Magnet

Thanks Clifford. That's very reassuring and dispels the myth that at my age, I should be just sitting in the corner, slippers on and complaining about absolutely everything! The first two, I refuse to do, the last one I always feel it worth passing an opinion if you think things could be better than they are.

Come back "tidy" (as we say in these parts) dipsticks as you say Clifford. Who on earth at VAG came up with a brown background on which to gauge an oil level? You rightly say black oil level is difficult, but I now find  that changing the oil every year it doesn't get that black - making it even worse to read! 

Still, we have a dipstick (engineered by a dipstick?). I guess better than not having one at all, which seems to be getting popular now. 

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Hello folks,

I am now servicing our daughter's ex A3 (previously dealer serviced on longlife schedules) on an annual basis due to mum and dad's comparatively low mileage use. I continue to use Quantum Longlife oil even though I now change it every year - bit OTT but....

Question:- Spanner light is on. Is there a way of extinguishing this without any plug in gizmos which I don't have access to? 

Is it just me, but do other owners find the dip stick to be user unfriendly in its markings? Why did they put that plastic serrated bit on the bottom as a gauge of the oil level? Very difficult to read and be sure you don't overfill. Well to me, I've seen much easier readable dip sticks.

As a matter of interest and to save trying to gauge it, does anyone know the exact oil quantity for an oil and filter change. It's a 2006 1.6 Sportback 'Special Edition" - which equals the basic model I think.

Many thanks,

Gareth.

Hello Jay,

Wow. Obviously we don't know what is small in your "small part......" or indeed where on the tread this is. It may be of no significance, but any separation of any part of the tread on a tyre must be looked at by a reputable tyre company to assure yourself that this is safe.

Of course, you might have done so, and apologise if you have.

If you haven't then please please do so. If there is a recommendation to get this replaced then near new or not - spend, beg, borrow or steal to best safeguard your and other road users safety. 

Sorry Jay, this may be a bit harsh, jumping the gun, and indeed you may have had it looked at by your reputable tyre company, but gluing bits of tread on tyres ...! 

Anyway, good luck in getting this sorted safely.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Ben,

Ask your mechanic why he says 2006 is a bad year? Re. the car you are thinking of actually buying- service history? How long has the last owner had it? Are you going to contact him/ her to find out more about it before you buy ( assuming this is a trade sale rather than private)? Never buy without doing that - it's the best way of finding out what is wrong - if not buying it directly from the owner. 

N, I and prices? Don't know, but you should be able to research what is available locally as a comparison. Part exchanging against it? It all makes a difference. As I understand it all MOTs over there are done at VOSA type stations ( similar to HGVs here?) rather than at MOT stations, so the uniformity of assessment should be better than over with us. 

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Jay,

An interesting question, and full marks in my book for clearing up some myths. Now, washing a car with a bucket and sponge (which is what I guess you do) is the only way to wash a car. Time consuming yes. Worth the bother when our friends from east of the Thames estuary will do it for you with their pressure washer lances for a few pounds? Most certainly, and I'm not saying they are all the same, but I have seen several nice cars with milky patches in the lacquer caused by the regular enthusiastic use of these pressure washers. The chemical cleaner often used, will take the skin off your hands in its undiluted form and how accurate is the dilution?? Anyway, enough of that and back to your much better method of doing it yourself - not using a pressure washer! 

Soap in the water is a new one on me, and I have always used a good quality wax car shampoo. I'm currently using Simoniz and have used it for a couple or three years now and find it very good (there are others) and less likely to leave water marks after washing it off. I never chamois my cars, since I find there is a greater risk of scratches and streaks. I wash mine on a dull day and ideally just before it's going to rain - no problem in this part of the country. No need to dry it off then.

Polish and taking a layer of paint (lacquer) off:- my view is that if you use a good quality wax polish ( minimum cutting agents) then you can forget about such issues. Just compare the constant abrasive conditions the car is subjected to as it passes at speed through the air along our roads. Don't worry about taking paint off by polishing with a good polish. Good polish? I've used Auto Glym resin wax polish since the time I had hair. I've tried others, and I certainly not saying there arn't better brands, but I've always come back to it for right or wrong. As I say there are others which are probably equally as good/ better. It's a bit like your favourite beer! 

How often to polish? I would say three times a year should be about it, and you will notice when it's due to be done again when the degree of the beading  effect (globules or whatever you want to call it) deminishes.

Good luck with it Jay, and I'm sure you will be pleased with the outcome.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

p.s. Where is Paa? 

Hello Tom and Vanessa,

It does bring a smile to my face on a rainy morning! 

It has often been quoted that with males, if all else fails, refer to the handbook/instruction book/map etc. Seems it might cross genders as well. Obviously no offence Vanessa - join the club.

Automatic stop/restart functions. New fangled concept? Not really, these were fitted to some cars in the 30's to automatically restart them if you stalled. Much disrespected then! 

Good luck with it- or perhaps consider switching it off. 

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Good question Paul, and one which I cannot answer in terms of the legal position re. refusing the "update", but if it were mine then refuse it I would.

What I would say is that the car is out of warranty - so no adverse implications there. It's your car, and it could be argued that it's up to you what you do with it - not VAG. All in all, this would at least seem to be a reasonable approach. Legal implications of that decision?? 

Perhaps it's me, by I'm not sure I fully understand the full logic of VAG actions on this, but am I right in believing that they "adjusted" the car's emission's system so that the car would satisfy the agreed requirements, and indeed a conventional MOT test? - and that is an important consideration. 

If I have a 3 year old or older car, and the car has not been actioned on the recall, can it take it it will pass because the "original fiddle arrangement " is still in place? If I present it for the recall, then is it more likely?? to satisfy the emissions requirements with the adjustment carried out and the "fiddle" removed? Main question:- If I don't take it for the recall, will it still satisfy the requirements in its original "fiddled" form - or will VOSA be amending the emission requirements and it will fail if not presented for the recall?

No doubt others on here will have the necessary knowledge and experience to answer these queries. 

I guess it boils down to all owners will be happy to take their cars in for a free recall, if the original performance and economy can be guaranteed. If it cannot, then obviously owners are going to be reluctant to have them recalled. 

Needs quite a few coats of thinking about!

Kind regards,

Gareth.

p.s. Trevor and/or others:- can I suggest that this important topic is not well placed on the forum ( tucked at the bottom of the list). Not being critical of the good works, but just feel this should be near the top of the heading selection. Any possibility Trevor? 

Hello Alison,

Many thanks for keeping this forum updated on the situation. I'm sorry that my pessimistic view on the outcome proved to be realistic, and I must say, I sympathise with you and the fact that you now have a car which now performs unacceptably- to a point where you would not buy it following a test run, and indeed they would be unlikely to sell to anyone else for the same reason.

I must say I "like" the bit that you agreed to allow them to modify this car, so you cannot complain about the resultant performance! Funny, if it was not so serious. 

Where now?

Not reversible back to its performance before they modified it? I would want this in writing from the dealer principal following his consultation with Audi, and I would be setting a time limit of 7 days to receive this. If you do not receive it, then if it were me, I would be into the maximimum publicity mode via. as many of the media contacts you can find for such things - giving the Audi dealer/Audi the courtesy of informing them first. 

To me, this treatment is just not acceptable, particularly since the intial issue was VAG's organisation fault. You should not be left holding the baby without any form of redress. 

Good luck Alison - but I hope you don't need it.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Alison,

Sorry to hear of your problems. As Trevor points out, this does not appear to be untypical after this recall, and I would think there isn't any doubt that the car is no longer what it was in terms of its performance - and I would anticipate, it's economy. Re, on one else has complained!? -well there are a couple on on this forum as I recall, and if it were mine I think I would be scanning the VW and Skoda forums and listing those who are discontent. Might be an idea to do this before ringing your contact.

I fear you may not get very far with this, but this may be rather pessimistic and let's hope I'm wrong, and you can get the sense you deserve.

If I'm right, it would be interesting to ask the question of simply returning the car's performance to what it originally was, and pointing out that if the car had been taken to the dealer for routine servicing and had been returned with a decreased performance then you would expect them to rectify whatever the fault was - reasonable question I think.

Final positive point - if all else fails, would it be possible to have the car mapped back to its original performance? Not my field, but perhaps Trevor and others could comment on this possibility.

Perhaps you could let us know how things pan out.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Tj,

Have mentioned these in other posts from time to time:- Rainsworth Skoda ( think they operate as Skoda parts shop on EBay). Do mail order. Obviously genuine VAG parts direct from the dealer. I've always found them helpful to deal with, and supply parts at discount. No connection, and no doubt there are others.

Hope this helps,

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Hello Tj,

Always difficult to diagnose without access to the vehicle, but I would suggest it's worth getting the injectors tested. If it were mine, I would be looking for a recommended diesel specialist in your area rather than an Audi dealer or independent. The reference to glow plug issues seems a little odd, since you don't mention that the car is difficult to start from cold. I would invest in some diesel specialist advice/basic checks before changing the glow plugs. 

Let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Paul,

I certainly agree with Trevor and Bradley, and I think you are on the right lines to be concerned to get the servicing items changed now so you have a good base point to move foreward from.

This is diesel? Replacing the fuel filter would be a good idea as well as what has been mentioned. Also the often overlooked but well used wiper blades. Try Bosch Aerotwins - there are others but...You say it's had a basic oil and filter service. Do you know what make of oil has been used and what filters? I have a thing about using main dealer (or maybe good quality German parts) for service items rather than slightly cheaper brands - on the basis that your labour is cheap!  - so spend your saving wisely on good quality parts and oil. 

Same with timing belt and assembly and particularly ( in capitals really!)  the water pump please  just don't replace it with anything other than VAG. IF you want to save a few shillings on the cambelt and tensioners then I would only go with Gates as the second option. There are discounts available with some VAG dealers so shop around. I can give you one contact if it helps.

Yes, good idea about changing the coolant.

Good luck with it.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Jas and welcome to Audi ownership.

I think your sentiments in regard to maintenance are sound, but it has to be appreciated that this car is virtually new and under warranty, and anything you do to it on a DIY basis -  even with the best of intentions - might just run the risk of invalidating that warranty, so beware of any over-kill.

As I understand it, you can opt for a longlife schedule or a normal service schedule, and depending on your normal journeys and driving style, the longlife service interval could run to near to 20K, and a longlife oil would be used. I think Quantum Longlife 3 (observing correct grade and spec.) is/was used by some main dealers.

If it were mine Jas, I might think about opting for a shorter service interval at the dealer and still insist on their Longlife oil being used for these more regular services. This would be a well intentioned belt and bracers approach. Whatever, I would be very careful about doing anything on a DIY basis until it's out of warranty. If you still feel you want to take the risk then I would advise at least buying the oil and filter from your local main dealer, and keeping the receipt.

Enjoy it.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Marco,

Absolutely what you don't want. If it were mine, I would want to get this to a trusted independent.

Anyone able to advise Marco of one in his area?

Spend once and wisely in terms of both parts and labour. Parts - I would go for LUK if not using genuine VAG. Any other aftermarket make- ?? 

I really hope you can get out of this with the minimum of extra hassle.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Appreciating your point Darren, but I think it would be good to at least encourage Marco to follow all avenues of redress, and if it fails - well at least - good try. Any sale hinges on description vs. actual condition. Without some positives, I feel Marco is going to be left with a car he cannot use, and one where the economics work that it's not worth getting someone to repair it.

Anyone in his area who might help out? - wherever in "England" he is!

Where are you Marco? 

I wish him good luck.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Marco,

OK, so you bought this privately and you don't even get home without the car sounding rough and the clutch is shown to be faulty within 3 days. If it was purchased from a trader then it would simply be a matter of returning it for discussion. Having bought it privately, I believe it still has to satisfy the description of the advert, so I it could well be worth checking how it was described and if there as any reasonable cause from that description that led you to believe the car was fit for purpose then it could well be worth contacting the Cit. Ad. and get their opinion. 

You will often see adverts which simply states " Goes and stops" and perhaps "no warning lights" but little else. The absence of any indication of its condition is seen as sensible by the seller. Another point to investigate - and I guess you knew the answer before you bought it - how long did the person you bought it off, own it? Indeed was it registered in his name? All checks worth investigating before you feel you are left holding the baby on this.

Good luck,

Gareth.

Hello Marco,

Very sorry to hear of your problems.  When you say the clutch has gone, what symptoms do you have? Did you buy the car privately or from a garage? Mileage as a matter of interest?

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Huw,

Where on earth do a I start? Good question since the simple circuits of years ago have been supplemented by control units which control things we would ever have thought of. By what you say, it could be reasonable to suspect the indicator stalk, but as Trevor says any of the associated contacts - including the earth of 'what on earth!' may be at fault. Not being one to give up on DIY cures, but access to curcuit information, metering equipment and experience of such issues on certain models are really essential requirements. Let's hope someone might come up with a solution, but if not, sometimes a hour of an auto electrician's time might be a wirthwhile consideration.

Not sure what part of S. Wales you are from, but there is a good one man band auto electrician in Bridgend - of course there will be others. 

Hoping you get some more advise on how to cure it.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

I take Trevor's point, but if it were mine, I would take it that with 7000 miles recorded at the time of sale, the dealer should consider that it does not need servicing when you take delivery. It will however then require a service when you reach 10,000 miles.

Boiled down:- dealer services it (early) before you buy, then you need to have it serviced at 17,000.

                        Dealer doesn't service before you buy it, then you need to service it at 10,000.

I guess the 10,000 mile interval will be that or 1 year - whatever comes first.

I think if I were buying then I would opt to let it run to 10k, and then have an arrangement with the dealer to return it for a free service at the 10K. 

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Andrew,

My money would be spent on getting the injectors checked. The unburnt diesel smell would point me in that direction.  Probably not a pleasant vehicle to be around! I take it the fuel filter has been replaced to schedule with a good quality unit - not that it is likely to improve anything with your symptoms on its own,  but it is always good practice to reduce the chances of such problems. You could try some injector cleaner in with the fuel since the cost would be minimal and it might - just might - improve the situation.

Good luck with getting it sorted.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

I just wonder whether this thread should be under a prominent heading/ subsection of its own. It really does seem to be a cause for concern, and as such members asking for advice have to trawl through threads to find opinion and experience already gained.

Any  possibility Trevor? 

Kind regards,

Gareth.

p.s. I would not see this as an anti "update" thread, if the thread is easily accessible without search, since it is then far more likely to encourage owners with positive responses to post their views as well.

Hello Daniel, 

Welcome to the forum, and let's hope someone can source these and help you with sound advice on whether they will fit - all important before you buy! 

I just wonder if there is anyone else in your neck of the woods who might help you out simply on a trial to fit.

I think you are wise to avoid replica wheels, and it sounds you are going about this the right way. The only thing I would add is to ask whether the wheels you are considering ( if indeed they will fit) were available as an alternative fitment to the ones fitted now (from new?). If not - and assuming they do fit- then you should really cover your bum and check this out with your insurers. Some may want to increase the premium, some may not, some may not want to insure the car. Of course, you could take a chance, but a chance it would be Daniel, and you would only find out if you were insured when you try to claim. A bit pessimistic, but better to keep this in mind if and when decide to change.

Good luck with it.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Russ,

When you say warm, does the car still get up to normal operating temperature as quickly as it should, and not exceed normal on the gauge.

We would need to know this before offering meaningful advice. 

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Brad. Very sorry to hear of your misfortune - just what you don't want. 

Regarding how this occurred, I would doubt that someone has kicked this, since it is somewhat high for that , and if someone was going to kick the door then I would have thought they would have saved themselves a fair amount of effort and kicked it much further down. 

Are we noticing scratches further down the panel? For so, were these part of the same damage? Now this might sound daft, but possibly a fairly substantial bird (flying type!) flying into it. I recall this sort of damage to the front of an XR2 many years ago and that was a slow moving impact with a blackbird sized bird. Appreciate yours is side on. Possibly someone's no-folding mirror? 

Not sure if any of this helps Brad. 

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hello Mark,

Being Welsh is a bonus!  A warm welcome from further down the road.

Would the Audi convertible be keeping company with a superb A35 etc? If so, now you are thinking! The answer is in Graham's pal.

If I'm right, I should see you about in a couple of months time as the shows start. 

Welcome to the forum.

Kind regards,

Gareth.