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-   -   1st real issue: EPC and Check engine lights (http://www.the370z.com/other-vehicles/66496-1st-real-issue-epc-check-engine-lights.html)

DLSTR 02-04-2013 02:16 PM

1st real issue: EPC and Check engine lights
 
On my 2012 VW GTI
....and an interesting ticking/tapping sound from the engine.

Was on the way home from the gym cruising on the Autobahn. Just prior to my exit both lights popped on with a loss of power. Pulled over near the exit. Did a quick visual inspection of the motor, no issues found. Turned it back on and the machine was running a bit rough. No EPC now just the CEL. Drove 1km home.

Audi mechanic friend cruized by and checked it out. No idea what the sound could really be. He followed me over to the dealer and used the 24 hour drop service. So they have it and can get right to work tomorrow. I have the latest rev coil-packs and none of have failed so far. Be interesting to see what my dealer says tomorrow. I will report back!!

Fortunately I only live 4km from my VW dealer. Car ran better on the way over there tonight. Just a couple hundred meters from the entrance to the dealer, EPC came back on and was running rough again. Before that it appeared to make normal power. CEL was on all the way.
The ticking sound was actually less audible but def still there. Its a 12 2door with 21,000+km at this point. Totally stock.

DLSTR 02-04-2013 02:17 PM

Update #1 this morning...
 
Evidently the spark plug in Cyl-4 came apart. The electrode is gone and that piece was playing ping pong between the valves and the piston. Mech suspects ignition/failure detonation.

Boroscope revealed markings/damage to the cylinder piston and valves.
The compression check yielded Cyl 1-3 at 11.5 bar and Cyl 4 at 8.4 bar. Definitely bad.

The mech and service advisor have seen this with 1 other GTI at my dealer here in Germany.

Now the fun begins with consultation with VW, the warranty end and game plan to address this. More to follow. Most of the team there expect the engine to be replaced.

I will post pics later of the spark plug, assuming they look ok. Took them with my camera phone.
Cheers! Dave

DLSTR 02-04-2013 02:18 PM

2 Attachment(s)
Pics of the plug and the mech working the scope inspecting the motor/cylinders.

DLSTR 02-04-2013 02:23 PM

Waiting to hear the timeline from the dealer on the new motor etc. VW also has an upgraded clutch avail for the GTI now they are installing at the factory to address a couple issues. I will ask for that unit. I will pay for it if I have to.
Might as well upgrade anything I can now. Its all coming out and will be apart!! :happydance:

GaleForce 02-04-2013 02:48 PM

Wow!

Glad the dealer is taking care of you :tup:

DLSTR 02-04-2013 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaleForce (Post 2147432)
Wow!

Glad the dealer is taking care of you :tup:

The first time Ive ever had such a failure with any car Ive owned. Rare but possible. Gotta love the Murphy guy :)

DLSTR 02-06-2013 12:20 PM

Motor should be here already. Dealer might have it done this week. Fortunately Wolfsburg is not too far and the motor was readily avail at the factory there. I have asked for some install pics as the work is being done!

DLSTR 02-07-2013 08:58 AM

Pics of the damage in Cyl 4 / New motor install etc
 
4 Attachment(s)
That little electrode had alot of fun with Cyl 4! New motor and a side by side of the old and new. I hope to not experience this again...ever. Fun for now :) Gotta love the dealer and a good warranty. +1 for dealer and VW. :driving:

takjak2 02-07-2013 01:24 PM

That cylinder head looks real pretty. Like a dusting of malevolent metal snow.

Good job on VW for quick warranty work and thanks for sharing.

DLSTR 02-07-2013 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takjak2 (Post 2152821)
That cylinder head looks real pretty. Like a dusting of malevolent metal snow.

Good job on VW for quick warranty work and thanks for sharing.

Couldnt agree more! I have never had such a catastrophic failure before. I am happy with VW!

DLSTR 02-08-2013 11:47 AM

Ready to Roll!
 
1 Attachment(s)
Got the call mid day today! Job done. The new motor feels and sounds great. The new clutch is great - a bit higher peddle effort, immediate grab and launch. Glad I paid for that! Thanks for reading :) :hello:

GaleForce 02-08-2013 12:09 PM

Excellent! More dealerships need to operate like this. Thanks for sharing.


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