Misfire on cylinder three?

Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
  • MEMBER
  • 2014 AUDI Q5
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 104,000 MILES
Switched the coil with a couple of used ones I have, same result. Could a fouled plug cause it?
Friday, October 20th, 2023 AT 7:27 PM

36 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,650 POSTS
Hi,

Yes, a failed spark plug can cause a misfire. Are these original spark plugs, or have they been replaced? If they are original, I would replace all of them. I don't know if you need them, but I attached the directions below.

Also, keep in mind there could be other causes. For example, a faulty fuel injector or there may be no power to the coil. Have you checked those things as well?

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Friday, October 20th, 2023 AT 11:13 PM
Tiny
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Have not checked the power to coil. What are the wires supposed to have with ignition on? Injectors last thing I will check as its labor intensive.
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Saturday, October 21st, 2023 AT 5:02 AM
Tiny
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And counting cylinder from passenger side am guessing to the right is where cylinder 1 starts.
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Saturday, October 21st, 2023 AT 5:29 AM
Tiny
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Switched plugs same thing. Compression 30 while next cylinder is 120. Darn. Car only has 104,000. Is it possible something under the valve cover can tell me if a valve is bad? Could carbon build up prevent a valve from closing properly?
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Saturday, October 21st, 2023 AT 7:00 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Which cylinder only has 30 psi compression? As far as carbon, it is something that is possible. For compression to be that low is really odd with this many miles.

I know these vehicles are known to have timing chains that stretch. It could be an issue, but that is really off.

Let me know what the readings were from each cylinder. Also, you may want to remove the valve cover to see if the chain is loose.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, October 21st, 2023 AT 7:28 PM
Tiny
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Cyl 3. My understanding is that if its carbon usually it will misfire when cold only, unless its severe. Also, is there possibility of a wash? Ya if its timing it would either make a chain noise at least or throw codes, bit neither are present. Car is super clean. And usually there would be misfire on more than one cylindert olus can or crank codes.
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2023 AT 5:04 AM
Tiny
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I read online that if you put a bit of oil and recheck, if the compression changes its a ring/piston issue, if it doesn't it's in the head or sticky lifter. Mine didn't change, so crossing fingers. When u rev it up pass the misfire range its so smooth. Even if left idling with the misfire also smooth no funny noises. Would you remove the intake abd look at the valves and build uo first or remove the valve cover first? I also looked at the piston and looks normal
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2023 AT 3:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

That is correct. You can perform a wet compression test which indicates if it is a ring issue. However, at 30 psi, I didn't feel the rings were the issue. That's why I didn't recommend it.

At this point, the only thing we can do is remove the valve cover to see if there is anything that obviously stands out. If you still have 30 psi, a valve would have to be nearly closed because if was excessively open, you would have 0 compression. Also, there is a chance (slim) that the head gasket has failed.

Also, although you don't feel the misfire at a higher RPM is simply because of the engine speed. At 30 psi, the misfire is still there. It just can't be noticed.

Let me know your thoughts or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Sunday, October 22nd, 2023 AT 9:00 PM
Tiny
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Not seeing anything strange or different here. This was a PITA to remove.
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Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 AT 4:54 PM
Tiny
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If you check the cylinder 3 valves, do they appear to be fully closing? You may have to turn it by hand a bit.

Also, nothing is easy on an Audi. LOL I always say the first step to any engine repair or service is "remove engine."

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 AT 5:40 PM
Tiny
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I don't want to turn the cams while they are not bolted now, that calls for a disaster if anything jumps as far as the chain goes. Let me check and see if they closed.
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Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
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Can't really tell if they are or not.
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Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 AT 5:52 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

Is it possible for you to get a clearer image with the borescope? I couldn't make out things too well.

If you can't get a better pic or tell if the valves are closed, other than removing the cylinder head for inspection, there isn't much we can do.

Let me know your thoughts. Also, let me know what I can do to help.

Take care,

Joe
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Tuesday, October 24th, 2023 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
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Removed intake. Geez the carbon build up. All intake mantild runners move like they should. Not seeing any damage to aby valve ir broken pieces.
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Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 AT 12:10 PM
Tiny
BHAMDOC1973
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And this silly design where I must out back the valve cover if I want to spin the motor cause the valve cover bolts hold down the springs. Can you get me the torque specs for these torx bolts?
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Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 AT 2:01 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Wow, that is a lot. Now that I see that, I suspect we may have a valve not fully seated. Are you able to get it cleaned out at all?

As far as the torque specifications, I added them below. Make sure you follow them in the three-step process indicated. Also, don't overtighten them. Make sure the surfaces are clean and dry before installing the sealant.

Let me know if this is what you needed.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
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Wednesday, October 25th, 2023 AT 7:16 PM
Tiny
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So, how do they expect one to turn the motor if needed and if one wants to see the cams while turning? Crazy design. Yes, I have cleaned carbon on Audis before, I have the tools.
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Thursday, October 26th, 2023 AT 5:12 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

That's a good question. LOL Install the cover, turn the crank to TDC, and remove the cover to see. If it isn't aligned, install the cover, turn the crank 360 degrees, and check again.

Honestly, I don't know who comes up with these designs. I have an old one, 2005 3.0L. It's a lot easier to work on.

Joe
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Thursday, October 26th, 2023 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
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Not removing it again lol. Installed it and placed valves of cylinder 3 TDC and put in some b-12 until the walnut grains come in. Hopefully no major issues. I don't see the bent anywhere so hopefully it's just that.
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Thursday, October 26th, 2023 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

I wouldn't want to remove it again either. What a nightmare. LOL Years back, I had a beautiful A8. It developed a coolant leak at the oil cooler. A 3" plastic pipe with o-rings on each end needed to be replaced. I think the parts were under 20.00.

Step 1 in the manual was, to remove the engine. Ugh! LOL Well, I'm too stubborn to do that, so I worked around that and did it in 3 hours. Just FYI, the manual called for 24 hours of labor which included the removal of the "liquid-cooled alternator." Yes, 24 hours.

When they break, they can be a headache. But when they are right, nothing drives nicer.

Let me know how things work out for you.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, October 26th, 2023 AT 7:58 PM

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