SureTrack Real Fix: Timing Makes all the Difference

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Real Fixes from SureTrack® provides expert-based knowledge captured from millions of documented repairs and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you fix tricky issues that are not easily diagnosed with OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost within ProDemand.

This fix illustrates the power of the SureTrack community to quickly help a fellow tech solve a problem. SureTrack community member, Patriot Tech, had a 2013 Audi A4 towed in from another shop and not running. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of DAG1365, and other fellow community members, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
2013 Audi A4 Premium Plus Quattro

Title
Towed In, Not Running, Code P01600

Complaint
The customer states the vehicle is not running.

Diagnostic Steps Performed

Initially performed a dry comp. test and all cylinders were at 30 psi, then performed a wet test and got all cylinders up to approximately 100 psi. After, it still wouldn’t fire but the sound seemed as though it was about to.

After sitting for a week, I decided to continue diagnostics, and it fired right up, although smoking of course. Then I changed the oil, which was reminiscent of diesel oil (really thin and smelled of fuel)… took it for a drive, and it would barely move until it got up to 3000rpm, then felt normal. The lower rpms feel like the exhaust is plugged solid, so as I wait for it to cool to check back pressure, it keeps coming up with a cmp/ckp correlation code (p01600).

Cause

The timing chain had stretched to the point that the tensioner was hyper-extended. With further research, it appears these vehicles commonly stretch chains at about 70-80k.

Correction
Replaced the timing chain and guides, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. No fault codes returned.

SureTrack® adds to the power of ProDemand® with an exclusive combination of real-world knowledge and powerful diagnostic tools, all wrapped in an interactive community of professional technicians. Designed to help automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair, the industry’s most comprehensive repair information resource is just a few clicks away.

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About the Author

Abagail Lucero

Abagail Lucero is the Product Marketing Manager for ProDemand. She joined the company in 2011 as a member of the SocialCRM shop marketing team and has served in many roles at Mitchell1, lastly as Security and Compliance Supervisor. Abagail holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California University of Pennsylvania.