IS IT POSSIBLE TO REPAIR A CRASHED ELECTRIC CAR? AUDI Q4 ETRON!!...

Check out GTechniq's range of products here: bit.ly/SavingS...
Win the F-Type SVR + £2000 cash! here: competeforcars...
Is it even worth repairing an electric car (EV)? Im not sure, and thats probably mainly down to the plummeting values of them, which means it's probably lost most of its value by the time you fix it! But there are some hurdles you need to overcome which you don't with an ICE car, lets find out what they are...
Instagram: saving_salvage

[@SavingSalvage]

Check out GTechniq's range of products here: bit.ly/SavingS-Crystal-Lacquer

[@hogthrob]

I have GTechniq ceramic coating on my car. It's only needed 2 contact washes in 6 months, and rain water still beads up beautifully.

[@mattd6085]

I can't wait to protect the rust on my MR2!

[@todmeister15]

I started watching this channel off the back of another KZbin channel Mat Armstrong. This channel is growing steadily and you deserve all the support in the world

[@SavingSalvage]

Thank you mate I appreciate it 😊

[@steventonkz]

Bodge Armstrong***

[@todmeister15]

@@steventonkz that’s why he’s the best automotive KZbinr 😝

[@81adamlittle]

You're quite new to the channel then, I seem to remember watching Dean swapping the doors on a Honda Jazz for a relative when i stumbled across his channel!

[@PompeyMatt17]

I feel blessed that I remember Dean's first ever video when he was sat on his sofa saying he was going to have a crack at youtube..I should have a Dean Veteran badge 😂😂

[@rookietrucker1968]

That rolling bar at the front is where you put a sheet of A4 paper and it prints out your fault codes

[@dannyholder1359]

Under appreciated comment 😂

[@phaeton_buggy1575]

Only 1 piece, surely you mean a ream, after all that's what Audi to do to their customers at every opportunity

[@pa1668]

No silly fake laughing, just gets on with the job. Really like this channel

[@thechickenmanuk]

Agreed on this! Matt the bodger has the most annoying fake laugh ever

[@paulkellybeau]

I'm guessing you are referring to Armstrong? I'm sure his dad is a nice guy , but he has a severe case of self laughies , my goodness everything you say doesn't warrant bursting into hysterical laughter !!!

[@TheFlooring111]

They really are annoying stupid laughing

[@twindigo]

Your a fun guy😂. Imagine having to say a put down to compliment someone else. Proper positive soul ain’t ya 😂

[@peteralexakis]

I am an HV electrical engineer for Aston Martin. If you need a quick chat on HV systems and how they operate let me know. For example once the battery closes contacotrs (big relays activating the battery) the 12V is sustained from the DCDC converter (It does the job of the alternator). So basically once is active you will have LV. FYI the difficult in communication with the modules is because of cybersecurity. This will be an issue with future cars regardless if it is electric or not. Swapping ECUs from other cars in the future will not work

[@Bloempottest]

Finally someone who tackles an EV! Interesting serie.

[@jasonmann191]

I really liked this series. As a car mechanic who watches a lot of car videos on KZbin I can honestly say that it was nice to see you do something modern but also normal. And yeah it’s also nice to see something different with the electric car.

[@SpawnyWhippet]

I know you hate the thing, but this is one of my favorite rebuilds. Also, many of your viewers do not have the hatred you have for EV’s. It’s really interesting and these kind of repairs are only going to get more common.

[@MrWobling]

Agreed. I'm only here because this was an EV repair and The Algo served it to me after watching another EV repair video.

[@thebrowns5337]

ICE cars are becoming more problematic/involced when fixing to (and some have daft designs like Fords wet belt) so why people single out modern EVs is beyond me.

[@richardchapman413]

Sorry Dean, I was one of the ones that suggested getting the Q4 fixed up! But just think how much you've learned! 😂 I found it interesting to see the procedures required for the work anyway. Good luck with the sale.

[@lisfox1]

I actually found this rebuild very interesting, love seeing your problem solving skills on stuff you are not too familiar with. I also would like the raffle for this car.

[@simong6855]

Love the tape disguising the number plate, impossible to decipher 😀😂

[@grahamhughes707]

Well done Dean, great to see that you pushed through the pain barrier. We all fight change but this might be the future. I would buy some tickets if you raffle it. Well done mate give yourself a pat on the back.

[@diskomies]

I think the faulty airbags blew your new main fuse, when you turned ignition on last time. This time you had new ones.🎉

[@rkan2]

It is possible. A crash signal on the airbag module definitely would. Disconnected airbags shouldn't cause it though.

[@arabico21]

Amazing video. Although I don't work on cars I do enjoy watching you do it. And it being and EV is more interesting than I previously thought!

[@AndyGNicholls]

100% with the GTechniq ceramic. Had my Golf done, and it looks amazing when clean. Easy to maintain also with their ceramic wash and ceramic sealant. Great products!

[@kevinwhittaker1307]

You’ve got some patience Dean, I’d of burnt it long ago! Raffle it off, I’d buy some tickets. 👍👌

[@MrJr1969na]

Dean - Same here I don't have £20k, I love to have that car, so I'm hoping you get a raffle going and I would buy a few tickets there... I'm glad that you've followed through and finished this car - EVs are here to stay so learning how to deal with them is invaluable.

[@alexharrison3586]

Top job Dean! Didn't think I'd be that interested in E vehicle stuff but that mini series wasn't to bad! Definitely raffle it off, you'll be surprised at how many of us buy tickets for it!

[@toeknee2u]

Hey! Dean - don't have £20k lying around or I'd be making you an offer, so I'm hoping you get a raffle going and I could have a punt at it there... I'm glad that you've followed through and finished this car - EVs are just as valid a project as any other salvage in my opinion

[@Gary-the-Berry]

Genuinely loved the EV repair mate, i know its a pain but its all just a learning curve, i'd deffo watch another EV build !!!

[@MrWobling]

Same. I'd be another subscriber if he hadn't promised to not do any more EV repairs.

[@timrennie7496]

Hey Dean, I know you dislike this car but I've enjoyed this Q4 Etron rebuild; learning along the way. Fair play for persevering! Next one will be easier :)

[@georgedaville4662]

I admire your courage Dean, you are fearless in getting to grips with anything. This video was very interesting and highlights the issues that newer cars present when trying to repair them, they are a nightmare. One thing for sure you need a good diag before attempting any work! I would sell this one Dean nice top spec motor 👍😎

[@neilmacdonalds]

Hats off to you Dean for finishing the Q4 nightmare. We all look forward to your videos. Think a lot of people will agree that you could make them longer. 45 to 60 minutes. So much to take in with these shorter videos. 👍

[@andrewlaw]

Cars equipped with Park Assist the sensors are specific for placement on the bumpers. Centre ones won't work on outside or side and vice versa. When ordering you need to specify what position they sit on a car. I came a cropper like this fitting sensors to a Renault with P.A, bugger refused to work until the correct sensor was in the correct place on the bumper.

[@jamestayler6850]

I’m not here for electric BS, intrigued by Hyrdrpgen. But love your general vehicle knowledge and strife ❤

[@andyh1917]

Fair play Dean. Have to hand it to you for persisting with Q4, at least you got there in the end..Cheers for the vlog as always & look forward to the next 1👍🏻

[@SavingSalvage]

Thanks 👍

[@Trades46]

Cool rebuild - I actually own a Q4 e-tron and quite like the car, but well aware of how expensive and hard to fix EVs can get.

[@billythomas5056]

Well done, still must be a huge sense of achievement showing that car with all its issues, who the boss actually is👍

[@raymondhayes7673]

If you raffle it I'd buy a few tickets ! 👍

[@rellimk]

I will buy some too

[@Dadeets]

Seriously well done - actually makes complete sense the system sought to protect by popping the pyro when it detected srs deployment as you hadn’t replaced them at that point. (If I’m understanding the reason correctly) I suppose when using hindsight it’s easy to work out. But FairPlay mate you got it up and ‘running’ quicker with less drama than I thought. Another reason why your channel is so great- you really can turn your hand to anything and your fault finding / diagnosis seems to be getting really really good. I agree flog the pig when your done - don’t chance it on compete. It owes you too much to risk. Someone will want it for 19k surely. If your into the idea of using more of the planets resources to make a car than reg ice variants & like to brag about how cool you are and how cool your car is (in between worrying if you’ve got enough charge to treat yourself and go on a motorway on the way home), then this is the transport for you. Just remember you don’t get road tax free anymore!! Horrible horrible things these leccy things …orrid

[@jonbaldwin4411]

Id buy a ticket! Great video series on repairing an EV and tbh i would love to see more. UK version of rich rebuilds!

[@MendItModIt]

The reason that fuse is inside the battery pack is for safety - otherwise they would be exporting permanent high voltage outside of the pack (which regs won’t allow). Any HV components outside of the pack will have their connection broken by contactors, relays, the HVIL circuit etc. in the event of an accident. The point of that fuse is to break the HV connection INSIDE the pack.

[@ruaraidhmcdonald-walker9524]

THIS.

[@xxxged]

Tesla pyro fuse is not in the battery pack . It’s separate in a penthouse under back seat

[@scitec717]

Makes sense as alot of DC power there

[@createanddestroy]

But they should make the fuse accessible without uninstalling the whole battery.

[@MendItModIt]

@ no, they shouldn’t. The whole point is you shouldn’t be able to access it if you don’t have the appropriate knowledge, tools. PPE etc… because it’s connected to permanent high voltage! A pair of nitrile gloves are not appropriate for working inside that battery pack. No hate to Dean, really enjoy his channel but that fuse is hidden away for a very good reason.

[@dApoTB]

For the parking aid you need the bumper with 6 parking sensors. Basically a new bumper. Wiring loom is different too. Pre-sense system can be related to several components including parking sensors, front camera and radar for side assists which needs calibration.

[@SavingSalvage]

Yep, I’ve also come to that unfortunate conclusion

[@preeganjaygovender3108]

@@SavingSalvage Drill some holes in this bumper 🤣🤣

[@mirayanomi]

​@@SavingSalvagedrill it mate, it should be pre-marked on the oem bumper just get the brackets and sensor of your old one and maybe wiring loom cheers

[@1kreature]

HV battery can not power the cars base system. It can however supply the 12v charger which keeps the 12v battery topped up. In absence of the 12v battery the 12v charger just acts as a DC-DC converter keeping the 12v rails active. To kill everything you would need to engage/disengage the battery interconnect which should be accessible through multiple points. Depending on model/make there can be a separation point in engine bay, A fuse passenger compartment and a separation point under loading floor in boot. I think all these work via disengaging a contactor powered by the 12v battery.

[@francisrolls6312]

It’s looking great 👍 but I did notice are the doors are a darker white to the wings?

[@KevLeeds]

Raffle it I’d buy a few, great video was a nice change to see you doing an electric car 👌

[@SavingSalvage]

Thanks 👍

[@ainteasybeingwheezy]

Great series Dean first electric i've seen done it seems many swerve them but you've had the balls to do one and I'd buy a ticket

[@jamiefreeman6460]

Check numbers written on back of front parking sensors 6.0 or 6.5. 6.0 for 12 sensor setup (auto park) 6.5 for 8 sensor setup (4 front 4 rear) - much love keep up the good work

[@jamiefreeman6460]

Sorry other way round 6.5 12 sensors, 6.0 8 sensors 😊

[@richbyard]

This is a great build. We have a lot to sort out to get a sensible right to fix approach to everything, including electric cars. There should be a kind of rating which includes how easy it is to work on.

[@paulmccaffrey8929]

Raffle it off mate.Lots would be glad to win it for the price of a ticket.

[@Fast_car1000]

Good build series because it’s different from doing petrol and diesel engines

[@gsmdo8836]

Crazy position for the main fuse - I admire your tenacity…

[@mrnobody2941]

You clever boy 😊

[@rkan2]

It is the only place for it as by standards the battery needs to be able to be disconnected from the vehicle... Yoi could have a slot for it in the bottom though...

[@gsmdo8836]

@@rkan2 Yes - an access port, that at least doesn’t require the removal of the entire battery would seem common sense. It’s manufacturers fighting the”right to repair “ idea, I guess…

[@paphian2990]

I have bought tickets for a few of your raffles, but oddly enough this is the one I was looking forward to. I would definitely be buying tickets.

[@rj.reliable]

The enthusiasm after all DTCs cleared 💯😎

[@flyinghhhhhh]

Great video do more EV’s . Fixing things like the Pyro fuse might just start to make them think more when designing these things in the future, to make life easier for mechanics everywhere.

[@julesviolin]

Well done finally .⚠️ If only you had tested the new faulty fuse with a meter before installation 😊. Wonder if it was not actually new? You can tell whether these have been fitted previously by witness marks around the terminals etc Most EV repairs are way beyond an average DIYer How many folk apart from me and you have a hoist ?🤔

[@harrynewbrook5103]

Dean so glad that you carried on with it, we have all learnt a lot about repairing EVs thanks to you. I have not had a lot to do with EV cars but have a bit to do with EV vans and to be honest i prefer Diesel or Petrol any day.

[@geoffg46]

Variety is the spice of life, good you sorted it. I watch a lot of 2vintage vids and they can get monotonous when he's constantly doing the same stuff. Chuck the odd one in and keep it interesting

[@Enigmashekou]

Great Channel....Enjoy the projects and efforts made. Just a note for you ---- Description is spelt wrong in your ceramic coating ad.

[@keithgoodway9077]

well done for sticking at it, did see this car on e bay a few weeks ago, you really tried to get out of this car, but you dug in and fixed it.

[@SavingSalvage]

I forgot about that 😂 I tried to sell it a month or so ago. Then bought the donor car

[@mrstevepace]

I love an advert you cant skip right at the begining of a video😬

[@klenchmecheeks9377]

Sorry Dean, pain in the ass as it was, I really enjoyed this car. Love all the videos mate

[@draidangraham]

A great car now it's done. Well done for sticking at it. Was a steep learning curve

[@kevinisaac9139]

Well done Dean for finally sorting that problem out I agree I hate evs far too technical

[@MattHughes_89]

Regarding the ignition being on when the battery is disconnected, not sure if it’s the same for the Audis, but on the vw ids, if you press the brake pedal after disconnecting the battery it will cut out the 12v support from the hv battery👍🏼

[@remi-lehoux]

i think you are the first in youtube to rebuild electric car, nice

[@richietaylor8640]

Are you sure the original front bumper didn't have additional parking sensors in the side for the park assist? I did a MK3 TT that had similar issues and the front bumper had an additional 2 sensors one on each side. The bumper loom was also different as it had the additional connectors for the extra sensors!

[@andynew2219]

Usual VAG thoughtful design when it comes to maintenance!! I can’t believe you have to remove the HV battery to replace a fuse!!

[@getwhtugiv]

Thank you Dean for getting it to run. I understand the frustration. I also do not like E-vehicles!

[@midlifecrisis9269]

Great job Dean, such bad luck with that fuse, good persistence. You should do another as they are cheap and feel you may make profit on them

[@groperfish1348]

Greetings from Australia. Been with you since the beginning. Liked the EV video and how you sorted the issues. Yep bloody annoying placement of the pyrofuse. There is a growing demand to see EV videos. Hope to do not entirely rule out EV content. Cheers

[@paultaylor9652]

Audi's are strange cars, you can buy one and it rattles, buy another same car and it's quiet, I often wonder do these rattle after being taken apart and put back together, great video Dean.

[@asjam86]

Well done on finishing the audi. Defo put it on compete for cars along with the VXR again. Both are awesome well worth it. Well done Dean keep this awesome content coming!

[@Ginelli78]

Great Vid. Please raffle it fella. Think u’ll be surprised 👍🏼

[@matthewseymour8972]

Someone else has probably already said this - most of the electronics on an EV run on 12V. The 12V battery is there to power all these up before the traction battery contactors close, at which point the DC-DC converter will act as an alternator to power everything from the traction battery. When the car is turned off, the traction battery contactors are open and it's only the 12V battery available. It's worth noting that if you have a crap 12V battery, it isn't immediately obvious because you're not cranking an engine, but if the voltage is low it can cause merry hell with the electronics and throw up terrifying sounding errors.

[@BB-zp9ni]

Couple of years ago I took a Hybrid Honda back to Arnold clark, paid just under 30k for it 5 months earlier.. There was an issue with the brakes.. Received a message a few hours later asking me to have my car rescued as they didn't have the expertise or equipment to fix it... Hold on to your petrol and Diesels!

[@TheGalantir]

The brakes on an EV work exactly the same as on an ICE car since they are exactly the same systems. The fact that you mention it was a hybrid should already tell you as much. If that is your reason to put people off from EV's you might want to go and learn how cars actually work since you seem to have no clue whatsoever.

[@jenny80myles]

Technology pack includes park assist plus and 360 camera together so the missing camera may be part of the sensor cable instead of a separate loom.

[@graemewardhaugh1260]

You give me soo much inspiration with your knowledge of cars. Keep up the good work....

[@johndoyle4723]

Thanks, yes putting the pyro in the pack is a bad idea in my opinion, but there may be good reasons. Huge opportunities here for those willing to learn about EVs, they are coming, like them or not. Removing a battery pack looks way easier than removing an engine. The days of oil changes, cambelts head gaskets,exhausts, alternators,starter motors etc will decline, so time to learn new skills.

[@MrJerry1902]

I admire your capabilities and guts for taking on a job like this,but it does go to show the complex nature of ev,s and a lot of it is off putting on actually owning one rather than lease.

[@KarlWakeman]

Love this channel and although I wouldn’t fork out £19-£20k for an EV, I’d definitely take a punt on a raffle, I think a lot would so I’d go with that but either way, still enjoying what you do, keep it going.

[@matthewrees4449]

Fascinating series and your learning curve was super steep. I can see how EV specialists can turn these things around quickly because huge amounts of your time were spent figuring stuff out. Now back to ICE......

[@robertmarsh9798]

Raffle it! I would never buy one because of depreciation but I would buy some raffle tickets for one. Makes it fun and worthwhile.

[@noris8322]

My other half would love one of these, if you were to raffle it, I’d definitely enter. Keep up the good content 👍🏼

[@adrianowen6524]

Looks a nice Audi but the electric car thing puts me off it to to be honest dean but nice work man getting it to where it is awesome man!!👍

[@kokoeteukpong8211]

Good job!!!! I really was cheering and laughing hard hoping you saw the job off, nice one chief.

[@andrewcohen8734]

Great job. I wonder, did you have meccano or lego sets as a child. You really have a knack for putting things back together again!

[@accik]

Nice work! Cheapest here (bigger battery) is 31k€ with 161k km huh. For anybody thinking this car, the basic version is super basic so be aware.

[@rkan2]

Don't buy, it is just a ID4... Buy at least a Q5 if buying an Audi..

[@marses1]

Cheers from Bulgaria , love youre work big time 🤘🤘👌

[@thechauffeurdrive-london-u6969]

Pls do raffle it I'd buy a few tickets, you never know ... Like this EV repair and love youre work, one of the best chanels out there !!!!

[@Slesss79]

You may find that yours should have an extra two parking sensors on the front bumper sides, recently done a troc which had park assist and it had extra sensors on the side if you’ve took the bumper off the lower spec model it may not have had them. The marks are already there on the inside of the front bumpers so you can just drill the extra hole and add the sensor. It’s what I had to do

[@texas_gaz]

On the headlight, it's probabally not faulty. You need to Code replacement headlights to the car. Part of Audi's theft protection.

[@graemeoliver179]

Its great what you do glad you have the patiants for it i would have sold it ages ago great videos keep it up cant wait to see the lambo

[@TJTripleDecks]

Just watching the video...I think the reason why they put the Pyro fuse in the battery pack is for safety. If the Pyro fuse has blown they want/need the battery pack to be inspected therefore that is forced by placing the Pyro ffuse inside the battery pack. If that is the case a lot of other cars/manufacturers will start to do the same which will be a bit of a pain but it will have safety in mind.

[@xSeanRobertsonx]

Think the thought in putting the pyrofuse there is so you have to disconnect the high voltage DC to make it safe. Doesn’t make any less of a ball ache to get to tho but safety first 🤣

[@A11enmurray]

As always great video! I liked this even been a EV fix but can see how hard it has been 😂 I think your right with the raffle although I would still buy tickets for supporting channel alway buy a few tickets for support

[@keithlivingstone2525]

I have a 2024 Q4 (the updated more powerful one) and I like it. But, it’s a bit glitchy with things, keyless entry opening working one day but not the next, light in the boot not working and other bits but it’s an absolute doddle to drive all I do is steer it.

[@Londonirish88]

Top work as always dean. Been very interesting to watch and see what work had to be done. I would raffle the car. Think your be surprised by home many would purchase tickets

[@Hutchycanyman]

Well done Dean you have to raffle it off, a few tickets for me 🙏

[@covak2002]

the roller blind lol is instead of the active vanes which can be a real pain

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

Thanks for the explanation....😃

[@bvqbvq]

Although the issue with the fuse was a pain, I would take that any day compared to replacing an engine or a gearbox. If manufacturers make the fuses more accessible this will be a much simpler repair in future. Ideally we need these EVs repaired and not scrapped. At the end of the day, it is us insurance premium payers that are footing the bill for all this! That said, I still really enjoyed the video and seeing the issues on modern EVs. I would happily watch you do a different EV, perhaps a Nero or Kona.

[@markdjdeenix6846]

the q4 is teaching us all.i was thinking about the rolling resistance .take out the drive shafts

[@simon1powell]

I would defo be up for buying raffle tickets for this. Recently had to return my salary sacrifice car due to a change in job. Loved my electric car and now have a charger that is redundant.

[@Pshivy]

Well in Dean, glad to took note of that tip for rolling it😂 as an Audi tech, i bloody hate these as well

[@dazbrowne4984]

Tip for you mate putting a bonnet on your own get a pair of thick welding gloves told them in half put them at the top of the wings then put corner of bonnet on both sides you can hold it then without damaging anything

[@RuanSchneider-jd6fx]

I had a good laugh when he was fitting the bonnet coz Ive been there and done that. I will take your tip thank you

[@lesf4969]

Good work, not a lover of EVs but like what you do👍💯

[@paulgallant3675]

Hi Dean, too sometime, , but i just entered the draw for the Jaguar car you fixed on your channel. My fingers crossed it looks wicked car

[@mikeytrw]

Hey, not sure about Audi's but in Tesla the traction HV battery has a step down voltage convertor that charges the 12v battery. Because you unplugged the 12V while the ignition was on, the main contactor for the traction battery was closed and the 12V step down is powering the 12V system. If you unplugged the 12V with the ignition off, it wouldn't turn back on without the 12V to closed the main contactor.

[@rorykavanagh2603]

I'm sure there'll be enough interest to raffle it off. I'll definitely buy some tickets for it!

[@Murtayafourfun]

Well done for your perseverance mate