2001 Audi A6 Check engine light on with 2 codes

PAULMATASARU

MEMBER
2001 AUDI A6
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
90,000 MILES

I took it to the dealer that sold this car to me just a few months ago and he was able to read the following codes:

DTC P0421 Bank 1 Warm-up Catalytic converter not effective enough

DTC P1131 Bank 2 heated oxygen sensor 1 - Internal resistance too high

I got the same 2 codes from the DEQ as I tried to pass my deq test. My plates are now expired and am driving the car illegally until I get this fixed. I called the deal and they're saying it could be as much as $1300 in parts for the catalytic converter plus labor. Which of course, i'm not prepared to pay. So I hope I can get this thing fixed some less expensive way.
They also told me that there may be a software upgrade that would fix certain problems as the old software that came with some vehicles is too sensitive. (Still have to pay for that too. I think I shouldn't have to pay. But.)

Would you please tell me your oppinion?

Thank you in advance.

Paul

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

I think I would have them reflash the computer, and reset the engine light, if the reflash covers 02 sensors, it may solve the problem without a new converter.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, May 8th, 2008 AT 2:15 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

From: paulmatasaru
To: merlin2021
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 3:21 pm
Subject: 2001 Audi a6
would I be able to reflash the computer on this 2001 audi a6 2.7t?
Repl: Not unless you have access to the Audi Scanning equiptment.

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, May 8th, 2008 AT 2:24 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

From: paulmatasaru
To: merlin2021
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 3:25 pm
Subject: Re: 2001 Audi a6
is this the scanner the checks the check engine errors and hookes up under the dash? I have a mechanic friend that has one of those. He can reset the error. Then it appears next day or so. I'm also having to pass my DEQ test. So maybe this could help so i'm not driving with expired plates. Thanks. Paul
Reply: You will need to ask him, but generally, it's not the store bought code reader, these are much more sophisticated and handle two way communications, it can command the coputers on your car to perform tasks.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Thursday, May 8th, 2008 AT 2:46 PM