Newbie with FSI and electrical gremlins

Krammer

New Member
Greetings to all A2 owners,

For over a decade, I have been upgrading and repairing A2s. Having dedicated myself to just one model of car, I have intimate, specialised knowledge of the vehicle we all love. Countless reviews and recommendations are scattered across the pages of this forum. My hope is that, with incremental revisions, this thread will give A2 owners a clear and condensed overview of the services that I provide and how I deliver them.

Timmus was originally a childhood nickname, born from my sister's early attempts to say 'Thomas'. Upon joining A2OC, back when A2s were first starting to appear on the second-hand market, my nickname seemed a suitable choice of username. Even when I was building models as a young boy, I showed an enthusiastic desire to improve and innovate. Studying physics and engineering at university honed my understanding and developed in me the skills necessary to innovate and improve in line with established principles and with a due respect for correctness, caution and consideration.
I soon found that my understanding of the A2's electronics was an asset to the club. My lifelong and apparently innate fixation on detail and desire for the very highest standards of neatness, efficiency and safety has meant that I have acquired a reputation in the club for factory-standard perfectionism. I am known not just for my meticulousness and painstaking care for the work that I do, but also for my honesty, flexibility, cooperativeness and integrity with the people for whom I work.

Below is an overview of the range of services that I offer for the Audi A2.

Retrofitting of Optional Extras

With the exception of OpenSky and climate control, I can retrofit all of the original factory options, plus many others. If you've seen it in an A2, I can add it to yours. It'll be just like your A2 left the factory with that option...
  • Cruise Control
  • Instrument Cluster Upgrades...
  • Audio System Upgrades...
    • Bose Premium Sound System
    • Rear Speakers
    • Bluetooth Wireless Music Streaming
    • Stereo Head Unit Upgrades
    • Later Generation Audi Stereos
    • CD Changer
  • Seat Upgrades...
  • Steering Wheel Upgrades...
    • Multifunction Steering Wheel (Many Different Designs)
    • Non-Multifunction Steering Wheels
  • Fog Lights...
    • Front Fog Lights
    • Twin Rear Fog Lights
  • Rear Electric Windows
  • Double-DIN Dashboard
  • RNS-E Integrated SatNav
  • Komfortblinker Indicators
  • Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror (3 Different Designs)
  • Bluetooth Phone Integration
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Heated Windscreen Washer Jets
  • Headlight Washers
  • SideGuard Curtain Airbags
  • Speech Dialogue System (Voice Control)
  • Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
  • False Floor Boot
  • Twin Interior Boot Lights
  • Pop-Out 12V Boot Socket
  • Additional Keys
  • 12V and USB Charging Sockets
  • Anti-Hijack Locking
  • Beep-on-Lock Full Closure Confirmation
  • Aftermarket Dashcams
  • Custom Requests
As time passes, more and more of the options listed above will link to further details. If you have any questions, please send me a private message or post in this thread.

Electrical Diagnostics, Services and Repairs

I have a complete understanding of the A2's electrical systems and have great experience of diagnosing and repairing most electrical problems.
  • Central Locking Faults
  • Door Lock Faults / Microswitches
  • Central Convenience Unit Replacement
  • Immobiliser Faults
  • Instrument Cluster Repairs
  • Engine Management Unit Services
  • Additional Keys
  • Climate Control Faults
  • Bulb Check System Deactivation
  • CAN Bus Upgrades
  • Wiring Loom Replacement / Repairs
  • Anything Involving Electricity
TDI Engine Upgrades
Accessing My Services

I'm based in Lancaster, just off M6 J34, and always appreciate it when A2s come to me. I'm sometimes to be found at 'satellite stations' in the Midlands and the South East. I also do 'retrofitting tours' a few times a year, where I travel between A2 owners to deliver upgrade and repair requests at owners' homes or places of work.
For Central European owners, I'm happy to travel. I also have a base in The Hague, which serves A2 owners in the BeNeLux region.

Please be aware that I am my own secretary and that I can struggle to reply to private messages promptly when work is busy. Rest assured, no message goes unanswered and I will get back to you. Thanks for your patience.

My list of services is always increasing, and I will continue to update and expand this thread as needed.

Warm regards to all,

Tom
Greetings to all A2 owners,

For over a decade, I have been upgrading and repairing A2s. Having dedicated myself to just one model of car, I have intimate, specialised knowledge of the vehicle we all love. Countless reviews and recommendations are scattered across the pages of this forum. My hope is that, with incremental revisions, this thread will give A2 owners a clear and condensed overview of the services that I provide and how I deliver them.

Timmus was originally a childhood nickname, born from my sister's early attempts to say 'Thomas'. Upon joining A2OC, back when A2s were first starting to appear on the second-hand market, my nickname seemed a suitable choice of username. Even when I was building models as a young boy, I showed an enthusiastic desire to improve and innovate. Studying physics and engineering at university honed my understanding and developed in me the skills necessary to innovate and improve in line with established principles and with a due respect for correctness, caution and consideration.
I soon found that my understanding of the A2's electronics was an asset to the club. My lifelong and apparently innate fixation on detail and desire for the very highest standards of neatness, efficiency and safety has meant that I have acquired a reputation in the club for factory-standard perfectionism. I am known not just for my meticulousness and painstaking care for the work that I do, but also for my honesty, flexibility, cooperativeness and integrity with the people for whom I work.

Below is an overview of the range of services that I offer for the Audi A2.

Retrofitting of Optional Extras

With the exception of OpenSky and climate control, I can retrofit all of the original factory options, plus many others. If you've seen it in an A2, I can add it to yours. It'll be just like your A2 left the factory with that option...
  • Cruise Control
  • Instrument Cluster Upgrades...
  • Audio System Upgrades...
    • Bose Premium Sound System
    • Rear Speakers
    • Bluetooth Wireless Music Streaming
    • Stereo Head Unit Upgrades
    • Later Generation Audi Stereos
    • CD Changer
  • Seat Upgrades...
  • Steering Wheel Upgrades...
    • Multifunction Steering Wheel (Many Different Designs)
    • Non-Multifunction Steering Wheels
  • Fog Lights...
    • Front Fog Lights
    • Twin Rear Fog Lights
  • Rear Electric Windows
  • Double-DIN Dashboard
  • RNS-E Integrated SatNav
  • Komfortblinker Indicators
  • Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror (3 Different Designs)
  • Bluetooth Phone Integration
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Heated Windscreen Washer Jets
  • Headlight Washers
  • SideGuard Curtain Airbags
  • Speech Dialogue System (Voice Control)
  • Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
  • False Floor Boot
  • Twin Interior Boot Lights
  • Pop-Out 12V Boot Socket
  • Additional Keys
  • 12V and USB Charging Sockets
  • Anti-Hijack Locking
  • Beep-on-Lock Full Closure Confirmation
  • Aftermarket Dashcams
  • Custom Requests
As time passes, more and more of the options listed above will link to further details. If you have any questions, please send me a private message or post in this thread.

Electrical Diagnostics, Services and Repairs

I have a complete understanding of the A2's electrical systems and have great experience of diagnosing and repairing most electrical problems.
  • Central Locking Faults
  • Door Lock Faults / Microswitches
  • Central Convenience Unit Replacement
  • Immobiliser Faults
  • Instrument Cluster Repairs
  • Engine Management Unit Services
  • Additional Keys
  • Climate Control Faults
  • Bulb Check System Deactivation
  • CAN Bus Upgrades
  • Wiring Loom Replacement / Repairs
  • Anything Involving Electricity
TDI Engine Upgrades
Accessing My Services

I'm based in Lancaster, just off M6 J34, and always appreciate it when A2s come to me. I'm sometimes to be found at 'satellite stations' in the Midlands and the South East. I also do 'retrofitting tours' a few times a year, where I travel between A2 owners to deliver upgrade and repair requests at owners' homes or places of work.
For Central European owners, I'm happy to travel. I also have a base in The Hague, which serves A2 owners in the BeNeLux region.

Please be aware that I am my own secretary and that I can struggle to reply to private messages promptly when work is busy. Rest assured, no message goes unanswered and I will get back to you. Thanks for your patience.

My list of services is always increasing, and I will continue to update and expand this thread as needed.

Warm regards to all,

Tom
Hi Tom

New member here with an A2 FSi 1.6, 2003 plate. Had it for a couple of years and trying to get it back to a mint condition, plan on keeping it forever...
Of late the electrics are playing up, central locking working intermittently, red oil lamp coming on all the time, even though sensor been change, and engine pressure tested, which is fine, oil level is also fine. Engine also occasionally misfires, which when tested showed up as a wiring issue, but the guy who tested has since moved on out of the area. No one local seems to be able to diagnose correctly, so wondered whether you could look at it for me? I’m Manchester based.
Thanks in advance Gareth
 
Hi Tom

New member here with an A2 FSi 1.6, 2003 plate. Had it for a couple of years and trying to get it back to a mint condition, plan on keeping it forever...
Of late the electrics are playing up, central locking working intermittently, red oil lamp coming on all the time, even though sensor been change, and engine pressure tested, which is fine, oil level is also fine. Engine also occasionally misfires, which when tested showed up as a wiring issue, but the guy who tested has since moved on out of the area. No one local seems to be able to diagnose correctly, so wondered whether you could look at it for me? I’m Manchester based.
Thanks in advance Gareth
have you tried VCDS on it Gareth? to check what is going on?
 
have you tried VCDS on it Gareth? to check what is going on?
Sorry mate, not sure which model was hooked up to the car, the first reading came back with a wire error on the second spark plug, this guy, then moved on, but then a different garage hooked it up to their laptop and no errors whatsoever, which was really frustrating.
 
Sorry mate, not sure which model was hooked up to the car, the first reading came back with a wire error on the second spark plug, this guy, then moved on, but then a different garage hooked it up to their laptop and no errors whatsoever, which was really frustrating.
ok probably hooked up to VCDS then, just checking as I am based in Manchester and have VCDS, albeit the lite version if you needed a basic scan performing.
 
ok probably hooked up to VCDS then, just checking as I am based in Manchester and have VCDS, albeit the lite version if you needed a basic scan performing.
Absolutely would appreciate that to identify the issues. Where about‘s are you?
 
Big thank you to Darpod14, for running a check on my A2 FSI this morning.?

So the codes that were flagged this morning are attached. Also red oil lamp keeps coming on, although oil pressure is okay, electronics that are not working are central locking, cig lighter and glove box light.

Engine is also running quite rough.

Can anyone help with these or point me in the right direction please.
506516CC-7604-4CAD-88A5-0809696F3A47.jpeg
 
Hi Gareth,

Many thanks for getting in touch. I've been madly busy over the last few days, organising a fortnight's worth of work in the South East. Thank you @Darpod14 for the VCDS scan. Such that my services thread doesn't become a discussion about the diagnostics of this particular car, the moderators have made a separate thread. Thanks guys.

We have multiple independent issues here. The individual electrical problems and the engine issues are not interconnected.

From memory, the cigarette lighter is fed from a 15A fuse in the main fuse board beneath the headlight switch. Before looking into alternatives, could you please check the fuse first? Also, the cigarette lighter itself often suffers from corrosion on the positive terminal. If you look down into the cigarette lighter socket, does the central, circular contact at the very button look OK?

The glovebox light will only work when the sidelights are switched on and the glovebox door is open. Both of these conditions need to met if the light is to switch on. The switch associated with the opening/closing of the glovebox door is notoriously fragile. If the bulb in the glovebox is OK, then the issue is almost certainly with this switch. It's an easy repair.

The remote central locking issues will need further investigation, but for now, let's try the 'resync' procedure...
Start the car. Now switch the engine off, and then immediately remove the key from the ignition and press the unlock button on the key fob.
If that doesn't work, you'll need further laptop assistance in order for a definitive diagnosis to be made.

I am, of course, willing to fix all of these issues should you wish. However, I'm about to leave the North West until the end of September.

Unfortunately, the FSI is known for its myriad of engine faults, and this kind of work is outside the range of services that I offer. My expertise are primarily focused on the A2's electrics and electronics. Although I have some mechanical skills, my experience of fixing the FSI's problems is limited.
My recommendation would be that you take the car to WOM Automotive in Staffordshire. They have immense experience of working on the mechanicals of A2s and work to the same perfectionist standards.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Hi. As a starting point have you checked the earth connection in engine bay behind one of the headlights? Is eml light on? Has car been off road for a long time? Fresh super plus unleaded, new fuel filter, air filter, new correct spark plugs? Etc
Good luck
Steve
 
Hi Gareth,

Many thanks for getting in touch. I've been madly busy over the last few days, organising a fortnight's worth of work in the South East. Thank you @Darpod14 for the VCDS scan. Such that my services thread doesn't become a discussion about the diagnostics of this particular car, the moderators have made a separate thread. Thanks guys.

We have multiple independent issues here. The individual electrical problems and the engine issues are not interconnected.

From memory, the cigarette lighter is fed from a 15A fuse in the main fuse board beneath the headlight switch. Before looking into alternatives, could you please check the fuse first? Also, the cigarette lighter itself often suffers from corrosion on the positive terminal. If you look down into the cigarette lighter socket, does the central, circular contact at the very button look OK?

The glovebox light will only work when the sidelights are switched on and the glovebox door is open. Both of these conditions need to met if the light is to switch on. The switch associated with the opening/closing of the glovebox door is notoriously fragile. If the bulb in the glovebox is OK, then the issue is almost certainly with this switch. It's an easy repair.

The remote central locking issues will need further investigation, but for now, let's try the 'resync' procedure...
Start the car. Now switch the engine off, and then immediately remove the key from the ignition and press the unlock button on the key fob.
If that doesn't work, you'll need further laptop assistance in order for a definitive diagnosis to be made.

I am, of course, willing to fix all of these issues should you wish. However, I'm about to leave the North West until the end of September.

Unfortunately, the FSI is known for its myriad of engine faults, and this kind of work is outside the range of services that I offer. My expertise are primarily focused on the A2's electrics and electronics. Although I have some mechanical skills, my experience of fixing the FSI's problems is limited.
My recommendation would be that you take the car to WOM Automotive in Staffordshire. They have immense experience of working on the mechanicals of A2s and work to the same perfectionist standards.

Kind regards,

Tom
Hi Tom

Thanks for taking time to respond. I checked the fuse for the cigarette lighter, and it’s fine. I took a couple of pics of the internal lighter, which doesn’t look great, see attached.


I had the side lights on and glovebox open and no light.


I have done the key fob process before and it works, but when I go back the next day, it doesn’t work, so not sure what’s the problem?

I’m happy to wait till October for your availability, as I’ve had these issues for several months, so a few more weeks will be fine.

Thanks Gareth
 

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