Audi A3 2016 1.4 TFSI COD - Crunch noise at low speed

[tef89]

Had my A3 for nearly two years and it's just been for it's first service.

An issue I asked them to look at was that the car makes a quick crunch type noise (as though you're crashing a gear change) at low speed - 10 - 20 mph. Ths sound happens whether on throttle or off and is repeated every few seconds.

Audi's wonderful response was along the lines of, "erm, well the only thing we can think it might be is the sound of the Cylinder on Demand 'kicking in' and that it's a normal characteristic of the car."

I really think it's a new issue but to be honest, these last few weeks I've been driving with the windows open so may be hearing it louder as a result.

Could I ask if anyone else has experienced anything similar or has the same vehicle and doesn't get this lovely sound ?

Failing that I'll just have to drive it faster...

Thanks

Tef

[va1o]

I’ve never noticed that and have been in a lot of cars with that engine. The COD doesn’t kick in until higher speeds and is usually totally silent

Would suggest trying a different Audi dealer!

[tef89]

Thanks for the reply.

I think I might fire off an email to Audi about it as the next nearest Audi dealership is 20-30 miles away.

[tef89]

The dealer has sent me the usual 'pre-questionaire' email with the "we hope you had a 5 star experience" suggestion so I've replied with my concerns.

Will see if that generates a different response as everything I read says thes COD system shouldn't be perceivable when it kicks in.

[tef89]

Done some further testing myself and after finding the correct dash display mode, I can see that it is the Cylinder on Demand dropping to 2 cylinders causing the grunt / crunch noise.

It's happening once the car gets above 1400rpm, which I'd read was the operating lower limit for the COD system.

Now the only question is if it was there from new (my driving has changed in the last 6 months so I may notr have noticed it) or is it some problem that's waiting for my warranty to expire next year and then destroy itself.

[Terzo123]

Mine is near silent switching with COD. Something isn't right.

[tef89]

Thanks for the reply Terzo. It's good to get feedback from other COD vehicle drivers.

[tef89]

Had a test drive with the service manager.

It went from...I can't hear anything, it's you changing gears, it's the road hump, to it's in too high a gear, it's pinking (normal) etc etc.

Found out there's a chunk of equity in the car (15 months left on PCP) so I've decided to sell it anyway.

WBAC = £17500 (linkely to be knocked down a bit)
AUDI = £16750

Settlement = £16400