Multiple Cyl Misfire after Unitronic Stage 2+ IS38 Tune

[AlexRok]

Hi,

This week I installed an OEM IHI IS38 from FCPEuro and a Unitronic Stage 2+ 91oct Tune on my 2018 GTI MT. I also installed brand new NGK 95125 (Stock Replacement Ruthenium Spark Plugs) with gap checked to .028" . The car has 65,000km. It had a JB4 from 5000-45000km and Unitronic Stage 2 from 45000-65000km. Never had this issue however on the dyno getting stage 2 baseline numbers it did misfire once and but started up with no persistent codes and the codes did not return on subsequent runs. I never got this on the street before on stage 2 including multiple track days and 20,000 km.

Previously I did have my spark plugs gapped down but for 2+ I decided to not gap them in line with what I understand to be unitronic recommendations.

The potentially relevant mods: R600 Intake, Wagner Intercooler, BMS Turbo Inlet Pipe, Trackslag 4" Downpipe, Fluidampr 551231 Crank Pulley. I did not adjust waste gate but checked and it is ~3.55v via ross-tech vcds.


I've driven the car about 50km, one or two pulls, but finally got the car out and did some wot pulls. Once I finally had some open road the car had an EPC light at about 5k RPM. On the ECM I got a few fault codes on VAG COM : P130A 00 [096], P0303 00 [100], P0304 00 [100], P0302 00 [237], P0300 00 [096].



Obviously the car isn't happy and it seems cyl 3 and 4 misfired at about 5k rpm and the cylinder 2 misfire was at about 700rpm, all at same km- obviously the cyl2 misfire code came on when I had pulled over directly after this occurred. When I was driving it, on some pulls it felt like it was stuttering before it threw an epc light. I also noticed a few codes for o2 sensors and o2 sensor heater.


I'm a bit spooked by this and I'm not sure what it could be or where to start to chase this down. Any suggestions would be appreciated. it was an OE IS38 so I did not adjust the waste gate arm. I do have ross tech, veepeak and the unitronic connect cable. I'm not sure if I should adjust the waste gate arm but it appears the voltage is in line with where it should be. Nor, am I sure if I should gap the new plugs or try the old ones out.

Any and all help or suggestions are appreciated

 

[Diggs24]

If you have the old plugs put them back in to eliminate a plug issue.

 

[Diggs24]

Also codes for o2 sensorS implies codes for both. Make sure both are tightened down and plugged in. Also make sure DP vband is tight.

 

[AlexRok]

If you have the old plugs put them back in to eliminate a plug issue.

Also codes for o2 sensorS implies codes for both. Make sure both are tightened down and plugged in. Also make sure DP vband is tight.

Hi Diggs,
Thank you so much for your response.

Downpipe/vband:
I did just check the v-band which was torqued down to 11ft-lbs and appeared to be tight. I noticed that it appears that the downpipe has compressed the gasket against the turbo well and there is very little gap. I feel like it is fair to rule this out.

Downstream (post-cat) O2: I checked the downstream o2 sensor, it appears tight to the hands with a 12" ratchet on it. Inclined to rule this out.

Upstream (in the turbo) O2: Difficult to check this but may in the morning. When I installed it I did tighten this down significantly. Visually it appears it is tight. I did notice that it was difficult to tell if this was clicked into the connector when I unplugged and replugged, though the click on this plug seems much softer than other vw plugs. Inclined to rule this out. I note that the o2 codes only were outputted on a scan I did with an ELM device, not my vag com.

ELM Scan output:

Spoiler: ELM output

This is a scan done with a Veepeak ELM scan tool seconds after the EPC was encountered. It appears it was mistakenly set to "Toyota" as manufacturer.
============1==============
P0303
Raw code: 0303
ECU: Engine control unit
Status: Pending
OBDII: Cylinder 3 - misfire detected
Toyota: Cylinder 3 Misfire Detected

============2==============
P0304
Raw code: 0304
ECU: Engine control unit
Status: Pending
OBDII: Cylinder 4 - misfire detected
Toyota: Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

============3==============
P0300
Raw code: 0300
ECU: Engine control unit
Status: Pending
OBDII: Random/multiple cylinder(s) - misfire detected
Toyota: Random/Multiple Misfire Detected

============4==============
P003A(E2)
Raw code: 003AE2
ECU: Engine control unit #1
Status: Test failed, Pending, Test failed since last DTC clear, Test not completed during this operation cycle
OBDII: Turbocharger (TC)/supercharger (SC) boost pressure control A - learning limit exceeded

============5==============
P0043(1A)
Raw code: 00431A
ECU: Engine control unit #1[Archive (inactive)]
Status: Confirmed, Test failed since last DTC clear
OBDII: Heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) 3, bank 1, heater control - circuit low
Toyota: Oxygen Sensor Heater (Bank 1 Sensor 3) Circuit Low

============6==============
P003B(1B)
Raw code: 003B1B
ECU: Engine control unit #1
Status: Test failed, Pending, Test failed since last DTC clear, Test not completed during this operation cycle
OBDII: Turbocharger (TC)/supercharger (SC) boost pressure control B - learning limit exceeded

============7==============
P003B(1E)
Raw code: 003B1E
ECU: Engine control unit #1
Status: Test failed, Pending, Test failed since last DTC clear, Test not completed during this operation cycle
OBDII: Turbocharger (TC)/supercharger (SC) boost pressure control B - learning limit exceeded

============8==============
P003B(21)
Raw code: 003B21
ECU: Engine control unit #1
Status: Test failed, Pending, Test failed since last DTC clear, Test not completed during this operation cycle
OBDII: Turbocharger (TC)/supercharger (SC) boost pressure control B - learning limit exceeded

Spark Plugs: May try putting the stock ones back in. That's a good idea.

---

VAG COM output:

Spoiler: VAG COM output

I did a vag com scan once I got home and got this output:
15074 - Cylinder Disabling
P130A 00 [096] - -
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 64081 km
Date: 2022.12.26
Time: 16:06:09
Engine RPM: 5024.00 /min
Normed load value: 70.2 %
Vehicle speed: 123 km/h
Coolant temperature: 93 °C
Intake air temperature: 6 °C
Ambient air pressure: 990 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 14.609 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Engine: operating status: PL
N_TOOTH: 4990 /min
T_AST_SAE: 1265 s
Engine oil temperature: 105.0 °C
STATE_LS_SAE[1]: OL_ERR
FUP_H_SAE: 20610.0 kPa
FUP_EFP_MES: 11000.8 hPa

17178 - Databus
U1123 00 [040] - Received Error Message
Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 6
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 63952 km
Date: 2022.12.23
Time: 15:14:55
Engine RPM: 1463.50 /min
Vehicle speed: 0 km/h
Coolant temperature: 18 °C
Intake air temperature: 16 °C
Ambient air pressure: 1010 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 12.187 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 36
Drivetrain coordinator: ACC fault status-ACC is active despite EPB deceleration: No
Drivetrain coordinator: ACC fault status-ACC active: although TSK passive: No
Drivetrain coordinator: ACC fault status-Start off or stop request at stopping speed not set: No
Drivetrain coordinator: ACC fault status-Start off and stop request sent simultaneously: No
Drivetrain coordinator: ACC fault status-ACC active: although limiter active: No
Drivetrain coordinator: ACC fault status-ACC reactivates itself after locking: No
Drivetrain coordinator: ACC fault status-ACC sends undefined signals: No
Drivetrain coordinator: ACC fault status-ACC active although main switch off: No
Drivetrain coordinator: ACC fault status-ACC is active despite driver braking: No
Drivetrain coordinator: ACC fault status-ACC is active despite ESP/ASR passive sampling: No
Drivetrain coordinator: brake fault status-Deceleration sensor not available: No
Drivetrain coordinator: brake fault status-Deceleration sensor malfunction: No
Drivetrain coordinator: brake fault status-ESP system error: No
Drivetrain coordinator: brake fault status-ESP system malfunction due to inaccurate engine torque: No
Drivetrain coordinator: brake fault status-ESP indicates TSK message consistency error: No
Drivetrain coordinator: brake fault status-TSK/ESP handshake error: No
Drivetrain coordinator: brake fault status-ESP automatic engagement malfunction: No
Drivetrain coordinator: brake fault status-Brake light implausible: No

15131 - Cylinder 3
P0303 00 [100] - Misfire Detected
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 64081 km
Date: 2022.12.26
Time: 16:06:09
Engine RPM: 4846.00 /min
Normed load value: 76.5 %
Vehicle speed: 120 km/h
Coolant temperature: 92 °C
Intake air temperature: 7 °C
Ambient air pressure: 990 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 14.550 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Engine: operating status: PL
N_TOOTH: 4878 /min
T_AST_SAE: 1264 s
Engine oil temperature: 105.0 °C
STATE_LS_SAE[1]: CL
FUP_H_SAE: 18480.0 kPa
FUP_EFP_MES: 11000.8 hPa

15134 - Cylinder 4
P0304 00 [100] - Misfire Detected
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 64081 km
Date: 2022.12.26
Time: 16:06:09
Engine RPM: 4846.00 /min
Normed load value: 76.5 %
Vehicle speed: 120 km/h
Coolant temperature: 92 °C
Intake air temperature: 7 °C
Ambient air pressure: 990 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 14.550 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Engine: operating status: PL
N_TOOTH: 4878 /min
T_AST_SAE: 1264 s
Engine oil temperature: 105.0 °C
STATE_LS_SAE[1]: CL
FUP_H_SAE: 18480.0 kPa
FUP_EFP_MES: 11000.8 hPa
15128 - Cylinder 2
P0302 00 [237] - Misfire Detected
MIL ON - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 64081 km
Date: 2022.12.26
Time: 16:10:12
Engine RPM: 697.75 /min
Normed load value: 3.9 %
Vehicle speed: 0 km/h
Coolant temperature: 95 °C
Intake air temperature: 25 °C
Ambient air pressure: 990 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 14.765 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Engine: operating status: IS
N_TOOTH: 715 /min
T_AST_SAE: 55 s
Engine oil temperature: 102.0 °C
STATE_LS_SAE[1]: CL

FUP_EFP_MES: 11000.8 hPa

15137 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected

P0300 00 [096] - -
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 64081 km
Date: 2022.12.26
Time: 16:06:09
Engine RPM: 4846.00 /min
Normed load value: 76.5 %
Vehicle speed: 120 km/h
Coolant temperature: 92 °C
Intake air temperature: 7 °C
Ambient air pressure: 990 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 14.550 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Engine: operating status: PL
N_TOOTH: 4878 /min
T_AST_SAE: 1264 s
Engine oil temperature: 105.0 °C
STATE_LS_SAE[1]: CL
FUP_H_SAE: 18480.0 kPa
FUP_EFP_MES: 11000.8 hPa
Readiness: 0010 1101

I never did a waste gate adaptation or anything of that nature after installing the new turbo. Is there a chance this could be a cause?

 

[Diggs24]

You should run the adaptation always when swapping turbos and clear the codes as well. Do those things, put the old plugs back in and give it another go and see if it misfires.

Fuel pressure at 184bar is a bit low but no unheard of when pushing IS38s. Having a log of a pull would give a whole lot more info to work from.

 

[AlexRok]

You should run the adaptation always when swapping turbos and clear the codes as well. Do those things, put the old plugs back in and give it another go and see if it misfires.

Fuel pressure at 184bar is a bit low but no unheard of when pushing IS38s. Having a log of a pull would give a whole lot more info to work from.

Again, response is greatly appreciated. Not running the adaptation definitely seems like it was a huge oversight of mine.


I'll clear off the codes later. I've run the adaptation and it gave a success. Will try and get it out later tonight or maybe tomorrow. I'll try and log with vcds this time, and will look for a tutorial this evening.

Thank you again.

 

[Diggs24]

vcds sucks for logging. I thought uni had a way to log with their cable?

 

[AlexRok]

vcds sucks for logging. I thought uni had a way to log with their cable?

Seems like they do. I did take one single log on vcds and then downloaded the unitronic logging software while I was out. Seems like there is no way to export the logs from the unitronic application and I can't find the app data. Will see if I can get anything out of the uni logger in the morning. Does not seem like many have documented their use of this tool. The one vcds log I took is here, it was a short one though. https://datazap.me/u/rok/log-1672118304?log=0&data=3-8-11

I did probably a good 8 total 4th gear ~2k to 7K pulls and I can't seem to reproduce the epc light.

 

[Diggs24]

Sounds like you solved it. Enjoy.

 

[AlexRok]

Sounds like you solved it. Enjoy.

Unfortunately, seems like I spoke too soon. I put maybe 200km on it since, including about 2h of real load scenarios, but encountered the EPC light and limp mode again when I took it back to the same stretch of road. It happened in a similar scenario maybe 1km further down the road- 3rd gear under load, in a heavy traction control scenario, going uphill. It was stuttering but traction control was engaging (likely combo of salt on the road / winter tires- road was mostly dry so fine for a romp). This time the engine light did not persist when I turned engine off and back on. Unfortunately I lost my log at this time since my laptop died without me knowing. I did have my laptop though and a charger and drove around with the Unitronic logging application trying to get it to happen again after I had pulled over. I couldn't get the EPC light but I could get it to feel similar. I'm still not sure how I can export the logs from the Unilogger it seems like it will only upload them to Unitronic's servers.. Nor am I really sure how to read and interpret the logs myself.

I'm inclined to gap down the new plugs or buy a new set, potentially down a heat range... or try stealing the coil packs out of my 22 q3 or 16 golf (or just buying new ones). I just hate the idea of gapping them down since I thought I should be running the stock gap but I'm not sure if I want to throw the old ones in since I can't remember if I've been rough with them since.

ELM Scan (Immediately after, without restarting car):

Spoiler: ELM Scan

Car Scanner ELM OBD2
DTC report
Selected brand: Toyota
VIN: 3VW

============1==============
P0304
Raw code: 0304
ECU: Engine control unit
Status: Pending
OBDII: Cylinder 4 - misfire detected
Toyota: Cylinder 4 Misfire Detected

============2==============
P0302
Raw code: 0302
ECU: Engine control unit
Status: Pending
OBDII: Cylinder 2 - misfire detected
Toyota: Cylinder 2 Misfire Detected

============3==============
P0300
Raw code: 0300
ECU: Engine control unit
Status: Pending
OBDII: Random/multiple cylinder(s) - misfire detected
Toyota: Random/Multiple Misfire Detected

============4==============
P003A(E2)
Raw code: 003AE2
ECU: Engine control unit #1
Status: Test failed, Test failed (current drive cycle), Pending, Test failed since last DTC clear, Warning indicator requested
OBDII: Turbocharger (TC)/supercharger (SC) boost pressure control A - learning limit exceeded

============5==============
P003B(1E)
Raw code: 003B1E
ECU: Engine control unit #1
Status: Test failed, Test failed (current drive cycle), Pending, Test failed since last DTC clear
OBDII: Turbocharger (TC)/supercharger (SC) boost pressure control B - learning limit exceeded

============6==============
P003B(18)
Raw code: 003B18
ECU: Engine control unit #1
Status: Test failed (current drive cycle), Pending, Test failed since last DTC clear
OBDII: Turbocharger (TC)/supercharger (SC) boost pressure control B - learning limit exceeded

============7==============
P003B(21)
Raw code: 003B21
ECU: Engine control unit #1
Status: Test failed (current drive cycle), Pending, Test failed since last DTC clear
OBDII: Turbocharger (TC)/supercharger (SC) boost pressure control B - learning limit exceeded

VCDS Scan:

Spoiler: VCDS Scan (Engine)

4 Faults Found:
15074 - Cylinder Disabling
P130A 00 [096] - -
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 64232 km
Date: 2022.12.29
Time: 14:07:53
Engine RPM: 6150.00 /min
Normed load value: 63.1 %
Vehicle speed: 153 km/h
Coolant temperature: 92 °C
Intake air temperature: 5 °C
Ambient air pressure: 1010 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 14.726 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Engine: operating status: PU
N_TOOTH: 6157 /min
T_AST_SAE: 1149 s
Engine oil temperature: 104.0 °C
STATE_LS_SAE[1]: OL_ERR
FUP_H_SAE: 21070.0 kPa
FUP_EFP_MES: 11000.8 hPa
15134 - Cylinder 4
P0304 00 [096] - Misfire Detected
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 64232 km
Date: 2022.12.29
Time: 14:07:52
Engine RPM: 6087.75 /min

Vehicle speed: 151 km/h
Coolant temperature: 92 °C
Intake air temperature: 5 °C
Ambient air pressure: 1010 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 14.609 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Engine: operating status: PL
N_TOOTH: 6090 /min
T_AST_SAE: 1149 s
Engine oil temperature: 104.0 °C
STATE_LS_SAE[1]: CL
FUP_H_SAE: 20160.0 kPa
FUP_EFP_MES: 11000.8 hPa
15128 - Cylinder 2
P0302 00 [096] - Misfire Detected
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 64232 km
Date: 2022.12.29
Time: 14:07:52
Engine RPM: 6087.75 /min
Normed load value: 66.3 %
Vehicle speed: 151 km/h
Coolant temperature: 92 °C
Intake air temperature: 5 °C
Ambient air pressure: 1010 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 14.609 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Engine: operating status: PL
N_TOOTH: 6090 /min
T_AST_SAE: 1149 s
Engine oil temperature: 104.0 °C
STATE_LS_SAE[1]: CL
FUP_H_SAE: 20160.0 kPa
FUP_EFP_MES: 11000.8 hPa
15137 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
P0300 00 [096] - -
Intermittent - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00000001
Fault Priority: 2
Fault Frequency: 1
Mileage: 64232 km
Date: 2022.12.29
Time: 14:07:52
Engine RPM: 6087.75 /min
Normed load value: 66.3 %
Vehicle speed: 151 km/h
Coolant temperature: 92 °C
Intake air temperature: 5 °C
Ambient air pressure: 1010 mbar
Voltage terminal 30: 14.609 V
Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
Engine: operating status: PL
N_TOOTH: 6090 /min
T_AST_SAE: 1149 s
Engine oil temperature: 104.0 °C
STATE_LS_SAE[1]: CL
FUP_H_SAE: 20160.0 kPa
FUP_EFP_MES: 11000.8 hPa
Readiness: 0010 1101

 

[Diggs24]

Can't hurt at this point to snag the coils and plugs from the 16 and throw them in. Would eliminate both a coil and plug issue in one test.

Unitronic's IS38 tunes leave a lot to be desired. Sorry you are going through this.

 

[AlexRok]

Can't hurt at this point to snag the coils and plugs from the 16 and throw them in. Would eliminate both a coil and plug issue in one test.

Unitronic's IS38 tunes leave a lot to be desired. Sorry you are going through this.

Yeah the funny thing is that I went with Unitronic after being convinced by them that their software would be trouble free in cold weather scenarios. I had originally bought the new Garrett pmax and then sold it and bought an is38 to be able to stick with them. I figured with it being a Canadian company their software would have been developed on the same 91 I'm on, and I wanted to support a company within the country, and avoid downpipe cels. I knew the performance wouldn't be the pinnacle of what was possible but figured I wouldn't be disappointed since I didn't know anything else. Little ticked off now though that I haven't gotten 200km out of it.

I will probably order a set of new spark plugs for the 16 and throw them in my car first (the 16 is due for new ones in about 8000km, it has 82k on the current plugs) and swap the coil packs (172km old) out of it. Will be away for the week so will have time for them to come in before I can pick at the car again. Curious if you think I should gap or maintain the new plugs at stock gap.

I do notice too that the car does smell of exhaust in the cabin at a stop sign, but I don't think this could cause this issue. I do have a new clamp for the downpipe to mid pipe on the way but don't see much evidence of a leak, but I don't have enough kms on it for soot to be showing up. I did just go catless so I expect that I'm just noticing the stronger fumes but think it is worth noting.

 

[Diggs24]

An IS38 doesn't need any fancy plugs or gap. You aren't the first to complain about smells with their IS38 tune. Not sure why they have such poor lambda control from what I've seen which probably attributes to the smells. The tune just seems half baked IMO.

 

[AlexRok]

So I am back after being away for a week was able to reapproach the car and did the following:

Installed new NGK Platinum 94833 Spark Plugs
-> Each Plug was checked and gapped to 0.28. I was more careful this time to keep every one as close as possible even though it's my opinion it shouldn't really matter.. so an "aggressive" 0.28.
-> I decided to get new NGK plugs and go Platinum OEM replacement since I wanted to rule out the Ruthenium spark plugs and had another use for them. Again, I chose the ruthenium plugs as a stock heat range alternative from NGK's part interchange so I don't think it should matter.. but IF I get a response from the tuner I don't want it to be "me using the wrong spark plugs".
->Each was torqued down to 22ft lbs. I got myself a special thin 10mm wrench so I could be sure the ground wires were properly secured.

Did a compression test & borescope 'd the cylinders and looked at valves
-> Wanted to rule out any easily detectible engine issues- all cylinders were within 195 and 200psi. (197, 198, 199, 200).
-> In between each test took a peek at the valves with a borescope with a mirror. Didn't take any images but each didn't have much carbon buildup.
-> To be honest this was completely unnecessary but I'm at the point where I want to rule everything but software out

Double checked each coil pack
-> I visually inspected each but decided not to swap the coils just yet. I hadn't had both cars in the garage yet but have the option to steal the coil packs from my 2023 Q3 with a handful of kms. They are later revision "ELDOR" coils.


I took it out for a drive, similar to the last two times and couldn't get an epc. I tried hard to reproduce but the roads were a bit wet and weather has gotten worse to the point where my confidence is a bit lower to push the car. I think this may be a factor.

I did feel on a few pulls here and there that the car was almost holding back, similar to traction control, but without the TC light on. Traction was engaging quite a bit during the drive but when I felt and noticed this I noted that the light was in fact not turning on. I was paying particular attention for this and noticed it maybe every 5th pull after a while I was logging this time and did notice a few events where Knock on a few cylinders went a bit past 3 degrees and do kind of think it is when I was noticing this almost "ghost" traction control feeling where the car temporarily holds back or loses power in the rev range. A screenshot of a quick example I pulled up is below.. It is hard to read through the logs from the uniconnect cable.

I'm probably going to try swapping the coils but also may just buy new coil packs to rule it out completely and not touch a car that doesn't need to be touched (stealing parts for testing). Considering the APR or 034 red coils but am trying to figure out the actual manufacturer of each before I make a choice- want to avoid replacing an OEM part with a Chinese part just because it's red. I've replaced coils on a few of my previous cars but whenever I had a problem the missing was throughout the entire rev range- poor idle and top end. Not intermittent like this. I really feel like it is not a coil problem but, I only swapped the turbo, spark plugs and tune...

I am nervous though that the car may not be running healthy (it pulls fine 99% of the time, but the two EPC events have me worried) and am not entirely sure what I should be finding in a log (ie should I care about the knock events where it seems to be outputting a 4.5deg value at times). It's not as if this is the first time I've strung the car out either- I had it at plenty of track events this summer and definitely drove it harder.

Feels like I'm in a stalemate... and of course replies are sparse from the tuner themselves..

 

[Lopavanyok]

What did you find out that was causing the issue? I am in the same exact boat. Like for like, all issues the same

So I am back after being away for a week was able to reapproach the car and did the following:

Installed new NGK Platinum 94833 Spark Plugs
-> Each Plug was checked and gapped to 0.28. I was more careful this time to keep every one as close as possible even though it's my opinion it shouldn't really matter.. so an "aggressive" 0.28.
-> I decided to get new NGK plugs and go Platinum OEM replacement since I wanted to rule out the Ruthenium spark plugs and had another use for them. Again, I chose the ruthenium plugs as a stock heat range alternative from NGK's part interchange so I don't think it should matter.. but IF I get a response from the tuner I don't want it to be "me using the wrong spark plugs".
->Each was torqued down to 22ft lbs. I got myself a special thin 10mm wrench so I could be sure the ground wires were properly secured.
View attachment 269981View attachment 269982

Did a compression test & borescope 'd the cylinders and looked at valves
-> Wanted to rule out any easily detectible engine issues- all cylinders were within 195 and 200psi. (197, 198, 199, 200).
-> In between each test took a peek at the valves with a borescope with a mirror. Didn't take any images but each didn't have much carbon buildup.
-> To be honest this was completely unnecessary but I'm at the point where I want to rule everything but software out

Double checked each coil pack
-> I visually inspected each but decided not to swap the coils just yet. I hadn't had both cars in the garage yet but have the option to steal the coil packs from my 2023 Q3 with a handful of kms. They are later revision "ELDOR" coils.


I took it out for a drive, similar to the last two times and couldn't get an epc. I tried hard to reproduce but the roads were a bit wet and weather has gotten worse to the point where my confidence is a bit lower to push the car. I think this may be a factor.

I did feel on a few pulls here and there that the car was almost holding back, similar to traction control, but without the TC light on. Traction was engaging quite a bit during the drive but when I felt and noticed this I noted that the light was in fact not turning on. I was paying particular attention for this and noticed it maybe every 5th pull after a while I was logging this time and did notice a few events where Knock on a few cylinders went a bit past 3 degrees and do kind of think it is when I was noticing this almost "ghost" traction control feeling where the car temporarily holds back or loses power in the rev range. A screenshot of a quick example I pulled up is below.. It is hard to read through the logs from the uniconnect cable.

View attachment 269984

I'm probably going to try swapping the coils but also may just buy new coil packs to rule it out completely and not touch a car that doesn't need to be touched (stealing parts for testing). Considering the APR or 034 red coils but am trying to figure out the actual manufacturer of each before I make a choice- want to avoid replacing an OEM part with a Chinese part just because it's red. I've replaced coils on a few of my previous cars but whenever I had a problem the missing was throughout the entire rev range- poor idle and top end. Not intermittent like this. I really feel like it is not a coil problem but, I only swapped the turbo, spark plugs and tune...

I am nervous though that the car may not be running healthy (it pulls fine 99% of the time, but the two EPC events have me worried) and am not entirely sure what I should be finding in a log (ie should I care about the knock events where it seems to be outputting a 4.5deg value at times). It's not as if this is the first time I've strung the car out either- I had it at plenty of track events this summer and definitely drove it harder.

Feels like I'm in a stalemate... and of course replies are sparse from the tuner themselves..

What did you find out was the issue? I am like for like in the same boat with all the same symptoms