Ad Blue EML fault

[johnmi]

Hi All

i must have bought a A7 that has every fault.

The Nox sensor was replaced two years ago and now the EmL has come on again but this time for a fault in the Ad Blue system .

Audi garage could not find the cause but the only way was to have two hours of diagnostics to then advise I needed a new Ad Blue thank that has cost me £2400.

They claim not seen this before on my 3.0 TDi .

Has anybody experienced this and whilst it’s now 6 years old only covered 35.5k miles. I’m going to raise it with Audi.

John M

[Sid2020]

Adblue faults are common and as the fluid crystallizes we tend to find more faults on low millage cars then we do on high millage cars. Just one of them systems that benefits from constant use. Common path people take is adblue and dpf delete along with dpf removal. Not saying it’s a good idea but a lot cheaper

[johnmi]

Sid

Many thanks that's its because I only do a low mileage now retired. I did think of this and also that the ad blue fluid gets older as well.

Audi found nothing on test with the system or fluid only that if I change the tank it fixes it. So no crystallization either, 

Expensive repair and now my last Diesel.

Another green initiative that costs more with all the untraceable faults.

John

 

[Sid2020]

I would imagine there saying a new tank will fix your problem as it will come complete with pump and module so only existing component will be the adblue  injector. If you have a good local garage you could enquirer about going for a used unit and getting it recoded to your car at probly a fraction of the price 

[johnmi]

Sid

yes that seems to be the case.

I kept the faulty unit and it does look like recode will do it!!!!!

I thinking more and more though only use a quality Ad Blue and use the whole container. And drive at least 10000 miles annually.

[Sid2020]

1 hour ago, johnmi said:

Sid

yes that seems to be the case.

I kept the faulty unit and it does look like recode will do it!!!!!

I thinking more and more though only use a quality Ad Blue and use the whole container. And drive at least 10000 miles annually.

Sounds like you just got unlucky, ask around for a good independent garage that deal with vw/audi for future work as will charge atleast half the hourly rate, have the same software and possibly Pass on abit of parts discount and be open to recoding second hand parts when suitable. 

[spartacus 68]

I don’t believe Audi don’t know about this. Forums are littered with issues related to AdBlue, either the injector, integral pump and tank (which is sealed unit) or the sensor which is programmed to the car. Audi will just throw parts at it, hence they don’t repair.

Did you buy the car from Audi as Approved Used, as that should be covered for at least 1 year, possibly 2 years if on finance. If from non franchise dealer then depending on length of time you should be covered under consumer rights for first 30 days.

Changing AdBlue tank is very expensive as you know.

[johnmi]

Hi

Car was bought from Audi New and the same dealership has looked after it in the last 6 years. At the time they did not offer extended warranty so I took out a service plan that ended a year ago and only 4000 miles since. I've appealed to them as Goodwill but nothing doing.

They confirmed they don't know whats failed but its the tank with integral pump etc that is compounded by the fact they have to remove the rear bumper to get to it, just pay to replace it.

I'm disappointed in a leading Brand to treat a customer whose bought 4 cars from them since 1999. Poor show!

As I've no idea what's caused it I don't have clue what to do to not repeat it. Make sure I drive at least 10000 miles and no short journeys and only get Audi to top up the ad blue.Mmmm!!! 

[spartacus 68]

That is poor show, especially as it’s been new with all the service stamps. Surely a goodwill gesture towards the costs? I’d be inclined to take it further and take it up with the dealer principal to liaise with Audi UK.

Getting the car to temperature and a decent run on the motorway will help. Diesels hate short runs.

[Sid2020]

I also wouldn’t pay Audi for adblue, it’s such a basic product and all you need to make check is that ISO22241 is in the container 

[cliffcoggin]

34 minutes ago, johnmi said:

As I've no idea what's caused it I don't have clue what to do to not repeat it. 

The simple answer to that question is never to buy another diesel car of any brand that relies on Adblue. The system has been troublesome since its introduction.

However that does not help you at the moment. I have read elsewhere on this forum of an additive that is claimed to solve the problem, but I don't recall its name or have any experience of it.

[Sid2020]

Modern diesels are a bit of brilliant engineering but are not suitable for short trips or town driving, I’ve recently spent several weeks in Europe getting trained on a certain brand of electric car and I must say that when I need to give up my diesel il be going non German full electric