Lumpy cold start ... thought it was firmware update

[daviesd]

just thought I'd let you guys know I had the same problem with my Mar 07 Avant. Dropped it into the Audi centre and they couldn't find anything wrong, latest software on, no error codes etc. They've logged a call with Audi and have just changed all the spark plugs!!!!! Its only done 3000miles. Basically they have no clue whats wrong, but I picked it up this morning and so far so good. They were basically saying if this doesn't fix it, they will replaces the coils.

Fingers crossed.

David

[audijohn]

just thought I'd let you guys know I had the same problem with my Mar 07 Avant. Dropped it into the Audi centre and they couldn't find anything wrong, latest software on, no error codes etc. They've logged a call with Audi and have just changed all the spark plugs!!!!! Its only done 3000miles. Basically they have no clue whats wrong, but I picked it up this morning and so far so good. They were basically saying if this doesn't fix it, they will replaces the coils.

Fingers crossed.

David

David I still put this down to cold fueling.
Like running on choke if you will.

[s3marc]

Wow, I knew a few people had cold start problems - but I thought the 'magical' firmware update was to be my saviour!

Picked car up on Thursday and still as lumpy as ever - lets see what they do next monday........

Further thought - the exhaust fumes when I start up in the morning are heavy in petrol vapours, smells really rich..... I dont seem to remember it being so smelly when I first picked the car up.

I was advised by Audi service..... 'Just start the engine 10 minutes or so, before you want to go anywhere........' , Typical lame excuse.

Asked for the R8 for a loan car..... told I would be getting an A3

[audijohn]

I was advised by Audi service..... 'Just start the engine 10 minutes or so, before you want to go anywhere........' , Typical lame excuse.

Asked for the R8 for a loan car..... told I would be getting an A3

WHO told you that load of BULL, start the car and drive, if it's running rich take it back quick.

[SimonFV8]

[/quote]
David I still put this down to cold fueling.
Like running on choke if you will.[/quote]

This was the diagnosis Audi Tech gave me over the phone!

[jacko]

I have had exactly the same problem and was told it was due to a 'choke' like situation. It does only happen when running cold.

Audi said they've had this complaint on nearly all new RS4's and not to worry.

For now I've taken them at their word.

[audijohn]

I have had exactly the same problem and was told it was due to a 'choke' like situation. It does only happen when running cold.

Audi said they've had this complaint on nearly all new RS4's and not to worry.

For now I've taken them at their word.

Mine is not doing this now.

[PetrolDave]

I have had exactly the same problem and was told it was due to a 'choke' like situation. It does only happen when running cold.

Audi said they've had this complaint on nearly all new RS4's and not to worry.

For now I've taken them at their word.

Never had that on my RS4.

[jacko]

I have had exactly the same problem and was told it was due to a 'choke' like situation. It does only happen when running cold.

Audi said they've had this complaint on nearly all new RS4's and not to worry.

For now I've taken them at their word.

Mine is not doing this now.

Why what have you done?

[pippyrips]

Wow, I knew a few people had cold start problems - but I thought the 'magical' firmware update was to be my saviour!

Picked car up on Thursday and still as lumpy as ever - lets see what they do next monday........

Further thought - the exhaust fumes when I start up in the morning are heavy in petrol vapours, smells really rich..... I dont seem to remember it being so smelly when I first picked the car up.

I was advised by Audi service..... 'Just start the engine 10 minutes or so, before you want to go anywhere........' , Typical lame excuse.

Asked for the R8 for a loan car..... told I would be getting an A3

I've noticed similar symptoms with mine from time to time, especially the petrol fumes when first started up on a cold morning. Will take it in for a check when i get a chance.

[reevesroadster]

mine was running lean and had to have the mod from audi to the throttle body.

Lots of people have commented on the fuel smell when started from cold - its very strong and does run lumpy. I put it down to the fact its cold aswell, and a big engine to warm up.

As a side note, I average about 21 MPG, with a 60/40 mix of motorway and town driving respectively. Ive seen reports on here of people getting over 25MPG on a motorway run - Ive never managed more than 23MPG, and assumed its down to my right foot.

Can anyone corroborate these numbers, or perhaps it is running rich now and needs some attention.

Thanks,

[audijohn]

mine was running lean and had to have the mod from audi to the throttle body.

Lots of people have commented on the fuel smell when started from cold - its very strong and does run lumpy. I put it down to the fact its cold aswell, and a big engine to warm up.

As a side note, I average about 21 MPG, with a 60/40 mix of motorway and town driving respectively. Ive seen reports on here of people getting over 25MPG on a motorway run - Ive never managed more than 23MPG, and assumed its down to my right foot.

Can anyone corroborate these numbers, or perhaps it is running rich now and needs some attention.

Thanks,

My car has averaged 24.2MPG over 5900 miles, I have logged all fuel and miles covered. I must add I do NOT live in town.

[PetrolDave]

As a side note, I average about 21 MPG, with a 60/40 mix of motorway and town driving respectively. Ive seen reports on here of people getting over 25MPG on a motorway run - Ive never managed more than 23MPG, and assumed its down to my right foot.

I get 16mpg on the urban commute to work (averaging 13 mph!), but 25mpg on motorway runs. Best ever tankful was 27 mpg in southern France in July.

[SimonFV8]

OK car in on Thursday eve and back Friday lunchtime, all sorted, apparently all it needed was a new set of plugs and problem solved! After using my car on Saturday from cold it all seemed fine so hopefully thats that!

[s3marc]

Car went in on Monday and just received an update that it is going to be out of action for the rest of the week
It is currently in bits and photos being sent to Audi HQ to ask for advice.

They just read the report thus far and..........

They found a trapped cable tie under the inlet manifold gasket which may have been causing a slight leak in the gasket - gasket will be replaced.

They have found an excessive amount of oil on the inlet valves which is not unusual (apparently !?!!??) - but obviously something wrong otherwise they would not have identified it presumably.

Oh well , a few more days driving in the A3 1.8T - oh my god, now I know why my RS4 is £50k+ of motor. A3 spins its wheels like nothing on earth, buzzes along , feels inherently unstable - give me back my beast.