As an automotive repair shop catering to Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other European vehicle owners in Menlo Park, CA and across the San Francisco Peninsula, we frequently service Audi A6 sedans for a variety of common mechanical and electrical issues. With over 50 combined years of experience between our expert ASE certified mechanics, we have extensive knowledge addressing problems specific to the A6. As your local, trusted auto service and repair shop, we want to keep you informed on some of the most frequently occurring Audi A6 problems we address:
Excessive Oil Consumption
One of the most widespread problemsreported among Audi A6 models involves higher than normal oil consumption between regular changes. The root cause often relates to faulty piston ring design that allows oil into the combustion chamber. As part of the repair process, we typically replace the piston rings to preventexcess oil burn-off.
Coolant Leaks
Coolant leaks might seem innocuous at first but can quickly escalate intoserious overheating issues or even cracked engine blocks. With the Audi A6, common places for leaks include hoses, the radiator, water pump, and other coolant system components. We thoroughly inspect for any tiny leaks or moisture buildup and can replace specific parts like hoses, caps, tanks and thermostats or the entire radiator or water pump if failing.
Timing Chain Wear
The timing chain, typically located at the rear of the AudiA6 engine, has an essential job —ensuring the engine’s valves open and close in proper time with the pistons. Stretching or complete failure of the chaincan drastically impact performance and severely damage cylinder heads or pistons if left unchecked. Timing chains naturally wear over time but eventually need replacement, usually between 75,000 to 150,000 miles depending on engine variant and maintenance history.
Carbon Accumulation
Many modern Audi engines with direct injection are infamous for accelerated carbon buildup on intake valves and ports. Over time, enoughaccumulation can negatively impact performance via rough idle, misfires, poor acceleration and even stalling. While high-quality fuel and frequent oil changes help reduce deposits, we also offer professional cleaning services using walnut shell blasting media for intake valve and combustion chamber carbon removal.
Transmission Problems
Several Audi A6 model years shipped with the troublesome Multitronic CVT automatic transmission. Fluid pressure issues and premature wear of the high-tech gearbox plague these models in particular. To help prolong the transmission lifespan, we recommend regular fluid flushes every 30,000 miles or so. Of course, should shifting problems arise or gears start slipping, our diagnostic equipment caninspect transmission integrity for signs of internal damage needing repair or rebuild work.
Assorted Electrical Gremlins
Especially on older A6 models, owners frequently complain of pesky electrical glitches like automatic seat adjustments not working, power windows failing intermittently, wonky phone pairing, trunk not opening correctly, and weird warning lights illuminating without cause. While many prove difficult to permanently fix and tend to recur, we nonetheless investigate each issue in depth to determine where faulty wiring, connectors, controllers or sensors may be involved and replace parts as needed.
M & R Auto’s ASE certified technicians employ the latest diagnostic gadgetry to pinpoint issues accurately and efficiently. And we stand behind our workmanship with longer warranties because we use top quality parts and fluids for lasting reliability. For expert service on your Audi A6 in Menlo Park and beyond, contact us today to schedule an appointment!
