Smoking Out The Cracks: SureTrack Real Fix

by Abagail Lucero

Real Fixes from SureTrack® provides expert-based knowledge captured from millions of documented repairs and community discussions.  Read on to see how SureTrack can help you fix tricky issues that are not easily diagnosed with OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost within ProDemand.

A crack in your charge air cooler will definitely be a problem for driveability. Follow this real fix to see how cracks in the charge air cooler caused a code P2279.

Vehicle
2012 Audi A3 1.6 Diesel

Title
P2279, P2359, Replaced Charge Air Cooler

Complaint
The customer states the check engine light is on.

Cause
Confirmed customer complaint, engine management light was illuminated. Connected a scan tool and found code P2279 – Intake Air System Leak and P2359 – Boost Pressure Too High/Low. Performed a visual inspection of the air filter and the air filter housing and found the air filter was clean and observed no evidence of any damage. Performed a visual inspection of the turbocharger air tube and charge air cooler, but found no obvious faults. Using a smoke machine, induced smoke into the turbocharger induction system to check for leaks and found smoke emitted from the charge air cooler. Further inspection of the charge air cooler revealed signs of cracking. The results of these tests verified the charge air cooler was faulty.

Correction
Replaced the charge air cooler, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The check engine light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.

SureTrack® adds to the power of ProDemand® with an exclusive combination of real-world knowledge and powerful diagnostic tools, all wrapped in an interactive community of professional technicians. Designed to help automotive shops increase accuracy and efficiency from diagnosis to completed repair, the industry’s most comprehensive repair information resource is just a few clicks away.

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About the Author

Abagail Lucero

Abagail Lucero is the Product Marketing Manager for ProDemand. She joined the company in 2011 as a member of the SocialCRM shop marketing team and has served in many roles at Mitchell1, lastly as Security and Compliance Supervisor. Abagail holds a Bachelor of Science degree from California University of Pennsylvania.