Hola all knowledgable auto board. I'd really appreciate your insight.

The car: 2003 audi a4 quattro 3.0L V6 base model.

It's been throwing this code for at least 3 years. Checked about 1 year ago just for fun, and the same code popped up. It's like an EVAP solenoid/valve or something. So I bought the EVAP valve and installed a new one next to the air intake.

My question is: how do I know I fixed the issue? CEL is still on. Does it reset if you solve the problem. Or so I need a computer to clear it? I unplugged the negative battery cable because I'm short handed a code reader... Gonna check in a sec and see if it cleared.

Swing by tomorrow, we have a code reader.

Thanks for the offer Dubi! In a strange turn of events though it appears once I connected my negative cable again the CEL light went off (not to say it won't show up again here in the next day or so).

Weird thing though is the EPC (electronic power control) light came on. Which has never came on before. Haha. What the heck?!

No sure what that even does, but the light on I think indicates that it's not working.

The EPC light can signal that it's going to go into limp mode after so many more miles.

Anyone in your area, that you know of, have VAGCOM?

Also, have you checked your gas cap? Or, just gotten a new one? Sometimes that'll be the culprit.

[This message has been edited by BigRobSA (edited 6/27/2014 8:24a).]

I wish I understood VAGCOM.

Linky

quote:

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VCDS (an acronym for "VAG-COM Diagnostic System" and formerly known as VAG-COM[2][3]) is a Microsoft Windows-based software package,[3] developed and produced by Ross-Tech, LLC since May 2000.[1] It is primarily used for diagnostics and adjustments of Volkswagen Group motor vehicles, including Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT, and Škoda automobiles,[4] along with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The name "VAG-COM" derives from the acronym "VAG", the name by which the Volkswagen Group was formerly known.

VCDS will perform most of the functions of the expensive electronic diagnostic tools available only to official dealers, like the current VAS 505x series diagnostic tools.[3][5] In the past, these dealership-only tools have prevented owners, and many small independent repair shops from performing some fundamental tasks, such as diagnosing problems, diesel ignition timing, modification of convenience options such as automatic door unlocking, coding a replacement electronic control unit (ECU) or key to the vehicle, and monitoring of many vehicle sensors for diagnosing problems.[5] Unlike generic on-board diagnostics (OBD-II or EOBD), VCDS uses the more in-depth Volkswagen Group-specific manufacturer protocol commands,[4] which allows the user to access all diagnostic capable vehicle systems — even in vehicles which are not covered by generic OBD-II/EOBD (e.g. pre-1996). In general, there are two ways to use this software, either as a package (software and hardware) distributed by the manufacturer or their agents, or, by building your own interface hardware and using it with the publicly available but limited shareware version of the software.

VCDS is also capable of interfacing vehicles which use the generic OBD-II/EOBD protocols. However, the OBD-II and EOBD standards only allow for limited diagnostics, and no adjustments to any of the ECUs.

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quote:

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I wish I understood VAGCOM.

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It always make me think of female body parts....

Really there could have been a better name!

V-olkswagen
A-uto
G-roup






I've got VAGCOM, but I'm not even close to CS.


[This message has been edited by BigRobSA (edited 6/27/2014 9:45a).]

Maybe DBSwooper has VAGCOM; he has a hopped up bug in B/CS.

But he can't IM and his profile does not have an email address.

Thanks Dubi.

My hotrod bug is way too old for the VAGCOM, so I don't have one. Seems like I should since I own a couple of watercooled VWs as well.

As for the OP, since you're in B/CS call over to The Bug Clinic and ask. Bill has always been great to me and willing to answer questions.

(Or call the local dealership and let them charge you too much to do bad work, lie to you and break stuff.)

Haha. Y'all have been busy on here.

Status update: today we drove to Boerne... So about 3-4 hours in the car. Anyway. After CEL has not reappeared and the light for the EPS has gone off and is working per the usual.

Does this mean all systems are a go? Did try the gas cap... It was supposed to fit. Bought from oreillys. Gonna return it.

But replacing the EVAP valve may have done the trick. Not sure how long it would take for CEL to reappear.

Still not sure what te heck the EPS does.

Thanks for all the input y'all.