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MBecky

Audi A3 with engine stuttering and increased fuel consumption: looking for experience and repair tips

Hey guys, I've recently been having a lot of trouble with my Audi A3 (petrol engine, year of manufacture 2011, 123456 km driven). The car stutters when accelerating, the engine runs erratically and I feel like I'm using more fuel. There is also black smoke coming out of the exhaust and the annoying check engine light is on. I think the whole thing could be related to a defect in the lambda sensor heater. Have you ever had similar problems and can perhaps tell me what the solution was in your case? Was the mechanic's repair complicated or expensive? My last experience with a garage was pretty bad and I don't want to be ripped off again. Thanks for your help!

(Translated from German)

Summary of the thread

An Audi A3 owner is experiencing engine stuttering, erratic running, increased fuel consumption, black smoke from the exhaust, and an illuminated check engine light. The suspected cause is a defect in the lambda sensor heater. Another person with a similar issue in an Audi A5 found that the problem was due to a defective engine control unit, which required replacement by a mechanic. The repair was costly but resolved the issue, suggesting that professional diagnosis and repair are necessary for such symptoms.

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4 comment(s)

AnaGross

Hey, sounds really similar to my Audi A5 (petrol engine, year of manufacture 2008, run a good 150k). Recently had these symptoms too. Acceleration is jerky and the engine runs rough, plus black smoke and the check engine light. Quite annoying the whole thing. It turned out that the engine control unit was defective. The mechanics in the workshop had to replace the unit. It wasn't that easy, of course, but they managed it. It really wasn't fun, I understand how you feel. But it's not something the professionals can't handle. Hope this helps you. All the best.

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MBecky (community.author)

Hey, thanks for the quick reply! I've got exactly the same kind of crap going on - it does sound very similar. I'll just have to take it to the mechanic... Do you remember what you had to pay for the repair? Has anything else come up after the story that you should keep an eye on? Many thanks in advance and best regards.

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AnaGross

Hey, sure, I still remember the bill well, it wasn't too long ago. For the engine control unit and the work the guys in the workshop put into it, I was actually out a grand. I had to swallow a lot, I can tell you. But since then the car has been running like clockwork again. As for keeping an eye on it ... well, the defect in the lambda sensor heater is fortunately history since the visit to the mechanic. Of course, that was extra stress and expense, but after that it was all quiet. All in all, it worked out, even if it was a hefty bill for the moment. But a repair like that is not cheap. Stick a few euros in your pocket and good luck!

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MBecky (community.author)

Hey, thanks for the info, that sounds like I'm in for a hefty bill too. There's always something you don't want to do, but what can you do. The car has to run. As for the lambda sensor heater, I hope it doesn't break immediately. I don't want it to cost me a lot of money after repairing the control unit. I will definitely, as you said, put a few euros aside. Thanks for the advice and help. Your experience has eased my worries a little. See you then and all the best! Best regards.

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AUDI

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A3