I own both a '96 A6, 2.8 and this '97 A4, 2.8, the latter of which is in question, has 170,000 miles, a 5-speed (love it in comparison with the Automatic) and runs well. The exception is that it has developed a very nasty intermittent, off-idle, stalling problem. Moreover, it periodically fails to start though when it does (after turning the engine over for an exceptionally long time), it puffs fuel smoke out the exhaust and smells of raw gas. After that, it runs just fine, gets good mileage, etc. It did "throw a code" awhile back, showing a faulty CTS, which I've yet to change. Probably going to do that next but, in the interim, just changed out the fuel pump (see link below), which was a thrash, to be sure.
https://www.audiforums.com/forum/aud...133974/page21/

I'd welcome anyone's thoughts on the gremlin 'cause it's frustrating to have it stall while in traffic and then to periodically have it fail to start, is equally frustrating. By the by, the two issues have never merged, that is, stalling and then failing to start, though I suppose it's possible. Help!

 

dirty maf and a dirty coolant temp sensor. the temp sensor would cause the not starting problem. Did you clear the CTS code and have it return?

 

Hey!
Thanks for the confirming reply regarding the MAF, which I've repeatedly serviced/cleaned, and, likely more significantly, the CTS, which I will replace. Clearing the CTS code has not yet resulted in a significant change in that I've not been able to correlate the code clearing with immediate benefit in starting and/or stalling. The problems are that intermittent! So, replacing the CTS, when done, will let me know IF the intermittent problem disappears. Stand by. . Just appreciate your confident reply and the emerging words that the CTS can be the source of many ills. Attached a pic of the Iron Stable, including the 2 Audis. Reside @8,000' so winter's are exciting, made less so by a life with Quattros .