A4 Avant S Line 3.0 DPF Question
Discussion
Hi
I am new to the forum but I am hoping someone may be able to help/point me in the right direction as you seem a very knowledgeable group!
Car as above, 60 plate 95k on clock owned for 3+ years.
History
1 month ago car felt down on power and generally sluggish which progressively got worse over a few weeks (at first you think am I imagining this then it becomes more obvious). Had also been chewing through diesel a lot more than normal. On a long (4hr) drive on motorway it got worse (think foot down to move into fast lane then having to abort because literally nothing happened!) and then all of a sudden no power and glow plug light came on. This was after almost 4 hours of driving. Off motorway at services, stopped for few minutes swearing at it, started car - no light. Drove on, 5 mins later light on again. 9pm on way to weekend away so decided to push on as car would sit at 60 and no smoke/temp ok. After a while engine management light comes on but make it to destination. 2 days later start car to come home no lights and car drives normally all way home.
Into garage for service (as almost due anyway) and fault read showing a DPF regeneration issue (sorry I don't have code/more detail). They clear code and it doesn't reappear but comment that the car hasn't done a regeneration for something like 400,000kms - they said it was a strange message as car only done 95k miles. Anyway they suggest forcing a regen and see how we go. Collect car and it is running fine but they say they cannot force the regen (no reason or idea as to why but reading on here it seems there could be a number of reasons it won't regen some very worrying!) and suggest I drive it and see how it goes. Car is absolutely fine and no sign of further issue. Fuel economy has also improved.
1 month later
Literally over the space of 48 hours (and not sure if relevant but noted it is very hot weather - the same as it was when fault showed previously) power when pulling away/accelerating has dropped and sure enough last night I start the car, pull off drive and ping the glow plug light is back on and I have no power.
From what I have read on here this would all seem consistent with a DPF issue (but please correct me if that is not the case as I am certainly no mechanic!) but I can honestly say I have never had a dpf regen symbol come up whilst driving nor do I think I have ever noticed it doing one (although on occasion the fan will run for quite a while after a journey so maybe this is it?).
It clearly needs to go back to the garage (currently using local indy) but I am concerned as to whether they will be able to find a fault if no code logged (as I have not had engine management light on just the glow plug light) and also concerned they were not worried it would not regen (I am only concerned now due to what I have been reading - wasn't aware I should be concerned at the time as was basically put down to some kind of blip).
Anyone who has got this far thank you very much! I would really appreciate any advice as to where I should start and if you would continue with indy or be sending to Audi.
I don't want to get stung for £1200 for a new DPF if this could be something simple like a sensor or if cleaning the dpf is worth a go but equally I don't want to end up with a DPF that is beyond repair or worse.......
I am new to the forum but I am hoping someone may be able to help/point me in the right direction as you seem a very knowledgeable group!
Car as above, 60 plate 95k on clock owned for 3+ years.
History
1 month ago car felt down on power and generally sluggish which progressively got worse over a few weeks (at first you think am I imagining this then it becomes more obvious). Had also been chewing through diesel a lot more than normal. On a long (4hr) drive on motorway it got worse (think foot down to move into fast lane then having to abort because literally nothing happened!) and then all of a sudden no power and glow plug light came on. This was after almost 4 hours of driving. Off motorway at services, stopped for few minutes swearing at it, started car - no light. Drove on, 5 mins later light on again. 9pm on way to weekend away so decided to push on as car would sit at 60 and no smoke/temp ok. After a while engine management light comes on but make it to destination. 2 days later start car to come home no lights and car drives normally all way home.
Into garage for service (as almost due anyway) and fault read showing a DPF regeneration issue (sorry I don't have code/more detail). They clear code and it doesn't reappear but comment that the car hasn't done a regeneration for something like 400,000kms - they said it was a strange message as car only done 95k miles. Anyway they suggest forcing a regen and see how we go. Collect car and it is running fine but they say they cannot force the regen (no reason or idea as to why but reading on here it seems there could be a number of reasons it won't regen some very worrying!) and suggest I drive it and see how it goes. Car is absolutely fine and no sign of further issue. Fuel economy has also improved.
1 month later
Literally over the space of 48 hours (and not sure if relevant but noted it is very hot weather - the same as it was when fault showed previously) power when pulling away/accelerating has dropped and sure enough last night I start the car, pull off drive and ping the glow plug light is back on and I have no power.
From what I have read on here this would all seem consistent with a DPF issue (but please correct me if that is not the case as I am certainly no mechanic!) but I can honestly say I have never had a dpf regen symbol come up whilst driving nor do I think I have ever noticed it doing one (although on occasion the fan will run for quite a while after a journey so maybe this is it?).
It clearly needs to go back to the garage (currently using local indy) but I am concerned as to whether they will be able to find a fault if no code logged (as I have not had engine management light on just the glow plug light) and also concerned they were not worried it would not regen (I am only concerned now due to what I have been reading - wasn't aware I should be concerned at the time as was basically put down to some kind of blip).
Anyone who has got this far thank you very much! I would really appreciate any advice as to where I should start and if you would continue with indy or be sending to Audi.
I don't want to get stung for £1200 for a new DPF if this could be something simple like a sensor or if cleaning the dpf is worth a go but equally I don't want to end up with a DPF that is beyond repair or worse.......
Hi
Just wanted to post the outcome in case it helps anyone else.
Turned out to be a DPF sensor (Dr G you were spot on!!) and an EGR. Both replaced and car did a regen straight away and touch wood it seems fine now!
Used Mark Tempest and was really impressed with them. Knew their stuff and reasonably priced too. Will be switching to them for future work/servicing.
Just wanted to post the outcome in case it helps anyone else.
Turned out to be a DPF sensor (Dr G you were spot on!!) and an EGR. Both replaced and car did a regen straight away and touch wood it seems fine now!
Used Mark Tempest and was really impressed with them. Knew their stuff and reasonably priced too. Will be switching to them for future work/servicing.
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