Farkin' sucks, I started my car today and noticed a burning (rubber/plastic) smell...a few minutesr late the "check electrical" light comes on.

So before I get into my fsm and try to pinpoint my problem, what are the most common electrical gremlins you guys have ever come across in your FCs? I drive a s5 vert...

D

 

the only burning smell i have ever had in my FC came from the ECU. smelled like burnt **** . fortunately it was an ecu from a different car that i was using for testing...and in hind site i think it may have been wet inside because the other car had been left in the rain with the windows down facing down hill letting water accumulate in the footwell. it wasn't that wet down there when i pulled it but i guess it had been wetter before. funny though...the car ran fine after it started burning, though i promptly went back home (it was a drive around the block) and disconnected it.

 

the biggest wiring issues I have had after 2 second generation cars are the oil and antifreeze level sending units... Although, I have heard of the wiring harness melting and the clutch hose melting ....

 

The most common:
1) Headlight switch connector
2) firewall to bell housing ground connection.
3) battery connections (both ends)
4) solder joints where connectors mount to circuit boards.
5) wiper switch internal relays
6) door window switch contact points

 

I had an elecrical problem with the main wire harness behind the Altenator. The engine would not start. Mechanocs thought it was the ECU but it turned out to be the harness. The wiring became chaffed and was arching to the motor. I installed a plastic cover around the harness and not had a problem since...

 

Goddamn, today I tried to drive it again and discovered that it's in "safe mode" - car wouldn't rev past around 2,500 in 1st (huge hesitation around there, at least).

What could it be?

 

The ECU will tell when you blink the codes.

 

How do I blink the codes? Thanks matey.

 

On my S5, you ground the initial set connector & turn on the key.
The check light blinks.

If you have an S4 you will need to borrow or rig a test light.

The whole procedure is in the manuals "fuel & emmissions" section.
A mirror site of the PDF's is linked in my sig below.

 

Hmm...I checked the manual but there seems to be only codes for the Self-Diagnosis Checker in the Fuel and Emissions (non-turbo) section.

Perhaps the code no. has something to do with the number of times the warning light will blink? e.g. code 04 = 4 blinks of the light, etc. Am I right?

Anyway thanks for your help, appreciate it.

D

 

Nevermind, I think I figured it out. Thanks a lot SureShot.

 

Got it. OMP confirmed dead. Finally able to check blink codes and it read:

Code 26: Step motor (Metering Oil Pump)

Code 27: Malfunctioning MOP, step motors, broken wire, short circuit, or malfunctioning ECU

So there. Sigh....