# Only making 4psi, limp mode? v. 99 Audi Avant 1.8t \*\*ISSUE FOUND\*\*

**URL:** <https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159>\
**Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\
**Created:** [September 19, 2008, 7:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159 "2008-09-19T07:27:49Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 14\
**Page:** 4

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**Author:** ![burnt\_toast](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/burnt_toast/32/7518_2.png) [@burnt\_toast](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/burnt_toast)\
**Post date:** [October 5, 2008, 8:00pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/61 "2008-10-05T20:00:36Z")

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> [@juicedz4](#):
>
> I did notice one strange thing. At first it was only boosting like 5-6psi, then it spiked just once to about 20. Since then its rock solid around 9. Im wondering if it was relearning how much boost to run or something? Anyway, it seems good now.
> 
> Dan

I replaced the mass airflow sensor, cleared the engine code, started it up and it did the exact same thing: stable psi, followed by a bit of boost insanity, then back to stable. This was last fall and it has remained stable since.

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**Author:** ![juicedz4](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/juicedz4/32/5051_2.png) [@juicedz4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/juicedz4)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 6:13am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/62 "2008-10-06T06:13:08Z")

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I figured it was “normal”. Wife drove the car to jury duty (45min) this am with no issues, stable boost etc. Sounds like a win.

Dan

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**Author:** ![Quattro\_Krant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/ac91a4/32.png) [@Quattro\_Krant](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Quattro_Krant)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 6:14am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/63 "2008-10-06T06:14:54Z")

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Good to hear that you got it sorted out.

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**Author:** ![juicedz4](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/juicedz4/32/5051_2.png) [@juicedz4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/juicedz4)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 6:38am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/64 "2008-10-06T06:38:24Z")

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Same here. Hopefully the brake lines go as well. Maybee Ill start the PB soaking tonight so I can get them off cleanly later this week. :crosses fingers:

Dan

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**Author:** ![Quattro\_Krant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/ac91a4/32.png) [@Quattro\_Krant](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Quattro_Krant)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 7:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/65 "2008-10-06T07:16:51Z")

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> [@juicedz4](#):
>
> Same here. Hopefully the brake lines go as well. Maybee Ill start the PB soaking tonight so I can get them off cleanly later this week. :crosses fingers:
> 
> Dan

Do that and then before you go to actually loosen them, take a dremel with a wire brush wheel and go over the threads. Really helps out. I also will put a socket over what I’m trying to loosen, if I can, and tap it with a hammer for a bit if it is really cruddy looking. Seriously the dremmel trick has saved my arse more then a few times on crusty looking stuff. Ah, the joys of working on a NY vehicle

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**Author:** ![juicedz4](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/juicedz4/32/5051_2.png) [@juicedz4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/juicedz4)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 8:02am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/66 "2008-10-06T08:02:58Z")

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I do the wire wheel thing to where I can. Im guessing the brake lines will be ok as long as I soak them and use the flare nut wrenches. Then time for some fresh super blue. I sorta wish the front brakes needed to be done just so that everything was new (I already repalced the rears shortly after we got it). But Im ok with waiting, heh.

Dan

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**Author:** ![Quattro\_Krant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/ac91a4/32.png) [@Quattro\_Krant](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Quattro_Krant)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 8:06am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/67 "2008-10-06T08:06:44Z")

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How was the timing belt job, specifically getting the 2 cams lined up correctly? Or, did you just not move them and mark everything? No matter how many times i ensure that I didn’t move the cams or anything, I still re-time everything just because I’m paranoid

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**Author:** ![Minglor](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/minglor/32/7373_2.png) [@Minglor](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Minglor)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 8:17am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/68 "2008-10-06T08:17:26Z")

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> [@Quattro Krant](#):
>
> How was the timing belt job, specifically getting the 2 cams lined up correctly? Or, did you just not move them and mark everything? No matter how many times i ensure that I didn’t move the cams or anything, I still re-time everything just because I’m paranoid

Suprisingly easy.  
My aba and my G60 were harder.  
Once you get the belt on there, rotate the crank by hand to TDC again and comfirm things line up. BINGO, you are done.  
I did the timing belt and water pump on my a4 right before I sold it.

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**Author:** ![Quattro\_Krant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/ac91a4/32.png) [@Quattro\_Krant](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Quattro_Krant)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 8:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/69 "2008-10-06T08:27:03Z")

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> [@Minglor](#):
>
> Suprisingly easy.  
> My aba and my G60 were harder.  
> Once you get the belt on there, rotate the crank by hand to TDC again and comfirm things line up. BINGO, you are done.  
> I did the timing belt and water pump on my a4 right before I sold it.

Something easier then doing the timing belt on an ABA, IMPOSSIBLE!!! I have NEVER, EVER done an easier timing belt swap then on an ABA. It seriously takes longer to get the crank pulley off after removing the 4 allen bolts that hold it on. The 10V 5cyclinder Audi engine that I re-timed on the side of an interstate was pretty easy as well.

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**Author:** ![juicedz4](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/juicedz4/32/5051_2.png) [@juicedz4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/juicedz4)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 8:32am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/70 "2008-10-06T08:32:15Z")

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Its not hard. The cams have their own timing chain in the back. I only changed the belt, which is super easy. Just line up the mark on the cam with the mark on the valve cover, then make your own mark on the crank (just in case things move), reassemble with new belt, flip it over by hand a couple revs to make sure its still lined up and done. Damn simple.

I think the VR6 was worse, since there are two chains that time the cams as well. Even that tho, if your slow and careful its easy. Not to mention you have to have either the motor or trans out to do them. Why they are on the bell housing end Ill never figure out.

Dan

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**Author:** ![bracketracer](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/bracketracer/32/15592_2.png) [@bracketracer](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bracketracer)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 9:10am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/71 "2008-10-06T09:10:56Z")

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> [@Quattro Krant](#):
>
> Something easier then doing the timing belt on an ABA, IMPOSSIBLE!!! I have NEVER, EVER done an easier timing belt swap then on an ABA. It seriously takes longer to get the crank pulley off after removing the 4 allen bolts that hold it on. The 10V 5cyclinder Audi engine that I re-timed on the side of an interstate was pretty easy as well.

My wife did the belt job on my '97 Jetta, complete with water pump and pump housing.

However, the easiest timing belt job in the history of belt jobs is an old 4 cylinder B21/B23/B230 Volvo. Back when I was doing them a lot, I could do the entire job, including water pump, cam, crank and intermediate shaft seals in about 25 minutes.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![juicedz4](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/juicedz4/32/5051_2.png) [@juicedz4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/juicedz4)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 9:32am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/72 "2008-10-06T09:32:12Z")

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^^ haha 25min.

Dan

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Quattro\_Krant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/ac91a4/32.png) [@Quattro\_Krant](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Quattro_Krant)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 10:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/73 "2008-10-06T10:16:14Z")

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> [@juicedz4](#):
>
> Its not hard. The cams have their own timing chain in the back. I only changed the belt, which is super easy. Just line up the mark on the cam with the mark on the valve cover, then make your own mark on the crank (just in case things move), reassemble with new belt, flip it over by hand a couple revs to make sure its still lined up and done. Damn simple.
> 
> I think the VR6 was worse, since there are two chains that time the cams as well. Even that tho, if your slow and careful its easy. Not to mention you have to have either the motor or trans out to do them. Why they are on the bell housing end Ill never figure out.
> 
> Dan

Sounds easy. Yeah, with the VR6 it was like they were trying to make it a PITA. The W8, dear god, it is almost as if they sat the engineers down and said they would give them a bonus for the most complicated design possible.

> [@bracketracer](#):
>
> My wife did the belt job on my '97 Jetta, complete with water pump and pump housing.
> 
> However, the easiest timing belt job in the history of belt jobs is an old 4 cylinder B21/B23/B230 Volvo. Back when I was doing them a lot, I could do the entire job, including water pump, cam, crank and intermediate shaft seals in about 25 minutes.

Thats great, 25 minutes, it’s taken longer to rotate tires. I showed my GF the timing belt when I was changing it on her car and she even said that while she has no clue what it does/how to fix it, it looked pretty easy for someone with a clue to change.

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**Author:** ![reliant\_turbo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/reliant_turbo/32/7189_2.png) [@reliant\_turbo](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/reliant_turbo)\
**Post date:** [October 6, 2008, 12:30pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/only-making-4psi-limp-mode-v-99-audi-avant-1-8t-issue-found/55159/74 "2008-10-06T12:30:21Z")

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k car timing belt is cake too. i did one in the parking lot of my old work when it stripped some teeth off on my winter beater. waiting for my buddy to show up with the new belt took longer than the job. 🙂

Brian

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