CGT NG Check Engine light. Need help mentally troubleshooting

[David]

It very well could be that the engine is pinging and the ECU is eventually reaching max retard and turning on the CEL. The pressure wash may have cracked the old weak insulation on the knock sensor. When the owner says it is fixed, make sure the CEL still comes on for a few seconds at startup. The PO of my CGT said he fixed a problem, but he just pulled the bulb and I didn't catch it until the deal was done (fortunately it was an easy fix).

Dave
1987 CGT Special Build 2.3
SE Virginia
>
> From: "Jonathan Monetti" <jmone3036 at earthlink.net>
> Date: 2003/06/30 Mon PM 11:34:01 EDT
> To: "Quattro at Audifans. Com" <quattro at audifans.com>
> Subject: CGT NG Check Engine light. Need help mentally troubleshooting
>
> I am looking at an 87.5 CGT.  Car was OK on the test drive, but I thought it
> was not making great power--felt like it was hesitating a little, and
> generally weaker than expected throughout the powerband.  Less than 10
> minutes into the drive, the check engine light came on.
>
> The right side bulb behind the digital dash was out, so I had no way of
> seeing the coolant temp.
>
> Stopped the car, opened the hood--radiator return hose very warm to the
> touch, so thermostat appeared to be functioning properly.  Did a general
> eyes & hands check--no oil in coolant/no funny bubbles on dipstick, no
> smoke, drips, or other unusual stuff.
>
> Started the car up, check engine light was dark for about 1/8 mile, then
> came back on.  I drove the car back (very gently), and the owner and I
> popped the hood and played with it a bit.  It was idling roughly, but no
> other obvious signs besides the check engine light.
>
> He said had not had this problem, but a few days before had pressure cleaned
> the engine compartment (ugh) and put on a new set of ignition wires.
>
> He's going to have it checked out, but I was hoping to get some suggestions
> on some of the most basic things to look at on the NG, and hopefully rule
> out.  Since its not my car (yet?) I only have the luxury of thinking through
> possible causes.
>
> My '86 had many issues, but I had almost _no_ engine problems, so I am
> pretty green at diagnosis. Especially with an NG.
>
> Any thoughts welcome
>
> Thanks
> Jonathan Monetti
> 2002 A4 1.8tq which aint worth a damn and maybe an 87.5 CGT if I can sort
> this out.
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