[Audi A3/S3] Audi A3 2.0T won't reach Top Speed?

[AudiLad]

I've recently sold my MK5 R32 and bought a 2005 Audi A3 2.0T DSG. Although, it feels a lot slower that's not my main issue. I'm wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this bizzare issue...

Flat out I can only reach 130MPH, just about, the needle won't move any higher no matter whether it's in Manual, Auto or Sport. In Auto or Sport flat out in 6th Gear sitting at 130Mph, after a few seconds the engine drops to 5th Gear but the speed still does not increase, I have to manually go back into 6th Gear but still nothing happens...strange.

One thing possibly worth mentioning is, it has one previous Doctor owner, so very well looked aftered and the engine still feels very tight.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

[Calm Chris]

So what road were you on ?

Reason I ask is that you need to mention the day, date and time and then declare you could only do 130 mph

Really what you mean is

on a private track, airfield or German motorway you can only get 130 mph out of a GTi engine

.

I'd suggest the following:-

• Are you running on decent V style fuel (and done so for a tank or two- the engine mgmt should 'learn' the fuel) ?
  
• You know the engine takes 15k miles to loosen out ?
  
• Does the DSG have a sport mode to max the revs in each gear ?
  

If you say yes to all the above then I'd suggest you get a rolling road and engine diagonistics done- should give more idea on how yours compares to what it should be.

[Mr Man]

Does it accelerate normally upto 130mph?......Do the revs max out in each gear in manual mode before upshifting?...if yes....It`s broke....In all seriousness it`t sounds like an issue with 6th gear from your post....as you seem to indicate that all is well until 130mph is reached....I would assume the tacho is reading 5000rpm at 130mph in 6th.....you should have another 1000revs and 15-20mph on the clock to play with.....It`s the auto downshifting from 6th to 5th which appears to be the issue......That said even in manual the engine does`t seem to have the grunt to find those extra 1000revs....so maybe it`s not gearbox but the engine....Either way I`d get it checked out

[Tipex]

I wouldn't expect a 2.0 A3 to be capable of more that 130 in standard form, I should think that's plenty for most situations too.

[Mook]

I wouldn't expect a 2.0 A3 to be capable of more that 130 in standard form

This

.

[CarMad]

I wouldn't expect a 2.0 A3 to be capable of more that 130 in standard form

It should go close to 150 in the right conditions, my old one could certainly do over the amount above.

[Biscuits]

This

.

I think this too . . .

[AudiLad]

Thanks for your replies...and yes of course it was on a private track!

Engine has been running on vpower for a few months, it upshifts correctly after reaching redline in each gear.

My engine management light does come on at random times (although it wasn't on at the time) with the car appearing to be running fine. Must have something to do it, i'll get a diagnostics done and update you all.

[shark_90]

Your diverter valve will be split, which then leaks boost. £45, job done.

Also, if you have an engine management light, it's there to tell you there is something wrong. Don't ignore it just because you think it's running as it should be. EMLs don't come on for the hell of it.

[bazza_g]

It should go close to 150 in the right conditions

like when pushed off a cliff?

[shark_90]

Guys this is a 2.0T A3 that the OP is talking about - 2.0 Turbo, not the 2.0N/A.

[CarMad]

Indeed which is no slouch. It gets a Golf Gti to 200mph don't forget.

[Mook]

Indeed which is no slouch. It gets a Golf Gti to 200mph don't forget.

That's the slower GTI than normal then

[AudiLad]

Thanks Shark, I originally thought that too but could not see a split, I'll get a professional to look at it as I probably missed it!

[AudiLad]

I'm probably being thick here, but it's not the actual DV which needs replacing, it's the pipe's going from it? Sorry, had the same problem moons ago on a MK4 Gti too so just making sure.

[shark_90]

I'm talking about the actual DV, on the side of the turbo.

[AudiLad]

Thanks I'll get one ordered. I'm looking to upgrade to an S3 probably 07/57 soon does anybody know if Audi have fixed this longstanding issue?

[shark_90]

The S3 uses a different setup (remote DV) which tends not to split. Having said that, I'm pretty sure you can't buy the older diaphragm valve any more, only the piston one.

If you're buying 07/57 then it'll have the older DV but it probably won't be split and even if it is (or you want to replace it anyway) it's only £50 or so

[AudiLad]

You are the man - cheers. Will let you know how I get on.

[Mook]

Well that's not strictly true. He used to be called Louise before the op.

[AudiLad]

I won't ask how you know Mook. After running a diagnostic check, this is what I got:

P0441 - Evaporative Emission Control System, Incorrect Flow Detected

P2138 - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "D"/"C" Voltage Correlation

From the face of it, it doesn't appear to be linked to the original problem. Shark, you think it's still worth replacing the DV? Is there a way to check if the DV is faulty?

Don't really want to send it into stealers at this stage!

[fishr]

Hi I just read this in passing as I am hopfully about to buy an A3 2.0 TFSI Quattor this week. The first thing I thought of was that the throttle peddle module might be faulty.

I think I am right in saying that the throttle peddle is actually a variable resister that tells the ECU how far the peddle has been put down. If this is faulty then the engine never thinks it is being floored and hence maybe your problem? Worth a try and you could always borrow one off someone else to try it maybe?

I had ABS light comming on random times on my A6 Quattro that turned out to be a faulty brake switch on the brake peddle, a quick tigten up and all fixed!

I won't ask how you know Mook. After running a diagnostic check, this is what I got:

P0441 - Evaporative Emission Control System, Incorrect Flow Detected

P2138 - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "D"/"C" Voltage Correlation

From the face of it, it doesn't appear to be linked to the original problem. Shark, you think it's still worth replacing the DV? Is there a way to check if the DV is faulty?

Don't really want to send it into stealers at this stage!

[TIDYDUBS]

Hi guys.......have had a similar fault not at that speed on a MK 5 GTi DSG with load in car.

P2138 - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor/Switch "D"/"C" Voltage Correlation

From what i recall yes there are issues with throttle pedals...you need a special tool to remove, and the i think this is right.... the 6 pin connector on the pedal all the terminals are splay and resonate causing the EML to come on intermitantly and may need replacing seriously worth a look. Also it could be a software issue Engine and DSG...NEVER rule this out people......... whats you software on your Engine and DSG ill try and check it if i can that way you know to take it to a retailer for current software.

Just one final thing there is a breather valve at the front of the cam cover in the middle that do play up too but you get running problems at idle....the diverter valve electrical type on the turbo under the brake servo the seals do split, but you would have fault for that with boost pressure...but they have modified these/superseeded the old ones

P0441 - Evaporative Emission Control System, Incorrect Flow Detected.........Check your pipework to the charcoal canister and to manifold there is a test for it the valve on top and the canister itself......i will find the P-code tomorrow for ya im not and Audi tec but nearly all the same the VAG stuff. Let me know how you get on.

Edited November 2, 2010 by TIDYDUBS

[audiA3driver]

In the USA, the A3 has a limiter at 130 mph, it turns off the fuel injection system until you have dropped down to 125 I believe... Pretty sure you can easily get that taken off but in Europe I think the 2.0T sportback DSG can do 155 mph (not electronically limited), but maybe I'm wrong and in your case it is electronically limited, you're in the UK, right? I'm not sure but that's what it sounds like.

Edited May 19, 2012 by audiA3driver