Need help or advise please

M

Mark F

Member
Only just bought my first 2001 A2 1.4 petrol earlier this year knowingly it had a leaky cam carrier so got that sorted but have run into a bees nest of other issues with the engine and today have been told by a garage that they don't want to get involved. It needed the oil draining out again to silicone seal the sump as well but it has a tapping sound which they believed could be a oil lifter on it's way out and they don't have the equipment to calibrate it.
Other issues are that a previous garage taped over the abs and traction control warning lights so they need sorting as well as an o2 sensor and also thought the thermostat was gone but is getting back up to temperature alright again this week.
I really don't want to give up on yet another car after having to scrap my astra in October especially this one as the rest of the car is in good condition. May consider a whole new engine to be fitted if it's more cost convenient.
 
Someone with more mechanical knowledge than me will hopefully be along to advise soon. However I'm sure I won't be the only person to say, whatever actually ails it internally to produce the tapping sound, you need someone with the proper VCDS software to scan it and reveal the issues behind the ABS/TC lights. It could be as simple as a brake light switch, or it could be a corroded wiring loom to a wheel sensor, or an issue at the pump itself. You wouldn't want to go through replacing all those things trying to find which one it was.
 
Proghound said:
Someone with more mechanical knowledge than me will hopefully be along to advise soon. However I'm sure I won't be the only person to say, whatever actually ails it internally to produce the tapping sound, you need someone with the proper VCDS software to scan it and reveal the issues behind the ABS/TC lights. It could be as simple as a brake light switch, or it could be a corroded wiring loom to a wheel sensor, or an issue at the pump itself. You wouldn't want to go through replacing all those things trying to find which one it was.
Click to expand...
I'll keep that in mind thanks very much for your feedback much appreciated
 
As @Proghound has just posted, start with a VCDS scan.

If the car has serious issues that need sorting, you're best off getting the car up to WOM in Uttoxeter https://womautomotive.co.uk/ . They are the absolute specialists in such work, and many members here use them regularly, so their prices are clearly fair.

If you need a new engine, they are still available off-the-shelf (in Germany, if not here in the UK). Here is a current eBay listing, which will give you a guide to the likely cost:
www.ebay.co.uk

Part motor closed for VW Audi Seat Skoda 1.4 16V AKQ AFK AHW APE BKY BCA AUA AU | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Part motor closed for VW Audi Seat Skoda 1.4 16V AKQ AFK AHW APE BKY BCA AUA AU at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk

Rather than attempt a piecemeal restoration, it's definitely best to start with a professional assessment from someone suitably qualified. Sometimes it's better to cut your losses early, and start looking for another car.
 
steve_c said:
As @Proghound has just posted, start with a VCDS scan.

If the car has serious issues that need sorting, you're best off getting the car up to WOM in Uttoxeter https://womautomotive.co.uk/ . They are the absolute specialists in such work, and many members here use them regularly, so their prices are clearly fair.

If you need a new engine, they are still available off-the-shelf (in Germany, if not here in the UK). Here is a current eBay listing, which will give you a guide to the likely cost:
www.ebay.co.uk

Part motor closed for VW Audi Seat Skoda 1.4 16V AKQ AFK AHW APE BKY BCA AUA AU | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Part motor closed for VW Audi Seat Skoda 1.4 16V AKQ AFK AHW APE BKY BCA AUA AU at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk

Rather than attempt a piecemeal restoration, it's definitely best to start with a professional assessment from someone suitably qualified. Sometimes it's better to cut your losses early, and start looking for another car.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the link will check them out
I live in Fareham southern England and have VW service centre near me but had a £900 quote to reseal the cam carrier so had taken to a private garage who did it with the can belt water pump for £500.
But guessing I'll need a garage with good mechanical knowledge of this car at this point
 
Hi, @Mark F have a look at this:

Free Scan Register

This is a register of members who generously offer free scans for other members. To arrange a free scan: 1. Click the pdf map in the footer and choose a location. 2. Cross reference the location number in the table below to identify the member. 3. Click on their username on the left, click...
www.a2oc.net www.a2oc.net
It's a register of members who can run a VCDS diagnostic scan for you.
I'm not that far away, just north of Basingstoke.
Mac
 
PlasticMac said:
Hi, @Mark F have a look at this:

Free Scan Register

This is a register of members who generously offer free scans for other members. To arrange a free scan: 1. Click the pdf map in the footer and choose a location. 2. Cross reference the location number in the table below to identify the member. 3. Click on their username on the left, click...
www.a2oc.net www.a2oc.net
It's a register of members who can run a VCDS diagnostic scan for you.
I'm not that far away, just north of Basingstoke.
Mac
Click to expand...
Thanks are you available today to do a scan?
 
After speaking to the people at the garage their advice is not to spend another penny on it and is looking more likely best sold for spares and repairs
 
Really could not say without seeing it or without seeing faults it brings up, however story after story I see seems the A2s need to be looked after by a specialist mechanic/garage who are familiar with the cars.

Fella I bought 1.4 petrol got all kinds of scare from garage about this and that, ended up selling it back to him as I fixed it up on side of road when I drove to see it.

Me and Mrs. pop down to seaside some weekends, I need to sort turbo on my A4 first, but if you're not in a massive hurry and schedules align I am happy to give it a scan and a look over? Wont be for next few weeks most likely though.



I've had bad luck with ABS lights historically, but it could be one of the sensors or if a bearing has been done, often it faults if part is poor or bearing is not pressed in fully.

O2 sensor should be fairly easy

not sure on the oil lifters, but if it is the bits on camshaft, should be easy enough - did it have tapping noise prior to resealing the cam carriers?
 
Last edited:
Gary at B&F Autos is quite a bit closer to Fareham. He's in West Hounslow and knows a2's better than most. Main dealers are not really much use as in these cars were around before a large quantity of workshop staff were even born. Just saying.

Good luck.
 
Un4tural said:
Really could not say without seeing it or without seeing faults it brings up, however story after story I see seems the A2s need to be looked after by a specialist mechanic/garage who are familiar with the cars.

Fella I bought 1.4 petrol got all kinds of scare from garage about this and that, ended up selling it back to him as I fixed it up on side of road when I drove to see it.

Me and Mrs. pop down to seaside some weekends, I need to sort turbo on my A4 first, but if you're not in a massive hurry and schedules align I am happy to give it a scan and a look over? Wont be for next few weeks most likely though.



I've had bad luck with ABS lights historically, but it could be one of the sensors or if a bearing has been done, often it faults if part is poor or bearing is not pressed in fully.

O2 sensor should be fairly easy

not sure on the oil lifters, but if it is the bits on camshaft, should be easy enough - did it have tapping noise prior to resealing the cam ccarrie
Click to expand...

Un4tural said:
Really could not say without seeing it or without seeing faults it brings up, however story after story I see seems the A2s need to be looked after by a specialist mechanic/garage who are familiar with the cars.

Fella I bought 1.4 petrol got all kinds of scare from garage about this and that, ended up selling it back to him as I fixed it up on side of road when I drove to see it.

Me and Mrs. pop down to seaside some weekends, I need to sort turbo on my A4 first, but if you're not in a massive hurry and schedules align I am happy to give it a scan and a look over? Wont be for next few weeks most likely though.



I've had bad luck with ABS lights historically, but it could be one of the sensors or if a bearing has been done, often it faults if part is poor or bearing is not pressed in fully.

O2 sensor should be fairly easy

not sure on the oil lifters, but if it is the bits on camshaft, should be easy enough - did it have tapping noise prior to resealing the cam carriers?
Click to expand...
Thanks for offering with the scan, I'm starting to think a vcds scan is still worth a look as all the lights had once gone off while driving momentarily so could be a wiring fault or something not too expensive.
I've got until 8th July until my mot to get the important bits sorted if possible
Will try and arrange with anyone as soon as I can
 
simon martyn said:
Gary at B&F Autos is quite a bit closer to Fareham. He's in West Hounslow and knows a2's better than most. Main dealers are not really much use as in these cars were around before a large quantity of workshop staff were even born. Just saying.

Good luck.
Click to expand...
Hi not sure if you're thinking of Feltham, Fareham is on the south coast between Southampton and Portsmouth.
I'm starting to see a pattern as this wasn't the first private garage who refused to even look at my car so a dedicated mechanic experienced in A2's must be the way to go.
 
Hi. know where Fareham is. According to my good friend Dr. Google, West Hounslow is about an hour and a half from you. Gary is just off the M4, Junction 2 from memory.

Not only is he hugely knowledgable, he's a top bloke and will help avoid tears at bedtime!
 
Un4tural said:
Really could not say without seeing it or without seeing faults it brings up, however story after story I see seems the A2s need to be looked after by a specialist mechanic/garage who are familiar with the cars.

Fella I bought 1.4 petrol got all kinds of scare from garage about this and that, ended up selling it back to him as I fixed it up on side of road when I drove to see it.

Me and Mrs. pop down to seaside some weekends, I need to sort turbo on my A4 first, but if you're not in a massive hurry and schedules align I am happy to give it a scan and a look over? Wont be for next few weeks most likely though.



I've had bad luck with ABS lights historically, but it could be one of the sensors or if a bearing has been done, often it faults if part is poor or bearing is not pressed in fully.

O2 sensor should be fairly easy

not sure on the oil lifters, but if it is the bits on camshaft, should be easy enough - did it have tapping noise prior to resealing the cam carriers?
Click to expand...
I don't remember any tapping before it was resealed come to think of it
I'm not the most mechanically minded myself but all I know is it had the off side ball joint done just before I bought it.
I'm ashamed to admit I bought the car with no service history so can't be sure what it's had done
 
Mark, we know very little about this car, it would be helpful if you tell us a little more about it, and its general condition. Are you currently able to drive it reasonable distances or not?

@PlasticMac gave you a link to the Free Scan Register, you should follow that link, download the map, and identify people who are reasonably close to you. You can then send private messages to anyone you want to contact asking for assistance by moving your cursor over the person's name and selecting "start conversation" from the box that opens up. Bear in mind that people aren't necessarily available immediately, and that if you are able to drive your A2 to them, that is preferred.

People using unregistered VCDS Lite will not have access to the fully automated option for scanning that makes the process straightforward and quick.

I drive a late 2001 petrol A2 myself and it is probably the most straightforward of all the A2s to keep in good running order. However, the 1.4 engine, with its alloy crankcase, does need careful handling from someone familiar with it.

What is the state of the battery in your car? Quite a few A2s are still running with their original batteries (made by Varta, they have an Audi part number on them) and of course they are well past their best.
 
If there was no tapping it could be the lifters were not adjusted correctly as I would guess they need to be removed and then added/readjusted after it is resealed. Far as I am aware this would not cause immediate issue though likely to cause extra wear over time and possibly cause it to not run quite as well.

I'll see how it goes with the A4, as my A2 is still in pieces, will ping you if we make a trip for British seaside, while I am not a mechanic I've seen some of these around and can at least offer an idea of what is troubling her.

Honestly, not sure why the reluctance of garages/mechanics to touch these, as far as engine/drivetrain is concerned it is essentially a polo in an aluminium shell, fairly standard engine and bits used across VAG range, with mostly same issues and most issues are now well documented, certainly prefer working on A2 with the poor access than figuring out mechanical gremlins on the A4 B7 with uncommon issues, but part of the fun.
 
steve_c said:
Mark, we know very little about this car, it would be helpful if you tell us a little more about it, and its general condition. Are you currently able to drive it reasonable distances or not?

@PlasticMac gave you a link to the Free Scan Register, you should follow that link, download the map, and identify people who are reasonably close to you. You can then send private messages to anyone you want to contact asking for assistance by moving your cursor over the person's name and selecting "start conversation" from the box that opens up. Bear in mind that people aren't necessarily available immediately, and that if you are able to drive your A2 to them, that is preferred.

People using unregistered VCDS Lite will not have access to the fully automated option for scanning that makes the process straightforward and quick.

I drive a late 2001 petrol A2 myself and it is probably the most straightforward of all the A2s to keep in good running order. However, the 1.4 engine, with its alloy crankcase, does need careful handling from someone familiar with it.

What is the state of the battery in your car? Quite a few A2s are still running with their original batteries (made by Varta, they have an Audi part number on them) and of course they are well past their best.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the advice will have a proper look at the map link when can, have been a little too busy the last few days
I'm pretty sure the battery is as you described, would never of believed it could last that long?
The car is drivable still so would consider going some distance to get it checked by someone with a registered vcds
 
Just to update that I've booked my car in to get a vcds scan next week and mot the following week at a Skoda dealership service garage around the corner from me, haven't mentioned anything other than the abs and traction control lights as of yet thinking a fresh diagnosis would be best then go from there
Thanks everyone for offering to do it for me and the advise, will let you know how it gets on
 
Sadly they won't know what on earth the car is, I suspect. My previous statement still stands. Main dealer prices and lack of knowledge...OUCH
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top