Burning Smells

[Zola]

Unexpectedly and disappointingly, smelt burning in the car this morning when queing in traffic. All warning lights are off and temp gauge is a usual 90 degrees and car seems to drive normally, ie not pulling to one side or difficulty pulling away. Having a sniff around the front seems to indicate its coming either from under the "bonnet" or front wheel arches., seems even both sides. Not having an easily opened bonnet makes it harder to pin down.

Any diagnoses? I though of brake binding (but drives normally), clutch (I dont ride it and no judder), or something in the engine (but no warning indicators are on), even the air con (but that smells clean). Prefer not to take it in to garage until I know a bit more
cheers

[Skipton01]

Your initial diagnoses are all quite plausible, but it's also possible that something could have gotten into the engine bay and be burning - eg plastic bag etc.

Also, it is quite possible that you were smelling burning from elsewhere - I've done it myself, convinced myself that something was wrong, when actually, it was nothing.

Don't worry overly so, see if it recurrs on the way home tonight.

Cheers,

Mike

[doctor]

Hate to suggest it but it could be an animal:eek:

Doctor

[spike]

Hi Zola
Was it a cold morning ?
I think your car will have the auxiliary coolant heater (discontinued on later models but I don't know the cut-off date) which works at temperatures below 5C. It's like a miniature central heating boiler which burns diesel. The exhausts exits from under the front bumper on the drivers side and this could be the cause of the burning smell.

Cheers Spike

[Zola]

sadly its the clutch, no real judder or slippage but noticeable in traffic stop-start that smell returns, def friction materials smell ...took it into Audi independents yesterday and confirmed...£400 + vat for replacement, gearbox out, big job etc...far cheaper than a main dealer but still hurts and no chance of audi used car warranty coughing up. Hey Ho. 35,000 miles!! prev owner must have been a clutch pedal rider, or is it a common feature of A2 life?

[Skipton01]

Sorry to hear this Zola.

Burnt out clutches are not generally associated with the A2 - seems you've been unlucky.

Taking out the gearbox is no small task though, so leave it to the professionals.

Cheers,

Mike

[Zola]

I'll put it down to bad luck, does not stop me enjoying the car! By the way, Audi dealership quoted me £829 and then started on about flywheel and servo repavcements!

[Skipton01]

Sadly Zola, that doesn't surprise me.

Have the work done by a good indepedant and relax for the next 100K miles (well, as far as the clutch is concerned!).

Cheers,

Mike

[humps]

I too had a dealer quote for changing the clutch (my biting point is a quite high). He quoted a 'standard' 5hr labour + parts (around 470) so it came to just under 900. Who's your independent quote? It seems way cheaper, I'm interested.

BTW, 'Zola' the footballing great is my all time favorite footballer, not sure if your forum name has anything to do with him!

[Zola]

Audi independant is IVC in Leeds, (Audi/VW specialists) remember its 400+VAT, so effectively 470. Includes the clutch at 166+VAT. Strong recco from a friend with a TT and a friend with an old shape Avant RS4...
and Zola...yup Gianfranco is my all time favourite...

[swiv]

Hey Ho. 35,000 miles!! prev owner must have been a clutch pedal rider, or is it a common feature of A2 life?

Mine was replaced at about the same mileage.

That was because I complained to my dealer about juddering and the high position of the pedal at which it would actually engage.

They replaced it and it felt brilliant for a few thousand miles. But soon after the late engaging came back. The juddering did not though. Although I still think that both clutches offer lousy control compared to other clutches I've felt in other cars.

I must admit that I'm not treating my A2 too nice. Always first at the lights, quite a lot of congestions cruising and I also always brake by means of the engine before actually braking, thus leading to lots of gear-switching in busy traffic.

Mileage now at 130.000 km (not miles). Clutch hasn't worsened substantially since the moment I indicated above.

Edo