1999 Audi A4 Bad idle power loss

1999 AUDI A4
137,000 MILES • 4 CYL • AWD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
MILLE1CW
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
My Audi has an idle problem. Let me first start off by saying that this problem is spuratic in nature and can't be set off by a type of driving. When i'm driving the car i may have a loss of power (car doesn't turn off but when depressing the gas pedal i get nothing), this lasts for on average 2 seconds then i get full power back. This return of power is usually accompanied by a burning smell (sometimes).
The other problem i have is when stopped in idle, the rpm gague jumps bellow idle spuratically for upwards of 10 seconds and either returns to normal or completely shuts off the vehicle.
I recently drove the car from home to school (660 miles which is 99% highway) and didn't encounter any of these problems at all! It seems to happen around town in the stop and go.
PLEASE any help would be perfect because i'm trying to sell!!!
-I recently changed the oil and put in an additive to try and ensure propor lubrication longevity.
Apr 9, 2009 at 3:28 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
2CARPRO JACK
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 11,533 POSTS
Start by having the PCM (computer) scanned for trouble codes.If there has been a sensor related failure it should have stored something that may lead to a fix. Has it been tuned up with OE parts?
Apr 10, 2009 at 7:40 AM
Avatar
MILLE1CW
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I recently changed the plugs, thats it, other than that the entire car is bone stock. I had autozone ruan a diagnostics and it came up with trouble codes concerning the TPS sensor as well as the MAF. Does this seem right? have you run into these problems before? Would this diagnosis be costly and or a DIY? Thanks!
Apr 10, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Avatar
2CARPRO JACK
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 11,533 POSTS
Depends on if the vehicle has 2 TPS sensors. (No throttle cable) and what the MAF code is.Either one of those can do what you describe. Would be nice to know the exact codes #'s, did they write them down for you?
Apr 10, 2009 at 9:47 AM
Avatar
MILLE1CW
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
i have
MAF : P0103
TPS : P0121

Again i need to know if this is something i can do myself. I'm pretty mechanically inclined and have all the basic tools to work with. Thanks
Apr 11, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Avatar
2CARPRO JACK
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 11,533 POSTS
P0103 is for the MAF circuit.Likewise witht theTPS code. At minimum you will need a DVOM (meter) to test th ecircuits to see what is wrong.First just be sure the connectors are good and there is no corrosion. This is basically testing circuits and wires from the PCM to the sensors, and the values at the sensors,if ypu are ok with that it is a DIY job
Apr 12, 2009 at 7:52 AM
Avatar
MILLE1CW
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yea man, that sounds good...Thanks for the info thats great
Apr 12, 2009 at 10:28 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.