Random starting issue and EPC light

[zlaja80]

Hi friends,
I am having some random starting issues, car will crank for few times before it turns over and starts. This happens randomly and today I had EPC light on. I turned the car off and on again and no light and all was normal. Is it the engine speed sensor as noted under a4mods.com. Also are engine speed sensor and crank position sensor the same thing. Car is a 2003 a4 1.8t Fwd with 208,000 miles. Thank you for your help!
Zlatan

[old guy]

Same thing.

[zlaja80]

Thanks man, do you think it's this sensor? I thank you again for your help with the injector earlier this year!

[old guy]

Thanks man, do you think it's this sensor? I thank you again for your help with the injector earlier this year!

Your symptoms are consistent with a faulty engine speed sensor. If you can get someone to check codes you can confirm.

[rocket1420]

If you do replace the sensor, the walkthrough on a4mods I think leaves a little to be desired. For one thing, it's damn near impossible to just pull on the sensor once you get the bolt out. I had to use a prybar. I also have no idea how you'd get to it from underneath the car because the crossmember is directly underneath it.

[zlaja80]

Thanks for the heads up. So is this sensor somewhere behind the oil filter. Is it easier to get to it from the top? Thanks!

[JAudi23]

I had this same issue a couple of years ago. I was able to replace it only from the top. I didn't have to get under the car but was essentially working blind/by touch from the top.

Sent from my GT-P5210 using Tapatalk

[5ktq]

Yeah thats what i did too. Follow the cable, feel out the (5 or 6mm) allen, take it out, then try and twist/pull/ pry the thing out. done in maybe 15 minutes and it did not want to come out.

[rocket1420]

Thanks for the heads up. So is this sensor somewhere behind the oil filter. Is it easier to get to it from the top? Thanks!

Yes, it is pretty much right between the oil filter and the block, towards the firewall side a bit. If you happen to need an oil change, this job would be quite a bit easier if you took the oil filter off first.

The cable doesn't take a "crazy path" either. It goes from the connector toward the block, then kinda snakes down the block to the sensor. Two zipties IIRC.

[zlaja80]

Audi wants $150 for the sensor, and I also got a quote for the OEM Bosch part for 32.70. Will it be a problem if I go with the OEM instead of the Audi $150.00 part. That is a steep price for a sensor. Please let me know your opinion. Thanks.

[JAudi23]

I just checked and I ended up getting the original part from Audi. I paid $142.42 Canadian in March 2014
I am not sure why I didn't look for aftermarket parts in this case, normally I look around for the good brand aftermarket parts.

[5ktq]

Bosch is good (and I'm pretty certain the OE audi sensors are bosch anyway).

I needed mine today, when I did it, so i got robbed like $100 for a chinese one from the auto parts store. sigh.

[zlaja80]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice. I replaced the sensor today, changed oil and filter and replaced the coolant expansion tank all before the rain :) Once again thank you!!

[rocket1420]

Good job! Here's a couple pics for anyone else that might come across this thread:

You can see it waaaaay down there. Look between the fuel rail and the coolant pipe.


I'm using a standard length Snap-On 5mm hex bit with a 1.5" extension:


Here it is more head on:


It doesn't take much to crack the bolt loose. I took off the ratchet and did the rest by hand. A pair of pliers popped the sensor out.

Again, why anyone would attempt to do this from underneath the car is beyond me.