2009 A4 TSI

[Cody Forbes]

I see 5+ FSI and TSI VAG products a week. The issue exists, but is overblown. Carbon cleaning is really more of a once every 80-100k miles thing. A close friend has a 2006 GTI with about 140k on it and had the carbon cleaning done at 120k and the carbon buildup wasn't that bad. The job isn't bad at all, 6 or 7 hours TOPS for a first timer (I do it in 5 with no power tools and taking pictures). The manifold is quite easy to get off, the carbon buildup itself is tricky and time consuming.

The FSI fuel pump cam follower issue is the only other trouble spot. The warranty for all VW products has been extended to 110k miles and the dealers fix it no questions asked with a new cam shaft and a new fuel pump. After the warranty just replaced the cam follower (20 minutes of work) every 15k miles and you'll never have a problem again.

-Cody Forbes (mobile)

On Jun 5, 2014, at 4:42 PM, John Larson <viejoloco at comcast.net> wrote:

> On 6/2/2014 11:51 AM, Nick Lawrence wrote:
>> Hello,
>> I moved up about 2 decades in Audi technology and am getting a 2009 A4 Avant TSI.   I would like to know If there are knock sensors (most likely), and how they function.
>> Meaning if there is knock does the computer make changes and if it continues to knock create a stored code?
>> Is there ever any driver visible indicator that there is engine knock?
>> Any insight will be appreciated.
>> Nick   central Ohio
> While I didn't work at a dealership in recent years, and I'm in a relatively small city and had only a few FSI cars pass through my shop, I wouldn't own one of them on a bet.  I'm guessing the TSI engines are essentially the same, although updated, design.  While (when I was in the business) I could offer only anecdotal commentary on this engine, I have found over the past few years that I wasn't the Lone Ranger on my negative opinion of the technology as applied by VAG.  Reading the help requests on iATN and following the trade magazines has revealed that decarbonizing of the valve stems, usually by media blasting, is pretty much required every 40-50K miles.  This means you have to remove the intake manifold (not an easy or quick job on the 4 cylinder turbos), blast the stems of the closed valves (and turn the engine to close the valves on successive cylinders).  You're looking at 5-10 hours labor + any gaskets, broken plastic hoses or connectors, whatever.  When independent shops are buying the equipment to do this job, you KNOW it's a profit center because it has to be done.
> 
> John
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