some type of air pump from front left does not shut off

perlfather · 05-05-2012, 07:55 PM

After turning the car off tonight (70k miles) what sounded like some type of air pump type noise continued. Could not figure out what it was or how to turn it off. The noise sounds almost exactly like an air pump and comes from the very front of the left side, under the hood, close to the front bumper and the wheel well. Any ideas on what it could be?

Brozee · 05-05-2012, 08:07 PM

Sounds like your compressor, I suggest unplugging your battery to save it from dying. It's either that or I believe your air strut is leaking and the compressor is working to keep it inflated

idf · 05-06-2012, 05:12 AM

How long does that happen for?

Occasionally when I turn my car off I hear a motor running for 6 or 8 seconds and then stops.

mishar · 05-06-2012, 08:01 AM

It is compressor. Right behind your left front wheel. You have a leak in the system, hopefully not a strut. If everything is OK you virtually never hear compressor working.

perlfather · 05-06-2012, 04:09 PM

The compressor turned off by itself after about 5 minutes. (No need to disconnect battery)
The next day everything seemed OK. So - did the compressor get stuck in the ON position or was there a leak that has closed due to a different temperature or some other reason the next day. No idea. I'll report back on developments.
Thanks for the information so far!

idf · 05-06-2012, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mishar

It is compressor. Right behind your left front wheel. You have a leak in the system, hopefully not a strut. If everything is OK you virtually never hear compressor working.

Even for a few seconds? I thought that was normal? Is what I am hearing in fact the compressor, it makes a sound similar to a power tool.

mishar · 05-06-2012, 07:22 PM

I have this car for abut 1.5 years and I heard it may be twice. Sounds more like a loud fridge than power tool. I hope this statement wont bring some bad luck.

mishar · 05-06-2012, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perlfather

The compressor turned off by itself after about 5 minutes. (No need to disconnect battery)
The next day everything seemed OK. So - did the compressor get stuck in the ON position or was there a leak that has closed due to a different temperature or some other reason the next day. No idea. I'll report back on developments.
Thanks for the information so far!

If something got stacked it is the relay. If it happens again pay attention if you hear pressure relief valve. If there is no leak pressure will get too high and will be relived by the valve. In that case it is stacked relay. Otherwise it is a leak.

perlfather · 05-12-2012, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mishar

If something got stacked it is the relay. If it happens again pay attention if you hear pressure relief valve. If there is no leak pressure will get too high and will be relived by the valve. In that case it is stacked relay. Otherwise it is a leak.

Thank you very much mishar (is it Misha R?) for this great answer! Indeed the 3rd time this happened I heard a clear pressure release valve open and the pump shut off. Based on this insight I took the car in and suggested/asked that they replace the defective relay (unless they find something else wrong). Should have it back on Monday.

mishar · 05-12-2012, 11:12 AM

It is Misha R.

05-05-2012, 08:07 PM	#2
Brozee AudiWorld Senior Member 2007 Audi A8 My Garage Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,659	Sounds like your compressor, I suggest unplugging your battery to save it from dying. It's either that or I believe your air strut is leaking and the compressor is working to keep it inflated __________________ 2007 A8L 6.0L W12 Fully loaded every option Mods: LED's all around, HOEN fogs, hardwired Escort 9500ix, 2011 Maps, MMI v46.1 VCDS Mods: belt chime delete, remote window control. 2005 A8 4.2L w/ all packages. Mods: LED's all around, HOEN fogs, hardwired Escort 9500ix, limo tint, 2011 Maps, MMI v46.1 VCDS Mods: belt chime delete, remote window control. Popular Topics & Help for Noobies: Oil Change Procedure Disable TPMS System AMI Installation AMI Update (Phone not pairing) Remote Window Control Enable Hidden Menu & Enable Battery Meter Fog Light Replacement City Light Bulb Replacement Door, Trunk, & Glove Box LED Change Cabin Air Filter Change Maintenance & Common Problems

05-06-2012, 08:01 AM	#4
mishar AudiWorld Super User 2005 Audi A8 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 2,821	It is compressor. Right behind your left front wheel. You have a leak in the system, hopefully not a strut. If everything is OK you virtually never hear compressor working. __________________

05-06-2012, 04:09 PM	#5
perlfather Audiworld Junior Member 1991 Porsche 911 My Garage Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 51	and the next day... The compressor turned off by itself after about 5 minutes. (No need to disconnect battery) The next day everything seemed OK. So - did the compressor get stuck in the ON position or was there a leak that has closed due to a different temperature or some other reason the next day. No idea. I'll report back on developments. Thanks for the information so far!

05-06-2012, 07:22 PM	#7
mishar AudiWorld Super User 2005 Audi A8 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 2,821	I have this car for abut 1.5 years and I heard it may be twice. Sounds more like a loud fridge than power tool. I hope this statement wont bring some bad luck. __________________

05-12-2012, 11:12 AM	#10
mishar AudiWorld Super User 2005 Audi A8 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 2,821	It is Misha R. __________________

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05-06-2012, 05:12 AM	#3
idf Audiworld Junior Member 2007 Audi A8 My Garage Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 40	How long does that happen for? Occasionally when I turn my car off I hear a motor running for 6 or 8 seconds and then stops.

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