thanks guys for your help.

I have two more questions though.

How much would the coil packs cost and where can I get them?

 

Give ECS tuning a call.

 

Just reading my manual for my 01 1.8tq, It says that a flashing CEL means that an engine malfaunction has occured that may cause damage to the catalytic converter. Continue driving slowly if needed, and see an authorized service agent as soon as possible.

Thats what the audi manual says anyway.

 

Before you start buying parts, find out what the problem is. Don't just guess and start replacing parts that don't need replacing

 

go to a parts place ie autozone or pep boys and get its codes read. people are missing the obvious of the misfires. yes it may be ur icm or coil packs which are the black things that sit on top of the valve cover that have the audi symbol on them and r bolted down with wires leadin into them. there r 4 righ in a row. under those r u rplugs which is my guess is whats wrong go by some ngk bkr73 plugs part number 6097 i believe and put thos ein they r 7 bux

 

I know this thread is OLD but I am posting just in case anyone reads this and has the same problem, because this is still hosted on here means someone might see it. This is a cheap fix for something that if left unkept could destroy a beautiful engine. I would hate for that to happen to anyone.


I do believe if you are recieving a flashing Check Engine Light that it means that the problem is happening under boost. Most likely is a coil pack problem.

Going to Autozone and using their code reader wont tell you anything you dont already know.All it will say is engine misfire. VAG COM it at an audi specialist, but most likely you have a dead coil a Vag COM unit will allow them the tech to log activity and identify your problem. The reason they will read codes for you at an auto parts store is so you will buy a part from them, possibly that you don't need, hoping to fix your problem.

Go call a dealer give them your vin and get them to see if they have been replaced after the recall. If they haven't been replaced then they are free so just get someone to drive you to the dealer and pick them up. All 4 should be about 90 dollars which isnt really too bad if you do have to buy them. Simple to replace these as well just google it.

Most likely a shop would recommend you to get all 4 anyways and if you want to get the most life out of your parts, replace the broken ones now and keep a screwdriver in your car and the extra coil packs and pull over and change out one and restart and see if you still have the problem.

As far as plugs are concerned just check out the posts on here and ask others what they are running. If you are chipped I would close your spark gap on the plugs about .004 from the stock .032 to .028. Also go one heat range colder than stock. NGK BKR7E for chipped and BKR6E for stock.

To the guy who asked what are coil packs, they are one of the newer ignition systems that have been developed which consist of an ignition coil per cylinder vs the old style with a distributor, or the newer coil and wire design.

 

Very old thread it is my understanding that a flashing cel means the failure is occurring currently.Audi may be different but on several different manufacturers vehicles this is true.
CEL on continuously a fault has occurred flashing it is occurring.

 

LOL ive experienced the same problem, light flashes and i thought my car was broken too.. but its just no batteries left

 

lol seriously