INTRODUCTION
| CAUTION | When battery is disconnected, radio will go into anti-theft protection mode. Obtain radio anti-theft protection code from owner prior to servicing vehicle. |
The following diagnostic steps will help prevent overlooking a simple problem. This is also where to begin diagnosis for a no-start condition. The first step in diagnosing any driveability problem is verifying the customer's complaint with a test drive under the conditions the problem reportedly occurred.
Before entering self-diagnostics, perform a careful and complete visual inspection. Most engine control problems result from mechanical breakdowns, poor electrical connections or damaged/misrouted vacuum hoses. Before condemning the computerized system, perform each test listed in this article.
Note. Perform all voltage tests with a Digital Volt-Ohmmeter (DVOM) with a minimum 10-megohm input impedance, unless stated otherwise in test procedure.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Visually inspect all electrical wiring, looking for chafed, stretched, cut or pinched wiring. Ensure electrical connectors fit tightly and are not corroded. Ensure vacuum hoses are properly routed and are not pinched or cut. See VACUUM DIAGRAMS article to verify routing and connections (if necessary). Inspect air induction system for possible vacuum leaks.
Compression
Check engine mechanical condition with a compression gauge, vacuum gauge, or an engine analyzer. See engine analyzer manual for specific instructions.
| WARNING | DO NOT use ignition switch during compression tests on fuel injected vehicles. Use a remote starter to crank engine. Fuel injectors on many models are triggered by ignition switch during cranking mode, which can create a fire hazard or contaminate the engine's oiling system. |
| Application | Specification | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Pressure | |||
| 1.8L Turbo | |||
| Normal | 145-189 psi (10.0-13.0 bar) | ||
| Minimum | 102 psi (7.0 bar) | ||
| Maximum Variation Between Cylinders | 44 psi (3.0 bar) | ||
| 2.8L | |||
| Normal | 131-203 psi (9.0-14.0 bar) | ||
| Minimum | 109 psi (7.5 bar) | ||
| Maximum Variation Between Cylinders | 44 psi (3.0 bar) | ||
COMPRESSION SPECIFICATIONS
Exhaust System Backpressure
The exhaust system can be tested with a vacuum or pressure gauge. If using a pressure gauge, remove HO2S or air injection check valve (if equipped). Connect a 0-5 psi pressure gauge and run engine at 2500 RPM. If exhaust system backpressure is greater than 2 psi, exhaust system or catalytic converter is plugged.
If using a vacuum gauge, connect vacuum gauge hose to intake manifold vacuum port. Start engine. Observe vacuum gauge. Open throttle part way and hold steady. If vacuum gauge indication slowly drops after stabilizing, inspect exhaust system for restriction.
FUEL SYSTEM
| WARNING | ALWAYS release fuel pressure before disconnecting fuel injection-related component. DO NOT allow fuel to contact engine or electrical components. |
FUEL PRESSURE RELEASE
Remove fuel pump relay. Start engine. Allow engine to run until it stalls. Turn ignition off. Disconnect negative battery cable. Slight pressure may remain in system. Before disconnecting any fuel system line, cover connector with a clean shop towel. Reinstall fuel pump relay.
FUEL PRESSURE TEST
Note. Volkswagen Audi Group (VAG 1551) scan tool is necessary to activate fuel system for fuel pressure test.
Fuel System Pressure
- Ensure fuel pump relay is okay. Ensure correct fuel filter is installed. Ensure battery voltage is at least 12 volts. Release fuel pressure. Ensure ignition is off.
- Connect Pressure Gauge (VAG 1318) between fuel supply and fuel return lines in engine compartment. Disconnect and plug vacuum line from fuel pressure regulator. Following VAG 1551 scan tool manufacturer's instructions, energize fuel system.
- Fuel pressure should be within specification. See appropriate FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS table. If fuel pressure is within specification, perform «FUEL SYSTEM RESIDUAL PRESSURE»(/audi/a4/b5-1999-2001/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-diagnostic-procedures__fuel-system-residual-pressure) test. If fuel pressure is not within specification, check fuel pressure regulator, fuel pump and fuel lines and repair or replace as necessary.
Fuel System Residual Pressure
- Tee fuel pressure gauge into fuel supply line. Start engine and let it idle. Turn engine off. See appropriate FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS table.
- If residual fuel pressure is minimum or more, residual fuel pressure is okay. If residual fuel pressure is less than minimum, check fuel lines for leaks and repair as necessary. Check fuel injectors for leaks. See «FUEL INJECTOR TEST»(/audi/a4/b5-1999-2001/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-diagnostic-procedures) . On 2.8L engine, check fuel pump check valve for malfunction. See «FUEL PUMP CHECK VALVE TEST»(/audi/a4/b5-1999-2001/remont/testing-diagnostics/#engine-controls-basic-diagnostic-procedures) .
| Function | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| System Pressure | ||
| With Engine Idling | (1) 50 psi (3.5 bar) | |
| With Engine Idling | (2) 58 (4 bar) | |
| Residual Pressure | (3) 36 psi (2.5 bar) | |
| (1) With fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose connected. (2) With fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose disconnected. (3) After 10 minutes. | ||
| (1) | With fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose connected. |
| (2) | With fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose disconnected. |
| (3) | After 10 minutes. |
FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS (1.8L TURBO)
| Function | Specification | |
|---|---|---|
| System Pressure | ||
| With Engine Idling | (1) 55-61 psi (4.0-4.2 bar) | |
| With Engine Idling | (2) 48-54 (3.3-3.7 bar) | |
| Residual Pressure | ||
| Cold Engine | (3) 32 psi (2.2 bar) | |
| Warm Engine | (3) 44 psi (3.0 bar) | |
| (1) With fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose disconnected. (2) With fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose connected. (3) After 10 minutes. | ||
| (1) | With fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose disconnected. |
| (2) | With fuel pressure regulator vacuum hose connected. |
| (3) | After 10 minutes. |
FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS (2.8L)
Fuel Injector Leak Test
- Ensure fuel system pressure is within specification before performing this test. Remove fuel rail complete with fuel injectors from engine. DO NOT disconnect fuel supply or return lines. Using VAG 1551 scan tool, energize fuel pump.
- With fuel pump running, visually inspect fuel injector for leaks. Maximum allowable leakage is 1-2 drops of fuel per injector per minute. If fuel injector leaks more than 2 drops of fuel per minute, replace leaking fuel injector. ALWAYS replace fuel injector "O" rings.
Fuel Injector Resistance Test
Turn ignition off. Disconnect fuel injector electrical connector. Using a DVOM, measure resistance across fuel injector terminals. See INJECTOR RESISTANCE table. If resistance is not within specification, replace fuel injector.
| Application | Ohms |
|---|---|
| 1.8L Turbo | (1) 11-13 |
| 2.8L | 13.5-15.5 |
| (1) Add 4-6 ohms if injector is at operating temperature. | |
| (1) | Add 4-6 ohms if injector is at operating temperature. |
INJECTOR RESISTANCE
Fuel Injector Quantity Test (2.8L)
- Remove fuel rail, complete with fuel injectors, from engine. DO NOT disconnect fuel supply or return lines. Place fuel injector being tested into a graduated container. Connect one terminal of fuel injector to battery positive terminal.
- Connect other terminal of fuel injector to ground for exactly 30 seconds. Fuel quantity should be 2.9-3.7 oz. (85-110 ml). If fuel quantity is more than or less than specification, replace faulty fuel injector.
2.8L
- Connect Pressure Gauge (VAG 1318) between fuel supply and fuel return lines in engine compartment. Ensure pressure gauge test valve is in OPEN position.
- Operate remote control switch for approximately 30 seconds. Move pressure gauge test valve to CLOSED position. Briefly operate remote control switch until maximum of 80 psi (5.5 bar) is indicated. Observe pressure drop on fuel pressure gauge.
- After 10 minutes, maximum allowable pressure drop is 7 psi (.5 bar). If pressure drop is more than allowable maximum, ensure no fuel leaks are present in fuel lines. If no fuel leaks are present in fuel lines, fuel pump check valve is defective. Replace fuel pump.
SPARK TEST
Note. When ignition coil is triggered, spark is supplied to 2 spark plugs at one time. One spark plug fires during compression stroke and the other plug fires during exhaust stroke (waste spark).
Check for a strong Blue spark at coil wire and at each spark plug wire by holding wire terminal no more than 1/4" from chassis ground while cranking engine. Disconnect and inspect all related ignition system connectors and harness. Clean or repair as necessary.
IDLE SPEED & IGNITION TIMING
Idle speed, ignition timing and ignition timing advance are controlled by the PCM and are not adjustable.
SUMMARY
If no faults were found while performing BASIC DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES, proceed to appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article. If no hard codes are found in self-diagnostics, proceed to TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e., ROUGH IDLE, NO START, etc.) or intermittent diagnostic procedures.
See also:
• FUEL SYSTEM RESIDUAL PRESSURE
• FUEL INJECTOR TEST