Timing belt failure just out of warranty
Discussion
Any advice on how to approach this would be welcome.
Audi A3 1.6 diesel, 50k miles, 19 plate, just out of warranty. Bought from main dealer a year old and has full Audi history.
Car has made a light tapping noise when cold for last couple of days, intermittent and only noticeable with the window down.
This morning, engine management light came on amber, with a message that "Start Stop system not functioning".
Went to Audi dealer, got as far as receptionist who said no mechanic staff were available to advise me, and said that I could either leave the car all day for diagnostics, or book it in later. Said that amber warning light is ok to drive, just don't do anything long distance.
This afternoon, complete loss of power, car dead, recovery called, tells me that timing belt has failed.
Car recovered to Audi. Have yet to discover whether we are talking about a new belt or major engine damage (dealer said they've only seen this twice, once they just had to replace belt, the other major damage to cylinder head).
A timing belt shouldn't be failing on a 19-plate 50k car, and if this morning's visit had allowed me to speak with someone qualified (car dealer maintains that the receptionist gave the correct advice for an amber light) they might have identified the issue before it failed and caused any damage.
What conversations do I need to have and with who? Audi central because a 50k 19-plate car shouldn't have a timing belt failure? Dealer could definitely have dealt with this better this morning?
What is the worst that could happen in terms of cost? What could cause this to happen - anything they might throw back at me - have not abused the car in any way!
Audi A3 1.6 diesel, 50k miles, 19 plate, just out of warranty. Bought from main dealer a year old and has full Audi history.
Car has made a light tapping noise when cold for last couple of days, intermittent and only noticeable with the window down.
This morning, engine management light came on amber, with a message that "Start Stop system not functioning".
Went to Audi dealer, got as far as receptionist who said no mechanic staff were available to advise me, and said that I could either leave the car all day for diagnostics, or book it in later. Said that amber warning light is ok to drive, just don't do anything long distance.
This afternoon, complete loss of power, car dead, recovery called, tells me that timing belt has failed.
Car recovered to Audi. Have yet to discover whether we are talking about a new belt or major engine damage (dealer said they've only seen this twice, once they just had to replace belt, the other major damage to cylinder head).
A timing belt shouldn't be failing on a 19-plate 50k car, and if this morning's visit had allowed me to speak with someone qualified (car dealer maintains that the receptionist gave the correct advice for an amber light) they might have identified the issue before it failed and caused any damage.
What conversations do I need to have and with who? Audi central because a 50k 19-plate car shouldn't have a timing belt failure? Dealer could definitely have dealt with this better this morning?
What is the worst that could happen in terms of cost? What could cause this to happen - anything they might throw back at me - have not abused the car in any way!
Yes, timing belt. Recovery moved cap and said there was no tension in it and it had moved off the teeth.
Engine running, nothing happening on accelerator on 50mph stretch. Stopped at lights, engine idled as normal, but wouldn't pull away. Car restarts, idles for 2-3 seconds, then cuts out again.
Engine running, nothing happening on accelerator on 50mph stretch. Stopped at lights, engine idled as normal, but wouldn't pull away. Car restarts, idles for 2-3 seconds, then cuts out again.
Timing belt tensioner failed. Belt intact but loose. They are running all the tests on the engine tomorrow to find out whether there is damage there.
Anyone able to guide me on whether this is unreasonable on a 50k miles, 3 year old car, or any known issues with this (1.6 diesel).
Really, really annoyed that if anyone from the workshop had been willing to take a brief look when I took it in, this wouldn't have happened.
Anyone able to guide me on whether this is unreasonable on a 50k miles, 3 year old car, or any known issues with this (1.6 diesel).
Really, really annoyed that if anyone from the workshop had been willing to take a brief look when I took it in, this wouldn't have happened.
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