The A2 is dead. Long live the A2.

wr1teoff

Member
Hi Everyone,

Please forgive the over-dramatic title, but nothing better expresses the wilderness years after the loss of our previous A2, and now the joy of having another A2 join our family.

I am the recent purchaser of an A2 1.6 FSI SE in a silver light blue colour. I'm sure there's a better description of the colour itself but I hope that this suffices. I'm the seventh owner, with this particular example being registered new in the UK on 29th April 2004.

In 2004, we ran two cars in our young family. Mine was a new Subaru Impreza WR1, something I'd lusted after since first seeing the pictures of its ice-blue colour. As part of this purchase we got rid of my then-existing Audi A6 4.2, and in order to keep the peace at home we also purchased our silver Audi A2 1.4 SE, complete with the three-seat rear bench. This was my wife's first foray into Audi ownership, and whilst the Brand itself held little real cache for us, we both fell in love with the A2.

After a few years of ownership my car had changed whilst my wife continued to run her beloved A2. My changes had meant ever more powerful, exotic machinery, whilst the A2 continued to deliver the goods, day in and day out. This changed one evening when we were burgled, where the only keys the burglars could obtain were for the A2. Needless to say other keys were the target. Sadly, our gallant A2 was written off after being recovered from a subsequent crime scene where the car was used as a battering ram. Apart from the hole in a building our A2 left, it also left a hole in our hearts which we plugged with various cars over the years, along with a firm intent never to look back.

But...

More than any other car, we would both find ourselves pointing out the A2's we saw on our travels with increasing wistfulness. They stand out on the road, and with decreasing frequency they're a welcome sight amongst more modern, fattened, i-tune players with cost-effective components.

So we have done the sensible thing and bought the car we had always loved. It's not perfect, it's fourteen years old, but it's ours (or more specifically, my wife's (if I know what's good for me!)).

It has slightly squeaky rear o/s suspension, the black handle part of the handbrake sheath has come loose from its mount, the a/c needs re-gassing, and just a couple of days ago we have had the problem where the fuel filler cap won't open (which was after a jetwash so I don't know if this has any bearing). All of this I'm sure we will manage as part of the joy of ownership, and with the massive technical knowledge of the forum it's a pleasure to say hello to you all.
 
Welcome, hope your itch will be satisfied.

Sorry to be brief but it's late. If you want to know the name of the colour of your A2 look at the sticker in the boot toolkit or handbook and cross reference here:

https://www.a2oc.net/community/inde...trim-colour-codes.30501/&highlight=Trim+codes

What is the mileage?

I have two FSI's, they receive a bit of flak on here, but you must expect a fair bit of work to get it shipshape, after all it is now 14 years old but with TLC no reason why it will not serve you well for years to come.

Just ask anything you want to know however trivial. The forums internal search is a bit limited, often better to Google search with "a2oc 'what you are interested in'".

Andy
 
Welcome indeed. A very sorrowful, but ultimately happy ending tale with a genuine affinity for these aluminium classics evident throughout. Reminds me of when we owned two and went down to one and then to none - and my return, as I too missed this great innovative automobile.

A2OC is rich in information as Andy highlights - there are many knowledgeable and friendly folk on here covering all matters from bodywork, electrics, mechanics, detailing and much more to bring your A2 back to its best.

The FSI can be troublesome as it was an early direct fuel-stratified injection engine, but one which is well sorted will deliver smiles per miles. The same of any A2 regardless of engine - the A2 package making for the enjoyment factor - not just running a 3-pot diesel.

There is also an active social scene, so check out the socials forum if this is for you. There is no pretentiousness in this club, active daily work-horses are as welcome as show cars - with members always happy to help, share knowledge and discuss anything and everything.

Enjoy your new purchase and I look forward to seeing some pictures in due course.
 
Thank you everyone for such a warm welcome, and our thanks in particular to Andy and Darren for the extra-special mention!
 
Welcome, hope your itch will be satisfied.

Sorry to be brief but it's late. If you want to know the name of the colour of your A2 look at the sticker in the boot toolkit or handbook and cross reference here:

https://www.a2oc.net/community/inde...trim-colour-codes.30501/&highlight=Trim+codes

What is the mileage?

I have two FSI's, they receive a bit of flak on here, but you must expect a fair bit of work to get it shipshape, after all it is now 14 years old but with TLC no reason why it will not serve you well for years to come.

Just ask anything you want to know however trivial. The forums internal search is a bit limited, often better to Google search with "a2oc 'what you are interested in'".

Andy

Hi Andy,

Many thanks for the very useful colour codes! After a quick look at the toolkit I can confirm ours is Crystal Blue Metallic. Mileage is on the low side, having been purchased with just 63K on the clock a few weeks ago, so we're hoping for a decent, lengthy period of ownership from here!

The google search tip is a great help! Thanks for that, as I do need to start looking at how to sort the fuel flap issue, which is really the only thing we must sort with the car right now.

The other issue is the handbrake, as I can't see how to more permanently re-attach the black sheath to the handbrake shaft without potentially having to glue it. Any hints gratefully received!

Thanks,
 
Welcome indeed. A very sorrowful, but ultimately happy ending tale with a genuine affinity for these aluminium classics evident throughout. Reminds me of when we owned two and went down to one and then to none - and my return, as I too missed this great innovative automobile.

A2OC is rich in information as Andy highlights - there are many knowledgeable and friendly folk on here covering all matters from bodywork, electrics, mechanics, detailing and much more to bring your A2 back to its best.

The FSI can be troublesome as it was an early direct fuel-stratified injection engine, but one which is well sorted will deliver smiles per miles. The same of any A2 regardless of engine - the A2 package making for the enjoyment factor - not just running a 3-pot diesel.

There is also an active social scene, so check out the socials forum if this is for you. There is no pretentiousness in this club, active daily work-horses are as welcome as show cars - with members always happy to help, share knowledge and discuss anything and everything.

Enjoy your new purchase and I look forward to seeing some pictures in due course.

Thanks Darren! That's really kind of you. I think the first thing we'll be looking for is a trusted placed in the Midlands to help us take care of matters such as servicing. With only a couple of niggles to sort hopefully the FSI will be kind to us. Certainly it's a hoot to drive! I'll sort some pics out in the near future. Would be great to have our workhorse join a social in the future, and our thanks for the very kind invitation.

Thanks again!
 
Welcome to the forum, i can't help with the handbrake but the fuel flap issue is almost certainly the microswitch in the driver door lock mechanism. These develop a dry joint which manifests itself by not telling the dash the door is open hence why you cannot then press the fuel flap to get it open. Tom (Timmus) is able to make an effective repair thats very reasonable.
 
Hi Andy,

Many thanks for the very useful colour codes! After a quick look at the toolkit I can confirm ours is Crystal Blue Metallic. Mileage is on the low side, having been purchased with just 63K on the clock a few weeks ago, so we're hoping for a decent, lengthy period of ownership from here!

The google search tip is a great help! Thanks for that, as I do need to start looking at how to sort the fuel flap issue, which is really the only thing we must sort with the car right now.

The other issue is the handbrake, as I can't see how to more permanently re-attach the black sheath to the handbrake shaft without potentially having to glue it. Any hints gratefully received!

Thanks,
63k miles is very good.

As to your car's faults, one at a time.

First the fuel flap and I assume it is the usual very common problem and not simply a new button required. Under the carpet in the front passenger footwell is the CCCU (Comfort Computer Control Unit or something like that) that is the "brain" that control lots of the car's functions except the engine. If the CCCU does not detect the driver's door is open it will not release the fuel flap when the flap button is pressed. It detects the driver's door is open from the door lock mechanism part of which is this infamous microswitch that fails and "door open" is not detected and you have your problem. Apparently a tell tale sign is the interior courtesy light fails to illuminate when the driver's door is opened, because the CCCU does not detect door open, yet illuminates with any other door is opened. If you are a DIY person a good place to start is to read this:

https://www.a2oc.net/community/index.php?threads/petrol-cap-switch-button.35925/#post-314007

If you prefer a professional repair then yes you can do no better than Tom( TImmus). If you are not aware Tom is a very respected mobile technician whose specialism is the A2, especially anything electrical but he is also well versed mechanically. He can be contacted through the forum message system.

With regard to a trustworthy garage, choose carefully as the A2 is a rare car and very few garages have any expertise with the A2. I would use recommendations from here - Warwickshire area anybody?? Then there is WOM at Stoke the only national A2 specialist. Member travel miles to use WOM.

Said enough for now, hope it helps.

Andy
 
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Thank you so much for all the amazing advice! To Vorsprung durch Technik and Colin thank you so much, and to Andy for his fantastic support! Thank you everyone for the fuel flap advice. I am pleased to inform you that we now have a working flap (I'm sure there's a rude joke in that). After your kind recommendations a trip to Stealth Racing saw a fast fix courtesy of Vince, Dion and Connor. It was indeed the switch in the b-pillar. I will get some pics up as soon as I can.

Now, the next thing to tackle is the handbrake handle. I'm now informed the parts cost for this over £60, all for the sake of a broken piece of plastic! I'll have a look on the forum to see if anything is available, but wanted to say thank you sooo much for the welcome. We are really flattered to be made to feel so welcome. Thank you!
 
That is fantastic news - I'm pleased that the boys at Stealth did you proud.

Regarding the handbrake handle, it sounds like it is the plastic assembly that goes over the handbrake and engages into the transmission tunnel that has cracked. If so, these come in various colours to match your interior trim. I'd advocate posting a few pictures of your problem or even a short video. This will help with advice and/or help members identify if they have a replacement item for sale if a fix is not possible.

Cheers,

Darren
 
Thank you so much for all the amazing advice! To Vorsprung durch Technik and Colin thank you so much, and to Andy for his fantastic support! Thank you everyone for the fuel flap advice. I am pleased to inform you that we now have a working flap (I'm sure there's a rude joke in that). After your kind recommendations a trip to Stealth Racing saw a fast fix courtesy of Vince, Dion and Connor. It was indeed the switch in the b-pillar. I will get some pics up as soon as I can.

Now, the next thing to tackle is the handbrake handle. I'm now informed the parts cost for this over £60, all for the sake of a broken piece of plastic! I'll have a look on the forum to see if anything is available, but wanted to say thank you sooo much for the welcome. We are really flattered to be made to feel so welcome. Thank you!

You were lucky, with mine it's been a dry joint on both occasions. A - B pillar switch is a much easier fix and yes i know that feeling of "YES" we can put fuel in it now. Nice work hope you manage to sort out the hand brake handle.

All the best Mark.
 
I'm back! Sorry for the slow response to everyone but some time away on holiday has been the culprit. Mark, I utterly sympathise and hopefully you're all sorted now.

At the risk of perhaps using the wrong part of the forum I want to really big-up the guys at Stealth Racing.

We had additional drama on the return from our hols a few days ago. The engine check light came on as we exited the airport car park and at that late stage of the evening there was little option but to press on, but thankfully not too far.

Amidst clenched cheeks we made it home and a trip to Stealth by my wife the following day underlined some seriously fab customer service. They dropped everything and the result was an interesting trip under the bonnet to see something rather obvious, namely a large circlip not in the right place hence the error being logged for airflow.

This is the third time we've been there and it's appropriate that I recognise them for their exceptional service. A2 engine.jpg
 
That is fantastic news - I'm pleased that the boys at Stealth did you proud.

Regarding the handbrake handle, it sounds like it is the plastic assembly that goes over the handbrake and engages into the transmission tunnel that has cracked. If so, these come in various colours to match your interior trim. I'd advocate posting a few pictures of your problem or even a short video. This will help with advice and/or help members identify if they have a replacement item for sale if a fix is not possible.

Cheers,

Darren
Thanks Darren! I know I need to get some pics up and the return to earth after a short break away has slowed matters down. Pics to come soon!...
 
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