Audi A6 2.7TDI V6, trouble code P1018 or 04120 flap actuator. Fault finding and repair.

[@RichD47]

Absolute genius! Same problem on 3.0 V6, 04120 code on bank 2. A very simple solution (which are often the best) but huge respect for coming up with the idea in the first place, well thought out, logical and well explained. The main plastic gear wheel inside the unit can be very brittle (mine's 17 years old now) so be very careful when you're drilling for the screw, mine started to split a little so I filled the voids around the screw with epoxy resin. Thanks a million!!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ Thanks! For watching and for your comment. Great your sorted your as well... 👍👍👍

[@Hiltonss]

This video is a gift to humanity. Audi owners will be happier and through it, everyone else. Thanks from finland, 💪👍👍

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 Thanks! For watching and for your comment! 👍👍👍

[@MrMoss786]

Amazing solution. Audi just lost alot of money since people don't need to buy new actuators. Excellent!! Just hope the other bank's actuator doesn't fall soon.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Funny enough.... already failed! And I have already fixed it in the same way... lol Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@modemas9112]

I like your videos because you always looking for the best solution for customer. Taking a risk to fail and waste your time you always find the way to make things work without replacing a parts. I try to do the same for my customers. Not always succesfuly but most of the times we have win-win for me and customer.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Indeed, is not always possible... Thank you for watching and for your comment! 👍👍👍

[@sergeetame5476]

Hi there, Your tip just saved my life...I spent countless hours trying to solve this. Did it your way this morning. Car now ready for the french MOT. For the record 2006 Q7 3.0 TDI . Kudos !!!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

That's great! Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@tedk2814]

I think that was the best diagnosis and ingenious mechanical repair video I've seen, well done! thanks so much. My 2015 q7 3.0 gasoline was just in the shop for pvc/oil separator replacement $$ and now show flap position error. I did see n the internet a quick fix being sold for this problem. very similar to yours but the "stop" was with a externally mounted metal bracket. remove the top two screws, hold up the flap actuator arm and insert the stop, is held on by the two top screws. thanks again

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Yes... I know about those brackets... the only downside is that you can see the bracket... But fixes the issue... that's what matters.. Thank you for watching and for your comment! 👍👍👍👍

[@MrFarrmatt]

Thank you so much - I had exactly the same error codes on my 2006 a6 2.7 tdi - I was able to diagnose it easily by watching the startup sequence and applied a very similar workaround. Very nice to not have the engine warning light blaring at me any more.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

That's great! 👍👍👍

[@krisqwsaadamiak2122]

You are a genius, i just fixed my car. Instead of screw i put small pin in the hole i drilled

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺️ 👍👍👍

[@larschristianmidtb3546]

Excellent video! I've got the exact same problem on my 2,7 V6 engine and searched for a solution until I came across your video. Of course a change of intake manifold is the best solution, but your fix on this was quite brilliant :-) You explain it all so easy and understandable. Keep it up :-)

[@LMAutoRepairs]

That's great! Unfortunately 22 people that gave me a thumbs down don't agree... lol Thank you so much for watching and for your comment! 👍👍👍👍

[@OneAuto]

If the customer cant or wont pay for the proper repair, a professional temp fix will do. Well done Luis

[@LMAutoRepairs]

One Auto, Thanks Rob! The truth is, this or a new manifold, would not make a difference on how the car runs... Just Audi not taking in account the wear and tear... lol

[@GerryHuskyaho]

Thanks for great video. I'm having this same problem with -05 A6 3,0 TDI. Difference between flap motors was clear, so I decided to follow your tutorial. I still got that fault code active, so I guess I still have to keep looking for solution. Cheers from Finland

[@LMAutoRepairs]

GerryHuskyaho Ensure you have placed the stop point in the right place... otherwise will not work... Thank you for watching!

[@NewLevelAuto]

You see the Audi emblem . I see 4 zeros , which is what Audis reliability rating is to me . Thanks for sharing as always. And nice to see your Autel is doing well for you

[@LMAutoRepairs]

New Level Auto Nice analogy... lol You are probably right anyway... Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@byivan1]

someone can learn something on your video because is knowledgeable.you deserve more than 2,6 subs.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

ivan basic Thanks... the channel is slowly growing...

[@laulove4736]

Man ... i don't know bat you .... you man You are the best ... your example is the best and you excellent

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 Thank you very much sir! Really appreciated your words! Thank you for watching!

[@ignasxado]

Your videos is very interesting and educational, for me who is studying Automotive Electrical Engineering, this is one of the best suorce to learn, keep it up!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

IgnasKl Hi Thank you! There is other great channels out there... but thank you for watching my videos!

[@Daniel-hk6nz]

I have the same problem P1018 lower limit not reached but during the test via VCDS the damper opens and closes normally in the range of 20.5 to 80. After starting the engine and reloading the errors, the error reappeared. Can't advise me where the error might be or how to fix it?

[@erwinmilliau4509]

Howdy, I have seen Your You Tube film about trouble code P1018 or 04120! and I must say Your explanation is Correct! I Did the same puttin the same screw in the gearwheel with the 2 actuators (they had together the problem) and everthing works fine again 👍 now! thanks very much for the film. also the bleu smoke is gone again at idle and while driving. 👍👍

[@LMAutoRepairs]

That's great... nice to know it helped you! Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@TheDonk3y1]

You are brilliant thx for the video you just solved a 2000£ problem

[@LMAutoRepairs]

That's great! Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@miyakozjbz1]

Hi great video i facing similar problem i got both banks on a fault and when i do ignition they don't even move any advice where could i look?

[@bhameshnandha7062]

I have recently come across your channel , and found them to be informative, excellent diagnoses and talk through, hope to see more of your videos, am now also subscribed to your channel. I am in Africa Malawi. Thanks again.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

That's great, glad you enjoyed the channel!

[@bodgitandleggitgarage]

great video mate well done you came across very well to me no problems at all I did a similar thing with a motor before by switching the gears around they were worn on one side switch them around and part was working again properly temporary fix but at least the customer got going sometimes we have to do these things

[@LMAutoRepairs]

+bodgit and leggit garage Absolutely... Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@mohamedrahib7685]

thanks brother for this video ,today you proved me that you are a good mechanics you did a great job so creative

[@LMAutoRepairs]

mohamed rahib Hi Thank you for watching and for your nice comment! Much appreciated!

[@royalhqtv6019]

finaaaaally i found the way how to fix it!!!! thanks you a lot mate, you are amazing. i wish best of luck!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 Thanks! For watching and for your comment!

[@andyafrica3445]

This is brilliant 😀. Any tips on the ignition key lock after the battery was exchanged? The car is the same as the one in this video, it starts and drives but the buttons on the remote doesn’t do anything and it has that warning in the dash that says ignition lock.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Hi Thanks! I have a video for that... Jut search my channel... Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@SalimKhan-gk1fh]

Excellent video! I have the same car as this which had a similar problem at the same milage is this one, it was a bit of a difficult one to diagnose! it turns out The ECU works out a fault on the intake manifold runner system because it looks for an 89%efficient working of the system anything out of this range and it flags up The EML light as the actuator motor Will be travelling up and down out of its normal parameters, The worn swirl flap bearings cause the lever arm to have excessive slackness, I rectified this by replacing the swirl flap Rods/bearings it's quite a straightforward job for a competent as the manifolds will need to be removed the repair kit is available for around £60 per manifolds. Imsvvavr is a very competent guy watch all his videos and you will learn a lot I'm very impressed with most of his videos and it's really good of him to take time and effortgoing out of his way to show us his skills ! Well done, Bom trabalho!!!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Salim Khan Thank you for your comment! Much appreciated...

[@drknmirza]

Hi Are u based in the UK?

[@gunti80]

nice video just had this fault my self, but for the position sensor inside the actuator faulty.learning from your videos everytime.topman

[@LMAutoRepairs]

gunti80 Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@nazikalala]

You are a genius, very well done, wish I'd seen this before I ordered my new actuators

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😕 Thank you for watching and for your comment! 👍👍👍👍

[@nazikalala]

@@LMAutoRepairs I decided that, whilst waiting for my new flaps and actuators, I should try your trick. I actually noticed that I didn't need to measure anything because my actuator is identical to the one you worked on. I drilled and placed the screw in the same position as yours. Bam ... nailed it, fault went passive immediately. Solved my year long irritation I must say, I didn't realise how small a drill bit I needed until I started working on it. You can't force the screw in without drilling a hole and you can't use a wrong size bit otherwise you can destroy the wheel. In the end, it was an easy task to follow, thanks to you😁. The whole thing took me just 1 hour of no sweat job

[@LMAutoRepairs]

That's great! You got it! Thank you for the feedback!

[@zaharel91]

it worked on 2007 v6 3.0 tdi touareg. good job!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@briancaton8833]

Fantastic, this man knows his stuff!! Many thanks.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Brian Caton Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@ashrafabdulla7404]

Nice One Good Fix by doing this I think you have also stopped intake manifold linkage to get more damage as motor will not be putting full force all the way down......Good Fix Mate

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Ashraf Abdulla Hi Correct! Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@fahrudingermic2206]

I have same error on my audi a6 3.0 tdi 2008 ,motor light error is on board ,hope this will work for me ,ordered metal pieces for this problem insted putting the screw inside on your way

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 👍👍👍

[@husseinolivia2548]

Oh, Wow first of all thanks for sharing and you are a Genius in case of repair the same component

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Hussein Olivia Thanks...

[@colinaglae2605]

Thanx Luis, that was a brilliant video as always!! You r a great auto engineer & super instructor !! God Bless !!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Colin Aglae Thank you for watching Colin, and for the comment!

[@colinlyne1660]

Hey Imsvvavr Brilliant I understood you perfectly and you saved the guy a fortune

[@LMAutoRepairs]

colin Lyne Thanks Colin!

[@quintinhavenga842]

You can get a bracket that connects to the motor. Google actuator flap bracket repair something like that. Good video keep it up

[@quintinhavenga842]

Dieselgeek it the place that sell the bracket

[@LMAutoRepairs]

I know, but that gives away that there is a problem in there... lol And the bracket is quite expensive... Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@emmanuelkamboga2237]

I am currently facing the same problem with my V6 TDI and was trying to go the external brackets way although they are not available in my country. Would you be able to guide me on any measurements to set a stop for upper and lower limits? My fault code reads; lower limit not reached - upper limit exceeded. Thanks in advance

[@emmanuelkamboga2237]

I am trying to fabricate a bracket locally

[@Skengmansej]

Hello mate i recently got a Audi A6 3.0 Tdi s line quattro 2007 plate , the car goes into limp mode sometimes i got it read and it came back with error code p3348 , would you know what the problem could be?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

That's a generic code for the turbo actuation... Inspect the turbo actuation etc... Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@alupe100]

Hi ,i have also audi a6 3.0 tdi from 2008 232 hp,cann you tell me what is on chanel 20 o meassuring block ,you find there a temperatur but i don't now where it come ,or what means or how it calls that Sensor that shows that temperatur ,on my car shows -40 ° celsius and that is not ok ,from what i have seen on youtube must like 54° C. If you can tell me what is there. Thanks

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Hi If you have no faults on the ecu, I wouldn't worry about... What tool are you using? Most like is a vacant position... if you are using VCDS, is common for it to show data that doesn't belong to a certain model... and because there is no data, is shows the minimum possible, like -40 when for temperature... Thank you for watching and for your comment!

[@sandyande]

your a genius, great video cheers sandy

[@LMAutoRepairs]

sandy anderson Thanks Sandy... much appreciated!

[@07warka]

Great video !i have similar issues

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Now you know how to fix it...😉

[@Garage4youGLA]

Hello mate, your video was great. You explained everything very well. I am just wondering how did that motor started working again?? I have the same problem and arm is stuck.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

The motor never stopped working... Was just moving out of range causing the fault etc... Thank you for watching!

[@Garage4youGLA]

Thanks alot for your reply, the video was very detailed.keep it up 👏

[@LMAutoRepairs]

@@Garage4youGLA 👍👍👍

[@R3MILI]

Hello ive a audi a6 2.7 diesel front wheel drive , europen version . Someone gifted me and i did all the filters and oil change , it has a check engine for air intake manifold + in computer there are some code for injector 2 3 5 , in highway for 130km it consume 8.6 lit , ive test it . But in the city for 20 km it consume 10 lit . Is this normal ? Does it has to do with intake manifold ? Many services here in albania told me dont do something to injectors becouse im gonna have more problems . What do you recommend me to do ?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

I would start by check the issues related to the faults you have... and go from there... 👍👍👍

[@R3MILI]

@@LMAutoRepairs might a bad air intake manifold couse bad fuel economy ?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Yes... Combustion will not be efficient if you have air leaks... Air is supposed to get to the combustion chambers, not to escape before get there..

[@R3MILI]

@@LMAutoRepairs kzbin.info/www/bejne/pl64gYN7d9Gdq5I i did change the manifold but still problem with acceleration and poor fuel economy , might it be becouse the throttle body , here ive recorded a video , is it in good condition ?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Check for codes, and check live data... Your answer will most likely be there...

[@tiffanykim8121]

Would you explain a bit more about PASSIVE TO ACTIVE (fix confirmed) in the scanner ?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Jason Kim Hi No worries... I believe you are referring to the fault codes, being active or passive... Active, means the code/fault is present, when the ecu does the checks, or found a problem with that system... Passive, means that the ecu no longer sees a problem in there, it saw a problem before, but not anymore... When you clear the faults, the passive faults will clear, because as I said they are not present, all the active ones will stay... Don't know if that makes sense... Hope so...

[@brendanmcgorisk7161]

I love the fact that you came up with such a good idea for repair but can you be sure the problem is with the control motor? It could be worn bushings/rod that the swirl flaps rotate on. That will throw up the same fault code. I'm getting the fault code of lower limit not reached for bank 2 and after replacing the control motor and actuator arm for new items, the fault code remains. That can only leave the swirl flaps as the culprit. Could it be the same problem on the car you worked on?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Brendan McGorisk Hi You actually nailed it! The problem is not the actuator... Is everything else that worns out and let's the actuator to move more than what is expected by the ecu... Theoretically, you need to change the entire manifold... All I have done here, was preventing the actuator to move over the limits... So, most likely you are suffering from the same problem... Hope that helps. Thank you for watching!

[@brendanmcgorisk7161]

LM Auto Repairs - your video was really helpful to me. I've found a pair of manifolds online for £199 which I'm considering buying - rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F332616287882 - would you think they're any good or sub standard? How much would you charge a customer for fitting those? Where do you work from?

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Hi They are aftermarket, so it what it is... if you know what I mean... Those new manifolds will or should sort your problem, the thing is, as the shaft starts to worn, the problem will return... it will might take a few thousand miles, or a few years... If your manifolds and swirl flaps are good, what I have done is a good way of fixing your problem... If you don't bother, you can also consider this: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Repair-Bracket-for-Plastic-Intake-Manifold-03L129711AG-03L129086-P2015-Fault/382050600467?fits=Car+Make%3AAudi&epid=786093839&hash=item58f3fd8613:g:mEQAAOSwCmZZSQTk These are fitted on the outside, and they limit the arm movement... the same as I did, but on the outside. There is a few hours labour to remove and install the new manifolds, plus gaskets and/or seals that might need replacing... I am in Peterborough...

[@brendanmcgorisk7161]

LM Auto Repairs - I used to live in Leicester until 2 years ago and would have taken my car to you to get this sorted but I'm now living in Somerset. With that bracket fitted or with the fix you've done, am I right in thinking that the swirl flaps still won't be operating as they should be? Does the bracket just fool the ECU into thinking the rod and flaps are working properly? Do you think that bracket will fit the 3.0 TDI engine? It says it's for the 2.0 TDI common rail engine. I've found one specifically for the 3.0 engine but it's £90...which is more expensive than the swirl flap and bushing repair kits that can be bought on eBay.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

With my fix, or with the bracket, the swirl flap work as normal... the only thing it does, is that prevents the actuator lever to move out of the specs, which happens due to the wear and tear of the swirl flaps components in the manifold. It is your decision Brendan, how much you are willing to spend etc... Consider to support my channel and all the hard work put into it at www.patreon.com/LMAutoRepairs Thank you

[@ryanh3285]

My A5 tdi 2.7 lag's when pulling off its so annoying is there any fixes for this i had gear oil changed by Audi a few months ago.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Impossible to say based only on what you said... Scan the car, check live data and go from there... Something like that can be caused by different things... Thank you for watching!

[@ryanh3285]

@@LMAutoRepairs Thanks for reply👍

[@LMAutoRepairs]

@@ryanh3285 👍

[@DonDenaBrenna]

great repair, hope you get paid well for your time!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thank you!

[@moabass9425]

Only one word, genius.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@moabass9425]

Where are you based mate? I need this doing asap Please

[@kevcobban9143]

Great video and yes you explained what you did that was great

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks! For watching and for your comment!

[@devrimsaran9969]

Elegant solution. Thank you for sharing.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 Thanks! For watching and for your comment!

[@v4vauxhall498]

Nice one mate . What camera and mic do you use ?Joe

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks... I just use my phone... lol

[@Habbasio]

hi sir thanks for helping us all sir i like to know when they modify the dump. what that ? pls can you help.i need info i will very thanksfull

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Hanif Abbasi Hi I am so sorry, but I don't quite understand your question...

[@jjward5561]

thankyou for a very helpful video and explanation

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@wightwalker2453]

I saw on eBay you can buy for £23 an flap actuator repair kit from Poland. This provides, allegedly, a better quality set of gears for the inside of the actuators that don't wear out like the oem ones tend to do. Have you heard of these? If so, can a non mechanic, without your diagnostic machine, fit them and make the engine light turn off. A local garage has quoted me £2k to fix this problem. I suspect they're preparing to rip me of like most garages do.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

That will be a waste of money... the problem on these has nothing to do with the gears inside... is the actually wear of the linkage outside and the flaps shaft itself... Thank you for watching!

[@wightwalker2453]

Thanks mate. I've bitten the bullet and gone to a specialist. Both need replacing £1600 plus other bits not related to this issue!!!! Oh well, it's been a good car and should last a few more years.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

@@wightwalker2453 Should do indeed... hope you have replaced the intake manifolds, or repaired the swirl flaps bearings... this last, is what actually causes this faults, the excessive play, allows the actuator to move too much, triggering the fault... that's why I sayd earlier, this issue has nothing to do with the actuator gears... as also explained in the video... Obviously you can have issues with the actuators... usually that is not the issue... 👍👍👍

[@yousefbhoyroo6960]

Audi A6 v6 nice bit of kit

[@laulove4736]

Pls continue whit this example ok pls

[@LMAutoRepairs]

👍

[@mickkelly2229]

But how come the motor did not move when you powered it up

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Not sure at what part of the video you are referring to... but as I explained, moves once till the motor moves over the limit... which at that point stops actuating it due to the fault... Thank you for watching!

[@mickkelly2229]

LM Auto Repairs what I am saying is u ran power to the motor in video and it didn’t run ??

[@LMAutoRepairs]

@@mickkelly2229 As I explained in my previous comment... It runs until it faults... All explained in the video as well... 👍👍👍

[@yousefbhoyroo6960]

Proper car

[@Asadkhan-fh4cx]

You done my job 👍

[@LMAutoRepairs]

👍

[@kevinclark2856]

mine will not start it dose try but not start 2.7 v6 quattro avant 2008

[@cibermaxgijon]

Good job man!!

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@ron198612]

Great job , thank for sharing.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Hi No worries... Thank you for watching!

[@paulbarnes4495]

cheers good vid ill try that

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 Thanks!

[@tallermecanicoxentryservic8002]

Genio desde Argentina

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 Thanks! 👍👍👍

[@shefi14]

Great as always! thank you

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thank you Melissa...

[@belkor8365]

good..good...good. thank you.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Thanks!

[@farouk6829]

great video thank you for sharing

[@LMAutoRepairs]

farouk Thanks farouk, for watching and for your comment!

[@dilshadrashid9487]

thanks its great video well done

[@LMAutoRepairs]

dilshad rashid Thank you for watching!

[@2326TOM]

Thank you

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Clyde Andrews Thank you for watching!

[@SuperAudipower]

👍

[@LMAutoRepairs]

😊 👍👍👍

[@alisherservice6991]

Hello,help mi pleas, my audi p3348 009

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Hi What have you checked so far? Thank you for watching!

[@papalapa300]

...

[@jibranali9983]

papalapa300 great video brothet iam form pakistan thank you

[@yousefbhoyroo6960]

He's English needs to be improved.

[@LMAutoRepairs]

Is the best I can do... If you don't understand, don't watch... Thank you for watching!

[@moabass9425]

It does what it says on the tin, shows you engenious ways to fix difficult problems. We don't need he's English to be perfect, just for him to pass on he's hard work. There is no reason for him to put this much effort in, he can keep he's knowledge to himself, we need more people like this saving us lots of time and hard work, keep it up mate

[@LMAutoRepairs]

👍👍👍

[@davidroberts3915]

Perfectly understandable, especially for a second language…..and i think you mean ‘his’ not ‘he’s’

[@LMAutoRepairs]

☺ Thanks!