up behind me on the I-70 E to I-25 N ramp just before 9am, Then you got off 58th ST exit near BlueWater. I'll shoot you a PM sometime, cheers

[sferraro]

^Hey I'm over in the Broomfield area now and was probably driving down Denver/ DTC to help a buddy move. He has a pretty nice B8 Sedan with those blacked out Alzor wheels. Shoot me a PM and we can link up later.

Sounds good - yea you pulled up behind me on the I-70 E to I-25 N ramp just before 9am, Then you got off 58th ST exit near BlueWater. I'll shoot you a PM sometime, cheers

Jim, meet Mat. Mat, meet Jim. I should have closed this loop long ago.

[mkasperzak]

Jim, meet Mat. Mat, meet Jim. I should have closed this loop long ago.

I tend to find myself only in the Q section, let’s all get together soon. Love pretending to be an avant


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[sferraro]

I tend to find myself only in the Q section, let’s all get together soon. Love pretending to be an avant

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One of the best SQ’s out there, and it’s got a hatch. Let’s do it.

[A4 Centaur]

Oh yea, I was chasing down a nice looking black SQ5 before that exit! I had to get off to head back south Haha

[A4 Centaur]

Ok, been a while since I posted up anything and a few things have been done or will be done to the Avant. Like most of you current events have taken precedence and I hope you all have jobs and or are still getting paid.

Recently I relocated to Arizona and I really like AZ as its got a really big car scene and since Audi's are actually seemingly rare here, I do get some some stares, and since the weather is great, it's easier to keep the car clean and less affected by both road damage and debris like you find in Colorado.



Coincidentally, after hauling her down here on a trailer, I discovered the fan control module (J255) was bad. Ordered up a replacement from Rock Auto:



10 Bolts and you drop the glove box to replace the module and as I found out later, the fan was bad too:



Now I have good AC as it was close to 88 here in Scottsdale today.

[A4 Centaur]

So, I've been eyeing a new 2020 Allroad, S5 Sportback and other vehicles as well, but since I picked up a new Italian GF, I am holding off on a car note for a while.

[Nano909]

So, I've been eyeing a new 2020 Allroad, S5 Sportback and other vehicles as well, but since I picked up a new Italian GF, I am holding off on a car note for a while.

Now that you're in AZ, you can come to California during the big Euro cars events we have.

[19birel]

The car is looking really fresh! Easy to see why it turns heads in AZ!

Loving the Ducati too, there's a part of me that wants to buy a bike when I finish school, albeit something much tamer haha

[A4 Centaur]

But I couldn't ignore the Avant and thanks to Mops for setting her up for a refresh:



https://www.nemesisautosport.com/col...rformance-line

So I asked the long-roof clan and some bros from Colorado and they gave me the recommendation for the 50th Anniversary BBS CI-R's:

[A4 Centaur]

So as BBS has indicated, I am getting Trendy! with my new CI-R's from Mops!

https://www.nemesisautosport.com/col...rformance-line

- - - Updated - - -

Thank you! I am so glad I've kept her over the last few years.

[A4 Centaur]

Yes! and I'll be rocking those BBS CI-R's

[A4 Centaur]

Here is the BBS configuration site I found on the web: https://konfigurator.bbs.com/article...00024730035336

I put the car in the pic to be lowered 60mm

[A4 Centaur]

Well, it's been around 8 months thanks to the hysteria and panic around the globe, which also saw BBS Germany declaring bankruptcy.

However Mops came through and in SPADES! https://www.nemesisautosport.com/

[A4 Centaur]

Thanks again to Mops from Nemesis Autosport and Shane for the great recommendation on both style and the color!

[whats77inaname]

Looking *CLEAN*

Don't forget to update your sig

[A4 Centaur]

Recently took the car to the Stealership here in Scottsdale to get the AC fixed and they claimed my AC compressor line was rubbed or cut through by the FIMC. Ok fine. Well, as per the other stupid conversations with the SA here, he said my battery needed to be replaced at a cost of get this: $770!!

Man, these guys suck so bad it isn't even funny. Frankly it's criminal. So, I went back into my records and found that I had bought the Optima Red Top about 4 years ago, and got to thinking well ok let's try the Optima Yellow Top. And it was significantly less expensive:



I will use the battery vent line hole to run the stainless line for my WM that I have been sitting on for a few years now. Going to run a single nozzle pre-Throttle Body.

[Nano909]

Optima Yellows are the best 👌

[schwiz23]

Recently took the car to the Stealership here in Scottsdale to get the AC fixed and they claimed my AC compressor line was rubbed or cut through by the FIMC. Ok fine.

Is it this line? I just installed my FMIC and charge pipes. Wondering if this is common and/or something I should be looking out for. Thanks


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[A4 Centaur]

Yea, I guess so. I'm going to pick up some wire loom protector and wrap it.

[19birel]

Looks great with the new wheels, the color work far better than I would've imagined, nice choice!

Where are you planning to locate the meth tank? Meth injection is on my to-do list too

[AUDacIouS4]

Well, it's been around 8 months thanks to the hysteria and panic around the globe, which also saw BBS Germany declaring bankruptcy.

However Mops came through and in SPADES! https://www.nemesisautosport.com/

Damn that looks good! Nicely done!

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[A4 Centaur]

Looks great with the new wheels, the color work far better than I would've imagined, nice choice!

Where are you planning to locate the meth tank? Meth injection is on my to-do list too

I am doing the right rear trunk. 1 Gallon tank with a quick disconnect initially but may do a larger tank from Devils Own.

[19birel]

I am doing the right rear trunk. 1 Gallon tank with a quick disconnect initially but may do a larger tank from Devils Own.

Nice! I don't think I've seen anyone run a trunk mounted tank on this platform yet. I was planning on mounting it somewhere behind the false firewall myself.

[A4 Centaur]

Well, got this today after starting the 2012 A4 Avant:

1 Fault Found:
2468 - Implausible Data Received from Engine Control Module
U0401 00 [167] - -
MIL ON - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear

01314- Engine Control Module 008 Implausible Signal

Looks like based on the information from Ross Tech the ECU has died: http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...00054#mw-pages

Question: If I pick up an ECU from eBay will it run but throw a ton of codes? I would prefer NOT to take the car to the dealer but most indie shops don't have the VAG 5051 tool or other to code modules.

Battery is new and has good voltage. Started car this afternoon car ran smooth for a few minutes, then died. Fan is on constantly, will not run. Car is APR tuned and has been since 2012. Never had a bit of trouble previously, just looks like the ECU is a goner.

Any thoughts?

[19birel]

Well, got this today after starting the 2012 A4 Avant:

1 Fault Found:
2468 - Implausible Data Received from Engine Control Module
U0401 00 [167] - -
MIL ON - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear

01314- Engine Control Module 008 Implausible Signal

Looks like based on the information from Ross Tech the ECU has died: http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index...00054#mw-pages

Question: If I pick up an ECU from eBay will it run but throw a ton of codes? I would prefer NOT to take the car to the dealer but most indie shops don't have the VAG 5051 tool or other to code modules.

Battery is new and has good voltage. Started car this afternoon car ran smooth for a few minutes, then died. Fan is on constantly, will not run. Car is APR tuned and has been since 2012. Never had a bit of trouble previously, just looks like the ECU is a goner.

Any thoughts?

if you get another ECU it will have component protection and likely not run. CP can be removed but only by the dealership, unless you can find someone selling an ECU with the CP already removed.

Any blown fuses?

[jjvwg]

i doubt a dealership will touch a preowned ECU that wasnt purchased through them, you'll need to find an indy shop with ODIS to do it. not sure how close AZ Euros is to you but i would be willing to bet they have ODIS.

[A4 Centaur]

^Thanks much!

I just bit the bullet and ordered an OEM ECU through the stealership. After begging a discount I was able to get to around $1500 and now I wait to see when the ECU shows up and get the vehicle moved to the shop for re-programming.

I've also decided to go with 034 and their flash loader and the upgraded fuel pump piston. Will look at doing the injectors from the GTI or other VW platform later this year once it cools down a bit I need to get off my ass and do the Snow Kit.

I went back to the Forgestars and am keeping the BBS wheels for the 2022 RS3 I have a deposit on with Jim Ellis Audi in Atlanta. Probably won't see that car for 10 months the way things are going lately. I love this Avant and will keep her for as long as possible.

[19birel]

Glad to hear you're getting it sorted, with stuff like that sometimes going through the dealership is the path of least resistance.

I didn't think 034 had a K04 file out yet? Their stock turbo tunes have proved to be potent, and they have E85 compatibility for us non-flexfuel guys which is neat too, curious how their K04 tune performs

[A4 Centaur]

Yea, you are correct. No K04 File yet, so guess I am staying with APR K04 until then. Hopefully they will give me a break, but I doubt it.

If it wasn't summertime and related activities planned I would probably be more inclined to try to find a shop to clone the ECU or something but looks like that software and the hardware used to perform that work is super expensive.

Folks on the Ducati forums have been trying for years to get an OTC option to monkey with the ECU's but very limited unless you buy a super pricey tool

[A4 Centaur]

Update for July 2022:

Car has left a great Indy shop here as they can't program the ECU without the extremely expensive tool. Car will probably be in the queue for work for several weeks due to shortage of mechanics and or the talent need to to a ECU swap out. So over to the folks at Audi Scottsdale for even more fun.

Fingers crossed that I can get her sorted and up and running ASAP. Based on the lack of a K04 tune from 034, I'll probably ask Goodspeed if they can just flash an APR K04 file for me and then when 034 has theirs, swap over.

Pretty expensive maintenance for this 10 year old Avant, but since she's a keeper, well worth the money spent.

[Nano909]

Update for July 2022:

Car has left a great Indy shop here as they can't program the ECU without the extremely expensive tool. Car will probably be in the queue for work for several weeks due to shortage of mechanics and or the talent need to to a ECU swap out. So over to the folks at Audi Scottsdale for even more fun.

Fingers crossed that I can get her sorted and up and running ASAP. Based on the lack of a K04 tune from 034, I'll probably ask Goodspeed if they can just flash an APR K04 file for me and then when 034 has theirs, swap over.

Pretty expensive maintenance for this 10 year old Avant, but since she's a keeper, well worth the money spent.

Nowadays it's better to stay away from OTS tunes and go custom. You can flash back to stock whenever you want, have however many files you want (87/89/91/93/100/E85/E40, etc). Also you can gap the OTS users all day