Audi stranded at the Roadside, crank / no start

In this video we diagnose a 2017 Audi A6 3.0 biturbo 3.0 TDI that was towed in by the Roadside assistance.
It stalled and is now a crank / no start.
Let's diagnose it together!
For Topdon producs used in this video;
US link: www.topdon.us/products/phoeni...
Discount Code for Phoenix Max:
www.topdon.us/discount/DIAGNO...
European contact: [e-mail]
For business inquiries ; [e-mail] (Not for technical questions)

[@privateer0561]

Just imagine if all mechanics were this good and honest.

[@armandonika]

You cant imagine that because most of the clients are not like this one 😉 ( every client deserves their mechanic)

[@grzegorz16100]

They are honest but not that good.

[@Tubecraft1]

We could all be a lot better if Europe wasn’t such an unhelpful area at forcing the manufacturers to give us proper wiring information and systems education. The Americans have Mitchel wiring diagrams-what do we have -Autodata that is (a)unviably priced for most small garages and (b) often incomplete and unreliable on individual cars and doesn’t even cover many common cars and not all systems on the ones it does cover. The trade is a shambles and it’s the public that are suffering because of the poor governance of manufacturers

[@abigfatelf_ttv3438]

The world could not afford every mechanic to be this good

[@aliasgertayabali5260]

The crooked ones don't like techs like Dan and plus they show it on video. How can they make money??These dishonest ones cause the honest and knowledgeable ones not to charge fairly .

[@hoedenbesteller]

Man, you are the GOAT of diagnostics in cars. I really love how you attack the issue and get to the RCA.

[@alandjbaker]

Always look forward to the next episode of diagnose Dan!

[@Bizija123]

they don't come fast enough lol

[@Lambros_Stefaneas]

​@@Bizija123 That's why you're looking forward for the next episode 😇.

[@alandjbaker]

Quality over quantity! That is why every episode is fascinating and captivating.

[@Diagnosedan]

That's great to hear!

[@binagarten4667]

Wish we had a mechanic half as decent as you. You Sir are a legend!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@armyvet92]

It is always going to be a GREAT DAY when we get a new video from Dan the Man !!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@mr_nice.]

The mere fact that you bother to call the customer for information and guidance AND ask permition to do work on their property, makes you a top notch mechanic. AND a good business man! Trust me, not all mechanics call their customers, not even for the basics. 👍👍👍

[@Diagnosedan]

We got the approval to check the other injectors👍

[@austenj4539]

I feel so much better that I managed with Dan to diagnose this issue! Seriously though, a very useful video showing a range of diagnostics to include simply listening to the poor crank noise as a crude, but effective, lead to suggesting that one of the cylinders had a fuel issue. Doesn't always need a scan tool to guide us. Great stuff.

[@UrbanGrafixltd]

The sound is familiar, and i'm sure the mechanic on the side of the road thought the same, but to pinpoint the issue exactly is impossible without tools, a fuel issue can be caused by a wide range of components, thinking it is a fuel issue because it sounds like it wants to start but can't is just not that useful. i think using a scope to test battery drain when there's an injector stuck open is genius!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for your help, i couldn't have done it without you!😉

[@raedghaith4778]

@@Diagnosedan you did it without him!

[@jctaiter]

A skip like that in a diesel could be different things. Bent valve, hole in piston, but in the common rail diesel, always start with fuel. It's not going to be a spark plug

[@ClubXrock]

The roadside person did a good job regardless, as he would be limited to data and equipment and the luxury of a workshop environment. Trying to diagnose a no start while the customer is hovering and constantly questioning what's wrong with the car, is quite challenging. I also do roadside assistance

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

👌

[@arjanvanraaij8440]

the Dutch AA ANWB is well equiped and educated.

[@Jeffschmidt1984]

@@arjanvanraaij8440 Yes we are 😁

[@Diagnosedan]

I agree and have great respect for the roadside assistance, they do amazing things with limited resources

[@russell5414]

Should he not have noticed the obvious hydraulic lock issue.

[@99andrianmonk]

Nice job, Dan. Despite being misdirected by the road side assistant and not having the trouble code to verify supposed issue you correctly diagnosed the real problem and fixed the vehicle with with very little effort. Clearly a testament to your outstanding skills.

[@davyarthurs]

Fuel pressure was low I guess due to the leaky injector so not all bad. But defo always start your way. Don’t be led down a rabbit hole by someone else’s info. But yep agree with you

[@madds6678]

No guess the injector was leaking a common problem on common rail systems not that hard to diagnose

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@erasmmuss]

This guy is just amazing, I learned so much from watching his videos especially on diesels

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for watching

[@herrkiwi3110]

A often overlooked fault on a modern common rail diesel , quite often leading to fuel rail pressure sensor replacement or high pressure pump. Great content as always Dan. I am a roadside tech and people don't understand how hard it is to diagnose certain faults roadside. I would have thought they would have noticed the odd cranking sound but beside a busy road it can be impossible to hear those things sometimes. We all get caught out from time to time.

[@legioner9]

True.

[@koeniglicher]

Relative compression test done on starter current (as shown by Dan) but with crank shaft sensor signal as a reference to get cyl #1 and taking into account firing order of the engine would show the drastic imbalance on the screen of a diagnostics tool that can be read no matter how noisy the environment is. And would have identified the disfunctional cylinder with much less work on disassembly. This is like instrument flight instead of visual flight. In addition, notice the heavy physical distortions and shaking that this engine makes due to the open injector. From the video alone, it hurts my senses, when the cranking is done over and over on this engine. I'm with you: diagnostics at the road side is way more difficult, due to weather (rain, cold) and outside noise and limited gear, tools and parts, that can be taken to the place. But to identify the misfiring injector, block it with a small screw (a nice trick shown by Dan!), document the work, and have the client continue his (hopefully short) journey on 5 cylinders of this V6 TDI engine would have been possible at the roadside. And then to ask the client to drive to a workshop at the next possible option in time, like the next day.

[@jackiemay9471]

@@koeniglicher yes a quick and simple check non-invasive and gives direction i was going to say myself

[@clintonhenwood960]

True

[@herrkiwi3110]

@@koeniglicher So if he continued to drive it with oil dilution and it ran a bearing or worse yet "took off" the roadside tech would still have got the blame. He was in a no win situation. We do not carry a scope or have the ability to do a relative compression test. We all probably heard it was cranking odd and to be honest he should have just stopped there and got it towed to a workshop for further diagnosis end of story. People need to distinguish between emergency breakdown service and mobile workshop ! Two completely different things. People always look for someone else to pay for there repairs these day's , sadly my job has more become "what am I going to get blamed for" rather than "what can I do to help". 🙂

[@letmein2460]

From hearing it crank I thought it had a dead cylinder with low compression but your relative compression test was great and it told you the exact opposite and once I saw the voltage spike I knew it was a flooded cylinder. Installing the screw was brilliant! Really great job!

[@Diagnosedan]

You are right in most cases we see a cilinder with less compression not more!

[@karirautio]

I think it was a current spike, not voltage spike.

[@martinsgusevs9184]

Very nice video for beginners, I realized what's the problem when you where cranking engine in first time. I love to see more videos from you with mind blowing electrical faults but I know we don't get them every day, and video making take a lot of your personal time. So thank you for what you do 👍

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@stevepalmer4072]

Excellent diagnosis as always Dan.

[@djosbun]

Using the screw to block the fuel injector was a superb move, Dan. Well done!

[@taunus1990]

I was going to say the same. Simple but effective

[@ppal64]

Did he take it out?

[@koeniglicher]

@@ppal64 Yes, he did after installing the new injector.

[@danthecarman8440]

A ball bearing is good too.

[@Diagnosedan]

Old trick😉 although there are blanks available to close the rail

[@iosefoyagomate5647]

Dan has all the high-tech equipment added to his knowledge and experience. What a guy. Dan the Man for the job.

[@dustcommander100]

That was an amazing diagnosis. I would never put a screw in to block the fuel on my own. After seeing you do it successfully, I would do so.

[@Diagnosedan]

Have faith😉

[@markt5426]

Thanks Dan, really enjoyed the video watching you diagnosing the problem. When I heard the first start up to confirm the customer's compliant, I heard the mis-beat of the engine. Only when you took out the glow plug and it was wet with fuel I knew then where it was heading. But as always good tips regarding low/high pressure systems. Thanks again Dan. 👍👍

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks Mark, great to hear that you liked the video

[@gregculverwell]

Excellent diagnosis as usual. Much appreciated.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks Greg

[@benardblessing1201]

You are very good electrician I follow you every day 🇬🇭🇬🇭

[@pilskadden]

Excellent diagnosis as always. I bet most other shops would have fired up the parts cannon, starting with the high pressure fuel pump.

[@kain0m]

Thr amount of people that I have seen throwing thousands in parts at such simple issues, especially in a DYI setting, is painful. Especially if you know that more often than not they end up causing more damage by working without the necessary cleanliness for these injection systems...

[@madds6678]

Err no we wouldn’t

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for watching

[@pedromanuelmadeiramartins6188]

That happened to me on a 2013 Q7 with same engine! In my case two injectors stuck open. Excellent idea with the small screw!😍 Thanks for your videos! I'm always learning! Best regards

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks Pedro!

[@jctaiter]

Thats programmed into the ecu as a Deep clean fuel flush crankcase regen

[@cherylfarrell1638]

Excellent diagnosis and repair

[@TricksoftheTradeAutoRepairs]

I love watching your diagnose videos. You are so clear and thorough with the explanations and the causes. I also love the way you show the scope data so we can see and not only hear the problem. I am fortunate to work in a shop where we take pictures and sometimes video for the customers to see. I imagine the customers being greatful that they too have an understanding of why we are replacing whatever we recommend. On another note, I was wondering if you have made a video of the relearn process for the Nissan throttle bodys and maybe show on a scope, if possible, as to why they do not relearn and continue to have a surging idle. I've tried many different methods from different videos on the web but none seem to work. Thanks again for all the great diagnosis.

[@oldschool1993]

I wish all the other guys who do auto repair would watch Dan, he is very clear and straight to the point and does not try to be a comedian or mumble on a bunch of extra nonsense and opinions or talk in endless cliche's.

[@arjanvanraaij8440]

Or the one screaming in to the camera.

[@madds6678]

Are you cussing south main auto or scanner danner? How dare you.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for the positive comment its appriciated 👍

[@Garth2011]

Way to be Dan. Following logic with a few scanners and scopes vs. guessing and moving forward. Confirming the diagnosis was very cool by blocking off the fuel line on #2. At first, when you ran the starter I thoughtr for sure it had a mechanical failure, a valve or connecting rod. I even was thinking the high pressure fuel pump lobe or rod might have been damaged causing the high amp draw on the starter/battery (if thats how the hipress fuel pump operated). Being a 2017, I'd likely go with 5 other injectors but due to their cost, if they tested okay, I'd run them again. Good fix Dan.

[@Diagnosedan]

We got the approval to test the other injectors 👍

[@igotaction]

I am beginning to love Mondays now thanks to Diagnose Dan!!!!

[@Diagnosedan]

🤣🤣👍

[@marcioreis2648]

Excellent video as usual.Diagnosed and Fixed right. Thanks Dan.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks as always

[@markblundell9461]

Thanks for another great video Dan. I always enjoy your content.👍

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you Mark

[@Dbdiagnosticsltd]

I have been watching your videos for a while now, love the videos and your level of ability! As soon as you cranked this engine and I heard the stutter on cranking I knew it was an injector, seen it many times before on the mercedes om651 engines over my time at mercedes. Good content as always

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for the positive feedback

[@joeyf504327]

this is the first time I've ever seen a simple and easy repair on a german car. I can't believe how easy it was to replace a high pressure diesel injector on this!

[@dennisjones1961able]

Great video Dan, so easy to understand love watching them

[@Diagnosedan]

Awesome!

[@jeremymartin980]

I would add that it might be prudent to take a sample of the fuel and open up the fuel filter to eliminate possible contamination that could have caused the injector to fail. Love your videos, always look forward to a new one. Brave man removing the glow pugs!

[@Diagnosedan]

The washer between the injector and the cilinderhead gets crushed over time and the injector starts to get a little play. This causes vibrations and that causes the injector to fail. The new injector has an updated washer.

[@pcgrey69]

That's an awesome video Dan. I wonder how many garages would have gone straight for the high pressure pump

[@Diagnosedan]

On this engine the hpfp is not an easy job! I'm glad it was an injector🤣

[@pcgrey69]

@@Diagnosedan a couple of weeks after watching this my stepson had poor starting on his Skoda Rapid 1.4tdi. It turned out to be contaminated fuel however despite a clean tank and filter the problem continued. Fearing it was an injector issue similar to this it had to go to the dealer. I was blown away when the fixed it with this Volkswagen additive part number G001790M3 which they used after guided fault finding. Symptom poor starting and running when cold, no fault code stored

[@keithcannon8193]

Dan, what a superb diagnosis, I was convinced it was low compression listening to the cranking, fantastic 👏

[@Diagnosedan]

It was the opposite, high compression 😁😉

[@wladwlad9797]

Très professionnel ! Merci pour tes vidéos !

[@Diagnosedan]

Merci!

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Great diag and repair, Dan! Amazing that the Audi injector replacement is so much easier than some of the modern gasoline GDI cars we have over here in the US :) Engine sounds very happy!

[@Diagnosedan]

The diesel injectors on this model were not that bad indeed but i can assure you that isnt always the case! On some models they can become VERY stuck!

[@benjaminrich9396]

Be interesting to see if that number 2 conrod didn't get slightly bent with the hydrolocking. Maybe now do a mechanical compression test on all cylinders, or even re-run the relative compression test, this time looking for lower on the now fixed cylinder. If he's got away with no harm done, lucky man. :)

[@MC-Racing]

would be interesting 🙂

[@StationGarageSt]

my thinking too. poor rod, I was wincing with pain seeing the amp current peak out!

[@MC-Racing]

@@StationGarageSt one thing is the starter, but this happened while driving 😳

[@StationGarageSt]

@@MC-Racing even more wincing? I'm blaming Mr McPiezo-Crystalface No2 for letting the side down. All his mates stayed true to the cause. He Spoils the party 'cos he just won't shut up!

[@Diagnosedan]

There is no need to do a test again when the engine is running even on all cylinders

[@andyguest6543]

Your videos are the best. We just don't get enough of them!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you Andy

[@ThunderbirdRocket]

Way to go ! Learning lots from your very generous sharing of expertise ! Thanks so much !!

[@tomastichy2549]

Audi was always famous for their 5 cyl engines 🙂

[@arjanvanraaij8440]

the sound of a 5 cilinder diesel is great.

[@Diagnosedan]

🤣🤣👍

[@DeepakKumar-lv4te]

also in the VW 2.5L transporter/multivan , although I thought it was a Volvo block (with a VW head).

[@uploadJ]

300TD of Mercedes too.

[@mi60100]

Nice fix as always dan can i suggest ball bearing ball to block the injector i use them and work perfect greetings from bulgaria 😁

[@Diagnosedan]

That's also a good idea, but a screw is easy to find

[@pmipetercnc8543]

I love of way how you explain, thank you from NYC

[@intelligentauto737]

I would have checked for metallic contamination prior to replacing that injector. Bosch CP4 pumps are known for breaking up and contaminating the fuel rails with tiny metallic particles

[@albertovicenteanibalalvare8043]

para cuando un video???

[@Diagnosedan]

Not in this case, the seal between the cilinderhead and the injector crushes over time. This causes the injector to get some room to move and vibrate. This damages the injectors. I've removed the other injectors and tested them. No other injector needed to be replaced. One injector seal failed and we were just in time to safe that injector.

[@asderd2464]

cranking over without glowplug and that broken injector. you guys should appreciate dan for doing that because that makes a huge mess to clean up. just for showing you.

[@michaelgleason4791]

There's far better ways to do this.

[@ExternalInputs]

He cranked it for way longer than necessary to confirm it was a bad injector.

[@Danidasanic]

@@michaelgleason4791 how ? btw , if the injector are plugged to test the injectors , why there isn't any diesel coming out from all cylinders ?

[@martinleska4292]

@@DanidasanicOther 5 injectors cant spray any fuel because there is low pressure on rail. Diesel smoke comes from faulty cylinder is only diesel puddle at the bottom of cylinder 2 sprayed through glowplug hole

[@ferrumignis]

@@Danidasanic There was diesel coming out of all the cylinders, look closer. Obviously far more from cylinder 2.

[@attisko555]

You should teach! Your explanations are clear and logical. Great job!

[@amentothat8633]

Dan, you're the man! Thank you for another useful lesson!

[@Diagnosedan]

My pleasure

[@repairingmaster]

Hello, Dan. Do you think it could be useful to measure injector current and voltage in order to capture that injector being stuck? Because there are oscilloscopes that can show this type of event. Nice job, again!

[@Diagnosedan]

It could have been diagnosed in many different ways that lead to the same outcome

[@wuss999]

Audi = Always under diagnostic inspection

[@htownblue11]

Nicely done! I actually guessed correctly. Love learning from you Dan. Thanks.

[@Diagnosedan]

Awsome guess 👍👍

[@shanelloyd8366]

Hey Dan. Thanks for yet another great video with a common issue and the diagnosis fix was perfect. I have a small ball bearing for blocking off the High-pressure pipe but I must say the screw Idea is also very interesting. Dans the Man Can He Fix It Yes He Can. ;). as always your Videos are appreciated.

[@sammoore5011]

Do you do the same as Dan did with the ball bearing ( i know Dan used a screw instead)and reconnect the fuel line to injector and reconnect the wiring connector to injector when you do the test.cheers.

[@Diagnosedan]

Never tried a ball bearing but i guess it works, i think a screw is more randomly available.

[@miljanmipidakic4975]

Very good job Dan removing the glow plugs! As a worker who works with injectors many mechanics bring in injectors for inspection to find out that fault,you did it yourself! That's so good! This happens because of dirty, sticky fuel in injectors, the "hydraulics" as we call them, get stuck and then all the pressure just passes through it. Have you checked the fuel filter to see if it has small shiny aluminum parts, so maybe the pump has started to fail?

[@SeanBZA]

Also can occur if the owner put truck or agricultural diesel in, because that is high sulphur, and not great for the precision parts of the fuel system. Similar if you run illuminating paraffin or heating oil, or recycled cooking oil that has been sold as biodiesel.

[@Diagnosedan]

No i didn't check because i know why these injectors fail.

[@miljanmipidakic4975]

@@Diagnosedan Congratulations, you understand everything from mechanics to electricity, it's so nice to learn from people like you

[@freestymc]

great diagnose!

[@TheDerekeder]

Beautiful! What a privilege to learn from a master.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks Derek

[@ocdaddvids]

Great diagnosis. learning a lot!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@DD_ONE_]

Good job, Dan. 👏

[@MartinDundulis]

You are a god damn legend. Thanks to you I realised I`m still learning. Also after 2 hours of swearing your video just helped me to diagnose and fix the car. !!!!!!!

[@silimonalexandru2676]

Always a genius 👏 I had so much to learn from you ! Thank you Dan ! In the past i tried hard to block those lines 😂

[@majdalkasem6992]

Thank you for the video Dan, love to learn from you always, very effecient diagnoses without DTCs👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@oliverbenis]

Excellent work Dan. Look forward to the next one.

[@raviautoscanning]

listening to the cranking pattern is the first diagnostic step. you done it well. thank you for great infor.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@Wayne-Jones]

Good job Dan👍

[@johnclarke6542]

Always learn from the master many thanks Dan for sharing your knowledge 👍

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks John

[@korobuildschannel597]

Great work Dan, thank you for the content

[@Diagnosedan]

My pleasure

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

great diag as always Dan! Thanks!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you very much sir!

[@fordfocusgarage2083]

Thank you very much. It was a successful diagnosis.👍

[@russell5414]

Love the videos, it was obvious from trying to start it that there was a hydraulic lock issue. As always you explained clearly how to test where the issue was

[@hummerro]

You're gold. Pure genius!

[@ozzstars_cars]

You make it look easy Dan! Nice job with the video.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks Glen, its appriciated as always!

[@alexleroy6640]

Great diagnostic interpretation.

[@markplenty2631]

Amazing! I was saying injector fault as soon as I saw the oscilloscope reading! I love watching, thanks for sharing

[@Diagnosedan]

Great!

[@mostafamohamed3022]

Amazing as usual, good job Danny

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@mikeg6418]

Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks its appriciated

[@shady4422]

Amazing diagnosis as always dan your the man

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@Retirement_Life]

Nice job, Dan!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@667customsgarage9]

thanks Dan! splendid job as usually! 🤝

[@Diagnosedan]

My pleasure

[@richard1835]

Great job Dan

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@mehaniker3176]

Very useful information, thanks.

[@johnmehaffey9953]

Dan you are a genius for solving auto problems, super post

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks John

[@jesusescamilla1864]

Wow thank you so much for feed us, great diagnostic

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@luisalejandronunezmora9067]

Excelente video, saludos!

[@iffilunauhansen1278]

Thank you Sir for your time and effort 😊

[@Diagnosedan]

My pleasure

[@chrisgregory2269]

Another great diagnosis Dan

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@joshua.sanchez9689]

You are definitely 💯 the best mechanic 👨‍🔧 and really professional

[@doctorrobert60]

Dr. Dan makes another patient well! Thanks for the interesting diagnostic video Dan!

[@Diagnosedan]

My pleasure

[@richardjones3112]

Brilliant diagnosis.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@andrewseamaster]

What a star, and complete service! I need to move to where you are so that my cars are always safe.

[@Diagnosedan]

🤣🤣👍

[@marvinw.]

Awesome work Dan!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!!!👍👍👍😁

[@jaynjonas]

Hi Dan. As often you are the best mechanic.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you sir

[@davechapman7735]

hi Dan, another great diagnose and repair job, brilliant to watch it. best wishes Dave NZ

[@thebaldmechanichardatheari1124]

Always great diagnosis’s.

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you

[@trosty1973]

Great job as always Dan! always look forward to notifications from you. thank you!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks Dennis as always 😁👍

[@VAGCOMM]

Nice work,Dan! You fix it again!!!

[@Diagnosedan]

We did😉

[@RATADATUAVELHA]

love your knowledge transfer, I wish it was like this in IT world. great man!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks for watching

[@catalinvoiculescu5327]

Yes,you are a very good proffesional.Your judge is very clear and simple,bassed on many years of experience.That's how it should be in all car dealerships, not replacing parts on guesswork.All the best !!!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thanks!

[@Staniola]

Great as always!

[@arthurlull8681]

Great Intro. Never change it.

[@michaelcervini1949]

You are the man!!! I enjoy your videos so much!!!

[@Diagnosedan]

Thank you very much

[@paul2482]

Awesome video, I'll have to remember that trick with the screw!

[@fredsalter1915]

Superb video, Dan! I always learn something from your vids!!!

[@Diagnosedan]

Great Fred!