Loss of power after first service (2.0 TDI 170 DPF)

[Fleagle]

My car had its first service a few weeks back (18500m, AVS, 16 months old) and it came back with an obvious power dip between 1800 and 2500rpm. Only noticable in first gear on a light throttle, but it's really annoying. The car feels reluctant to accelerate from standstill.

It's a 2.0TDI 170. A software update was applied during the service (apparently a DPF-related update).

Dealer has driven it then reported problem to factory, but they are not aware of any problems with the software update.

Anyone else experienced this? Had a quick search of forums but looks like it might just be me!

Cheers, Dave

 

[duncangoncalves]

I've got the same car + age but a Quattro no problems with power loss yet, only thing I've had problems with is the gas pressure sensor I'm on my second now in 7/8 months.
Took two + bit weeks to sort this time and in the end they blamed a software update never done to the sensor !!

 

[Fleagle]

Thanks for the reply. Don't wanna tempt fate, but so far this is my only prob!

 

[Twizzler]

The software update sounds the significant actiion. Out of interest, is it possible to put an update in that's for a different model?

 

[lowrider-73]

Dave,

Did you get this problem sorted out? I've got exactly the same problem with my 2005 A4 B7 S-Line Diesel but the difference is that mine is a 140 PS. I was thinking of getting a re-map to solve the problem but I don't really want to spend all that money if it is an easy thing to rectify.

 

[Fleagle]

Dave,

Did you get this problem sorted out? I've got exactly the same problem with my 2005 A4 B7 S-Line Diesel but the difference is that mine is a 140 PS. I was thinking of getting a re-map to solve the problem but I don't really want to spend all that money if it is an easy thing to rectify.

Funny you should mention it but the problem is ongoing and the car went in last week for further diagnostics. It's been a while, but I've not had chance to take it back since the first visit.

I collected the car late so didn't speak to the technician but the the invoice (FOC) states "Attended to vehicle running issue. Carried out guided fault finding checks and found issue recorded with DPF pressure sender. Replaced faulty sender and all now ok. Will follow up with a report to Audi UK".

The problem definitely isn't resolved but I don't know where to go from here. I've had two 2.0TDI courtesy cars (140 A3 and 140 A4) and they both exhibit the exact same behaviour. There is an obvious hesitation in power between about 1800 and 2500rpm, especially noticable in first gear.

This never happened before the software update at the first service.

I'm due a second service in a month or so and will reopen the incident before it goes in. I'm tempted to try another dealer but I feel the problem is due to the software update. This must have been changed by the factory to rectify or prevent another issue. I've requested that software is rolled back to the original version, even just temporarilly so I can prove the problem. This can't be done apparently.

I would pay for a remap if it would iron out the problem but as far as I understand remaps won't affect running characteristics at low rpm.

If anyone has any other ideas I'd gladly accept them. If there are any other dealers with similar stories then please let me know. Apparently it's not a known issue and there have been no other reported incidents.

As it stands, I'd never touch another DPF Audi. I'm considering trading for a 3-series coupe, probably in about 6 months time. Either a 335i or the 335d twin turbo (although Evo mag has just taken an Alpina D3 onboard which I'll be watching with interest). BMW recently ran an offer on the M-sports pack so there should be some nice cars filtering through the used market shortly. I'll test drive an A5 quattro too, but despite its superior looks I really hope I prefer the beemer!

Regards, Dave

 

[dmal]

As it stands, I'd never touch another DPF Audi.
Regards, Dave

Completely agree with you on that point. After around 5 months I had to get rid of mine, the DPF was unreliable to the point that I pretty much stopped using the car.

 

[Fleagle]

I've had two instances of the DPF warning (emissions control) light illuminating. Both time were on a steady motorway cruise and the car is never used for short stop-start journeys. The car didn't go into limp home mode, but the light wouldn't clear following the usual reset procedure. It was therefore booked in to get the DPF replaced. If it was out of warranty, or happened more than once under warranty, then I'd be stung for about a grand. The problem cleared after a day or two so the job was cancelled.

I've no faith anymore in Audi diesels. I know there's people out there with bigger car problems but this has tarnished my relationship with an otherwise great car.

How you finding the S3 dmal?

 

[dmal]

How you finding the S3 dmal?

Its very nice. I think its a great looking car and I still admire it when I walk past it in the street. Its nice to drive too, the turbo is much more gradual than the 170 and its good not to wheelspin all the time.

All in all I'm really glad I have the S3 but if it wasnt for the DPF thingy then I'd still have my A3 and I'd be really happy with it.