The mysterious case of the Audi RS4 coolant loss
The Audi RS4 is the perfect mix of power and practicality. It’s a high-spec car built for performance, but it demands precision to run at its best, especially when it comes to the cooling system.
Neglect that; you’re looking at overheating, costly repairs, and serious headaches.
A recent client experienced this firsthand.
Their 2020 RS4 wasn’t leaking coolant, but it had dashboard alerts, misfires, and mysteriously dropping coolant levels.
Luckily, they brought their vehicle to our Audi experts at Gent’s Garage for a quality, first-time fix.
Our Audi specialists jumped into action, diagnosing the issue quickly to prevent expensive damage. When it comes to high-performance vehicles, fast and accurate fixes are essential, and that’s exactly what we deliver.
Finding Fault Codes and Researching…
At Gent’s Garage, we’re committed to fixing your vehicle issues swiftly and efficiently without putting your safety at risk. We’ll even keep your Audi manufacturer warranty intact, so you can rest assured that your vehicle’s in good hands.
As your local independent Audi specialists, our team has tackled just about every fault an Audi can throw at us. There isn’t a problem we can’t handle. Our experience allows us to provide you with a first-time fix.
Once our experts got their hands on the client’s RS4, they performed a detailed visual inspection of the entire cooling system. They checked for signs of leaks, examining everything from the undertrays and floor to the pipes and coolant components.
After this initial check, it was time to bring out the big guns—our Audi-approved diagnostic equipment—to scan for fault codes.
At Gent’s Garage, we have access to the same level of technical information as the main Audi dealerships, allowing us to provide you with dealership-level solutions for better-than-dealer value.
During the diagnostic scan, we confirmed that the RS4 was misfiring on two cylinders. This new insight pointed to a more complex issue, making our technician re-evaluate the source of the problem.
With the client mentioning the need to frequently top up the coolant reservoir, it became clear that there was a deeper issue connected to the cooling system.
Our technician pressure-tested the coolant system and components, including the heater matrix. The tests revealed no visible leaks, which led us to dig even deeper.
As Audi specialists, we also rely on extensive research, including Audi Manufacturer Bulletins, to diagnose tricky problems. These bulletins hinted at a recurring issue with the charge air cooler, where fractures in the unit’s walls could cause internal leaks.
With this clue in hand, our specialist got to work. At first glance, there was no coolant on the boost pipe leading into the cooler. However, further examination revealed traces of coolant within the cooler itself and deposits on the outlet boost pipes. This confirmed the Audi bulletin’s diagnosis.
The culprit was clear: a fractured charge air cooler allowed coolant to seep into the cylinders, causing the misfires.
By understanding this process, we could explain to the client that tiny amounts of coolant were entering the cylinders during combustion, disrupting performance and triggering those fault codes.
Thanks to our expertise, we had identified the problem and were ready to put things right.
Replacing the Charge Air Cooler
Now that the issue had been identified, our team called the client to inform them of our findings and suggest a solution.
At Gent’s Garage, we always want to keep you in the loop. We will always seek your approval before any work takes place, keeping you in complete control of the situation.
Once the client had approved the work, our team swiftly ordered the new part and set to work. As experts in RS4 repairs, we leveraged our extensive parts network to source the replacement air charge cooler without delay.
We always use Audi-branded or high-quality parts on your vehicle to ensure it receives the quality it needs for optimum performance and longevity.
The process of removing the old charge cooler involved draining the coolant system, disconnecting the feed pipes, and unbolting the existing unit before fitting the new one. It’s complex work, but luckily, we’re experts.
Taking things a step further, we cleaned out the remaining coolant residue from the outlet boost pipes, ensuring the cooling system looked spotless and performed optimally.
After refilling the coolant and carefully bleeding the system of any air, a comprehensive test drive was carried out to check for lingering issues. Fortunately, everything was in perfect working order, and after clearing the misfire fault codes, we were able to return the RS4 to the client in top condition.
Why Trust Gent’s Garage?
As your local independent Audi specialist, we take pride in offering exceptional service and outstanding value that surpasses dealership standards.
Our team of Audi specialist technicians has in-depth expertise in handling all kinds of RS4 vehicle repairs, from air conditioning and electrical systems to engine performance, suspension, brakes, and more.
There isn’t a problem our specialists can’t handle, and we’ll have you back on the road quickly without sacrificing your safety.
Whether it’s an engine misfire from a failing charge air cooler, a routine service, or any other Audi-related issue, we’ve got you covered.
Struggling with an Audi RS4 coolant loss problem?
Call Gent’s Garage for all your Audi repair needs.
