general problems of the 2004 Audi A8

Driver smelled smoke shortly after starting his vehicle and driving away from his home. The smell was of plastic, and it was assumed from an electrical short/fire. The driver stopped the car and inspected the engine area. No evidence of fire, however the driver turned back and drove the vehicle home. Strong burning plastic smell again as the vehicle was stopped. The cabin was filling with smoke. Driver opened the trunk as the battery was located in the right rear section of the trunk. Smoke was emanating from the battery compartment. A plastic panel was removed for inspection. Located directly under the battery was a plastic module identified as trw gnoacdobnc28u* and stamped made in malaysia¿�. The dealer stated that the module controls the electric parking brake for the car. Inspecting the unit, multiple wire leads that feed the e-brake control unit had burned through, as did a portion of the e-brake control unit. The body area of the car near the unit was covered in soot from the electrical fire. Years prior, the driver had issues with the e-brake, the e-brakes failing to release prompting the vehicle to be towed to the dealer. At that time the service representative walked the driver into the service area to show the driver corrosion on the electric contact leads from the control unit. The representative suggested that perhaps battery acid/gasses may have run down the battery into the control unit causing the corrosion. The unit may have been replaced at that time along with the battery. Photos are available of the control unit upon request.

The contact stated a gallon of milk spilled into the driver's seat. The milk spilled underneath the seat. When this happened it shorted out the electrical module that operated the dashboard lights and headlights. As a result the lights were blinking in and out. Currently, the vehicle is at a certified dealership for repairs. Updated 12/27/2005 - the tire pressure monitoring light illuminated on the dash. The dealer replaced the module. The trunk would not close properly.

Mmi system has intermittent resets and cause erratic performance of other systems such a windows, trunk, Audio, navigation.