Emission Control System warning

[Norretal]

I've looked in various sections and can't find any reference so hopefully this is the right section to post in.

Last night I drove the S8 for the first time in five days and noticed it was "lumpy" when moving off from standstill and the warning lamp was flashing. I pulled over and turned it off for 30 seconds or so, restarted and the lamp stayed off and the car drove fine.

Came out early this morning to use it and although the car drove fine the lamp stayed on constantly. I drove steadily for the two miles of my journey and parked up, tried again a few hours later after my visit was over and same thing occurred, the lamp was lit constantly but the car drove smoothly.

The manual states to take it to a qualified workshop as soon as possible, which I will do of course but I'm wondering what sort of thing would have caused it to be activated. Has the short period of lumpy running yesterday caused the fault which now needs clearing, or is this an indication of something more serious? I'm aware of the potential damage to the cat(s) as indicated by the manual so will only take it the three miles to the garage, or is this a case where I should leave the car where it is and ask someone with the correct diagnostics to come to me?

Any advice would be much appreciated

Ron

[Delboy]

Do you have vcds to do a scan, as you know the control systems on these cars are so complicated it could be a number of different things and we can only start making educated guesses with a scan from the car

[Norretal]

Unfortunately I don't Del and I don't recall seeing anyone on the VCDS register from this area. My local independent will do a scan on it for me on Monday and I'll see what happens then.

As you say, they're very complex and I'm sure it's linked to the lumpy running last night. I pulled away earlier than usual last night (before the revs had dropped after the cold start) and that's something I've never done before, I'm hoping the cause and fix are both simple.

Thanks for the swift response +++

[Delboy]

I don't think the pulling away before the idle has settled is the problem as I do it in mine all the time and it does feel lumpy till the sai has got the cats up to temp.

It does sound very similar to a coil pack failing as thats the exact symptoms I had on a 3 series bmw.

It was intermittent and would throw the cel light on when it misbehaved but when it was ok the light would clear its self after a while.

Hopefully it will be as easy as that for you to get sorted, will wait to see what the mechanic says when he scans it.

Fingers crossed for you.

[ainarssems]

Lumpy running was most likely because one or several cylinders was not running properly, it could be due to incorrect air/fuel mixture or ignition issue. Probably coil pack or spark plug but cannot tell for sure without a scan and further investigation.

[Norretal]

Cheers Gents, I appreciate it's all speculation until I can get her scanned but at least I'm not miles from home. The plugs are recent as Ian changed them during his ownership but the scan will hopefully clarify the cause and solution.

Great input, I'll keep you updated +++

[IT]

Defo needs a scan to tell for sure. The V10 is a lumpy engine when cold at the best of times - my S6 is exactly the same. Being stood for 5 days isnt a problem, so you're looking at a little bit of something its unhappy with, but as it drives ok, it seems unlikely its anything too serious....

[Norretal]

Thanks Ian, I've got a scan arranged for tomorrow afternoon, so hopefully I'll know better after that. It drove fine after the initial problem occurred so I'm hoping its nothing serious.

I'll be paying close attention when they plug it in and check for fault codes

It'll be getting a good run out to Northampton in a few weeks, I'll make sure I give it a bit of work to do :cool:

[Norretal]

Not looking good I'm afraid, take your pick from coil packs, sticking valves or timing chain slipped, or all three even.

Booked in for recovery from my independent next week and transferring to a local(ish) VAG specialist for further investigation :(

[Delboy]

So you paid for someone to guess? Did you not get a scan from the car?

[Zip]

Defo needs a scan to tell for sure. The V10 is a lumpy engine when cold at the best of times - my S6 is exactly the same. Being stood for 5 days isnt a problem, so you're looking at a little bit of something its unhappy with, but as it drives ok, it seems unlikely its anything too serious....

I don't remember you announcing that an S6 had joined the stable. Tell us more.....always fancied an Avant S6.

Zip

[IT]

I don't remember you announcing that an S6 had joined the stable. Tell us more.....always fancied an Avant S6.

Zip

I brought it to the annual meet +++

Honestly, probably the best car I've ever owned. Big enough that it doesnt feel like a go cart like the S4's, yet small enough to park practically anywhere on daily driving basis.

It doesnt have the presence, or luxury of the A8, and apart from the discrete V10 badges and quad pipes it looks very 'normal'. I can park it absolutely anywhere. But, when I floor it, 400 ponies still gallop quite rapidly to the horizon and its very satisfying..... :D

For me, this avant combines the practicality of the Q7 that I always enjoyed, with the sportiness of the S4's, with some of the luxuries and tech of the D3, and with none of the downsides of any of them.....

I'm wrestling hard with whether or not to 'upgrade' to the RS6. All I want is a bit more power (who doesnt?), but I dont want DRC, fancy body kits, theft risk, oh, and 20K more tied up in a motor when the one I've got is near as dam it the same thing.... :rolleyes:

In fact, on paper the S6 looks like a bit of a bargainous gem. I've thought this for years, and if you can live with 'only' 400+ ponies instead of 500+ and you dont want it for pose value then its epic value for money imo....

However - Finding an S6 with a good/high spec is a challenge. RS6's are often bought money no object and its tick city on the spec sheet, but the S6 is more reserved and most kicking about have not so much stuff on.....

Thats enough thread hijacking, although at least the cars share the same engine.... +++

[Norretal]

I'd just be content driving any 8 right now, I'm dejected this weekend without one on the drive to wash and play with, hopefully next week will see progress.

On the subject of RS6 Avant's Ian, I might just know where there's one to tempt you soon ;)

[Norretal]

Finally the day is here, the S8 is being collected and shipped to someone I was recommended to use, wish me luck ;)

I'm showing confidence in her by buying a £275 tax disc for her this morning +++

[Adrian E]

Fingers crossed for you that it's a straightforward fix :)

[Reffro]

I couldn't see it referenced, but what fuel have you been using? VW/Audi FSi engines are notorious for being temperamental when not being run on 98 octane.

[Norretal]

I couldn't see it referenced, but what fuel have you been using? VW/Audi FSi engines are notorious for being temperamental when not being run on 98 octane.

I've only owned it for just short of five months Reffro, or two thousand miles of motoring in my case. I've always used Shell V Power in it, never anything else. Looking at the way it's been cared for by previous owners I'd say they've never ran it on cheaper fuel +++

[Reffro]

It won't be fuel then, any issues related to that should go once any 95 is flushed out.

[Norretal]

As some of you know already the problem with my S8 was found to be a broken flap in the inlet manifold, causing the misfire. I viewed the dismantled manifold and saw the damage and general wear and decided a new one was the best option available. This was just over three weeks ago, new one was ordered, delivery date of August 13th given. That date passed and the garage got onto TPS and were now given an improbable date, meaning they couldn't specify. Further chasing all week led to a confirmation today that none are available anywhere and they won't be commencing production until December........then they'll be distributed on a "first come first served" basis......WTF?!?!

I don't know whether to be angry, bemused or disgusted. Surely there are enough V10 S8's on the road to warrant a decent level of spares support by Audi? Has anyone had an issue similar to this before? I don't even know where to begin asking the questions that might get me some reasonable answers. I thought a brand as big as Audi would be better equipped to deal with what I'd consider a relatively straightforward replacement, in a reasonable amount of time?

I can't really add any more than that till I get more information from them, it's taken three weeks to get this far. I'm not impressed at all :mad:

[PsYcHe]

Mate's Brabus GL was off the road for about 4 months for a daft issue because they only make the parts every now and again.. Mental!

[Delboy]

Thats bad news Ron, is there one available from the states perhaps?

[HPsauce]

Has anyone had an issue similar to this before?Yes, though it was a larger and more complex part in my case. There were none whatsoever anywhere and they couldn't make any for a long time for reasons I was never told but have a fair idea about.
I won't give details online, but I did get free cars (of my choosing, no complaints on that front whatsoever) from Audi for about a year until they could make me one. :rockin:

[Norretal]

Yes, though it was a larger and more complex part in my case. There were none whatsoever anywhere and they couldn't make any for a long time for reasons I was never told but have a fair idea about.
I won't give details online, but I did get free cars (of my choosing, no complaints on that front whatsoever) from Audi for about a year until they could make me one. :rockin:

Go on, rub it in why don't you :-(

[HPsauce]

Well, the point is (though my situation was quite unusual and this was not a part that the average, or indeed any, dealer would have in stock) that nothing happened until I contacted Audi personally.

My car was off the road (at an Audi franchise admittedly) and things were going nowhere and information was scant/confusing.

It was a while back, so I can't offer any useful contacts - the people and organisation will have changed hugely since. I think I just found the right person in the hierarchy at Audi HQ in MK and they realised what a huge embarrassment it was to have one of their flagship cars off the road due to their inability to provide parts well within the lifetime they are committed to do so.

[Norretal]

I figure I'm out on a limb with this one, private sale, relatively high miles, eight year old car etc. I guess I'll just have to be patient if I want to have a new one fitted, eventually. Very frustrating when you consider it's not even a rare car.

[Adrian E]

You could try speaking to a brand manager at customer services with a view to 'clarifying' the length of time you will be without your top of the range Audi and see if there's anything they can do to source one, or at least get you mobile in something comparable, if nothing else for the positive PR it might generate online :D

[Norretal]

You could try speaking to a brand manager at customer services with a view to 'clarifying' the length of time you will be without your top of the range Audi and see if there's anything they can do to source one, or at least get you mobile in something comparable, if nothing else for the positive PR it might generate online :D

That seems a good suggestion Adrian, nothing ventured nothing gained as the saying goes, I might just make a point of asking questions and making the situation known, you never know ;)

[M-A8]

Ron, have you got a part number???
I've got a guy in Germany who is an Audi Dealer, I can always ask.

[Norretal]

I'd really appreciate that Marcin, thanks

The part number is 07L133518M

[M-A8]

Message sent Ron, will get back to you as soon I hear from him as at the minute he is not picking his phone up, so I emailed him on his private email in case he is not at work today +++

[Norretal]

I really appreciate your efforts Marcin, I'll consider all options to try to get this sorted sooner than December +++

[M-A8]

Just need to cross reference the part number which is in stock, one and only one, it's a manifold for 5.2 V10 Audi.
Do you actually need a manifold or can you buy the flaps separately??
What is that your PN for??

[M-A8]

Your part number comes up with nothing Ron, even in Google, are you sure its the correct PN????

[Norretal]

That's correct, an entire inlet manifold for a 5.2 V10 S8, The flaps can't be bought seperately, or so I'm told. The examples of the same issue I've found online have shown a new mainifold being fitted, so I expect that's the only available option in each case.

[Norretal]

I'm just waiting for a return call, I've asked the garage to confirm the part number, I'll let you know once they get back to me Marcin +++

[M-A8]

OK Ron, your PN is wrong

07L 133 185 M............1 in stock

Edited will Pm you soon

[Norretal]

I don't have anyone in the motor trade but I'll speak to the garage and see if they'd be willing to buy it direct on my behalf.

If this works out I owe you BIG time +++

[M-A8]

It will work out Ron, I'm 99.9% sure.

Manifold in stock, check your PM, if you can do it, it will cost you about £1500 inc. DHL shipping, just waiting for the final cost and payment options +++

[Architex_mA8tey]

It will work out Ron, I'm 99.9% sure.

Manifold in stock, check your PM, if you can do it, it will cost you about £1500 inc. DHL shipping, just waiting for the final cost and payment options +++

Thats a bargain Ron if its available +++

[M-A8]

Thats a bargain Ron if its available +++

It will be more 200pounds more because Ron wants to go with slightly more expensive option, around £1710 inc shipping from Germany

It all depends from the bank's Euro rate.

[Norretal]

Finally able to update this, after seven weeks and three days (I was counting) from the fault appearing my S8 is finally sorted and back on the drive +++

It's been a bit of a saga but it's all resolved to my satisfaction in the end. After I'd been told a manifold wouldn't be available until December Marcin (thanks mate!) located me a new one in Germany for much less than the TPS one (900 quid less) and I was about to buy it when I made a spontaneous phone call to a guy I know who runs a car sales business. I was about to ask him if he'd purchase the manifold on my behalf and he said "Take it to Richie on Team Valley, he repairs them" Well you can imagine, I spoke to the guy immediately and he assured me he'd done loads, told me what the problems are etc and what he does to repair them. I was up there the next day collecting the manifold from the garage (they'd already split it apart to show me the faults) and I dropped it off with this guy. The day after I get a call from my garage, a new manifold had been delivered!! I asked them to return it, TPS had lost a £2,600 sale because of their incompetence. Only six days earlier they said none would be available until December :-( If they'd delivered 48 hours earlier I'd have bought it as I wouldn't have known a repair was possible, someone was taking care of me that week ;)

Two days later I collected the repaired manifold and delivered it back to the garage. They can be repaired, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The manifold flap was repaired and secured properly, the whole thing cleaned and the linkages all secured then the parts silicone sealed and fastened back together. The cost was minimal compared to a new one, I dare say some of the mechanically minded on here could do the job themselves, before they break in the first place. The weakness is where the breather enters the manifold, the flaps closest (furthest from the drive motors) get brittle because of the oil mist and higher temps. The guy said it's almost always the same ones that break.

The manifold was refitted last week, the car test driven and all was well but they found the rear NS calliper was leaking so I had to get a new one, which I didn't mind considering I'd saved over two grand already. I collected the car today and it's been valeted, which was an added bonus. The garage have been great and have kept me updated all the way, as well as appreciating my efforts to find a solution. It looks like I've found myself my new independent garage +++

Just given it a wipe over tonight and been out for a thirty mile drive, I'm still grinning two hours later, it's immense! It was decoked while the manifold was off, I'm sure it's "breathing" a lot better, it feels much sharper and smoother. I'm away on holiday on Wednesday so it's great to have her back on the drive before I go away.

I just want to say a big thanks to Marcin and Neil for their efforts in trying to help me get sorted, much appreciated guys, very much. Although neither of you gave me the solution in the end your support was, and is, very much appreciated.

[briang9]

Great news Ron+++

[IT]

Superb news, really glad to hear she's back on the road, and in less time and at less cost than originally thought.... Result +++

[Norretal]

Cheers Gents, I'm one happy bloke this evening. I might even treat her to a Miltek resonated system from the money saved +++

[Architex_mA8tey]

Great outcome Ron, and really made up that you got it sorted, especially without paying TPS silly money ( boo hiss!) I'm sure the first few drives will help all the hassle fade into the background nice and quickly!
:mexicanwave:

[Delboy]

Fantastic news Ron, I'm glad to hear it all came good in the end and for a lot less then expected. Did you buy a lottery ticket this week?

Did your garage take any before and after photo's of the decoke?

Well do enjoy

Ps Who is Richie at Team Valley, do you have a link or anything for future reference?

[PsYcHe]

Result!

[harvmiester17]

Fantastic news, I'll keep an eye out for you on the road. Enjoy

[Norretal]

Fantastic news Ron, I'm glad to hear it all came good in the end and for a lot less then expected.

Did your garage take any before and after photo's of the decoke?


Ps Who is Richie at Team Valley, do you have a link or anything for future reference?

Thanks Del, I certainly feel like I had a run of good luck with this after feeling nothing was going right for weeks. I went from despair, to optimism, to elation within the space of a few days, can't believe how it worked out in the end.

They spent some time cleaning the inlet ports while it was standing but they commented it wasn't bad at all, at least compared to some they see.

This guy Richie is a small independent on Team Valley Trading Estate at Gateshead. I found out about him by word of mouth as I said. He works alone and classes himself as a mechanical engineer, so seems to enjoy a challenge. He's the type of guy you'd never find with a Google search but if anyone wants his number in future let me know. You may need to involve me in the discussions as interpreter mind because his accent is very broad Geordie. He's a good guy though and knows his subject +++

[Norretal]

Fantastic news, I'll keep an eye out for you on the road. Enjoy

Cheers fella, I'm away for ten days now but will watch out for you when I'm back, we probably stalk the same roads ;)

[M-A8]

Ron, you know how I feel ?!?!
I'm just so please for you, so so pleased +++

Just can't wait for my test drive now :ROFL:

The fact is, I mentioned it before, that I probably needed another week to buy this car of Ian before you snapped it, so it's like my second child adopted by another family :D

Just great news and I'm so glad she is back on the road again in such a short time when compared with end of the year or even January next year.

How much time were you cleaning it after getting back, hmm? Hours or days:p

+++