So this past New Year, we took the 5k from NY to Michigan to visit some family. No problems getting there, but once we were there the car wouldn't start again. The wife was rather unhappy since she wanted to take the A3, but I wanted to take the 5k.

Spark was ok, fuel pump ran ok, eventually I figured out that the cold start valve wasn't working, and some brake parts cleaner in the intake got it going when cold, but it ran really weak even after warming up. Hesitating even past about 1/4 throttle.

Haynes manual in the trunk had a diagnostic procedure that pointed to a bad thermo-timer, and no local places had it in stock. So, we limped home 750 miles. Ungh. Car had an absolute top speed of about 70, and any hills made me slow down to the point of needing flashers.

Yesterday I got out the Bentley, which sent me through the ECU output tests. It seemed that my cold start valve, OXS frequency valve, wastegate frequency valve, and other stuff wasn't working right. Only the fuel pump ran. Following the wires - it seems my fuel pump relay wasn't sending power to these things - only to the fuel pump. Stupid Haynes manual. I don't even have a thermo-timer.

So I ordered a new relay - should have it going this week. I'll post an update when I do.

Lessons learned - put the Bentley and a multimeter in the trunk, throw out the Haynes, and the 5k has lost its long-trip privelages.

I keep a spare FP relay in the car just in case, as my car did something similar to me (though I was lucky and at home!).

I might have been able to help...

Steve
Michigan

My wife and I are both from Michigan, so we have family all over. Most are in the Lansing, Detroit, and Traverse City areas.

Luckily, I had two auto mechanics at the place where it first died (although both were hesitant about helping with a foregin car).