Audi A3 faulty ECT Sensor
Posted in Audi, Audi A3, Diagnostics, Follett on 02/09/2007 08:05 pm by FollettmotorsVWAudiBlog
Faulty ECT (”Engine Coolant Temperature”) Sensor
Audi A3 Faulty ECT Sensor
What was the problem?
This Audi A3 had a flashing light on its dashboard (engine management system warning light) so came in for a diagnostic test.
A diagnostic test was carried out and the diagnosis revealed a faulty ECT sensor.
What does this mean?
The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor (ECT) tells the computer the temperature of the engine so that the computer can allow more fuel to be injected into the engine, or less, according to the temperature.
If the ECT sensor becomes defective, then the ECU (Electronic Control Unit: ie, the car’s computer) will receive the wrong information concerning the temperature of the engine.
In severe cases, the engine may not start, or the engine can use too much fuel, causing high fuel emissions.
VW and Audi C.V. Gaiters
Posted in Audi, Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Allroad, Audi Cabrio, Audi TT, C.V. Gaiters ('C.V. Boots'), C.V. Gaiters ('C.V. Boots'), Follett, VW Bora, VW Golf, VW Passat, VW Polo, Volkswagen on 02/02/2007 09:02 am by FollettmotorsVWAudiBlog
Split C.V. Gaiter
The importance of replacing C.V. Gaiters
On either end of the driveshafts on most cars today, there are C.V. gaiters (”boots”) which keep the special grease in the C.V Joint and the dirt and grit out.
(* “C.V. Joint” : Constant Velocity Joint)
These are made of neoprene in the main.
When the c.v. gaiters split, (as shown in the above photo ) as they would do with general wear and tear, the grease runs out, leaving the c.v. joint vulnerable to becoming dry and the bearings inside the joint breaking up.
To prevent this expensive replacement, it is less expensive in the long term to replace c.v. gaiters and re-pack with fresh grease before the joints run dry.