Problems after EA189 engine emissions update

[NicolaM]

Hello all, need some help and advice please. My A4 2.0 60 reg has had the emissions update for the EA 189 engine at our usual Audi dealer.

A very long story short, after driving the car home and it was fine, the next time I used it, it drove like a tank. The judder from the engine was terrible and you had to press really hard on the accelorator to get any response from engine, then you change gear and the judder starts again and so on until the engine is warm and then the engine is absolutely fine.

my car has been at the Audi dealer for three weeks now whilst they try to figure out what is wrong with the car. Audi UK technical have stated categorically that it has nothing to do with the update and it's just a coincidence! I'm not convinced as my car was perfect before the update and now it's broken.

Because Audi have said it's not the update I am now being charged labour costs for the technicians to do a more detailed inspection to establish what is wrong! I have never been charged by a garage for a diagnostic before and in the circumstances I feel it very inappropriate.

the technician seems to think it's the injector and cylinder head has been mentioned; whatever, it is going to be expensive.

i have carried out quite a lot of searches on the internet trying to establish if there is a known problem and it would seem there is. Before the update was released, one article I have read said that Audi would have had to replace all injectors as well but a fix was found for this before release - apparently.

There are a lot of reports of engine judder, loss of power, loss of revs, gear box problems etc all from people who had the update, not just Audi, VW Passat and Tiguans seem to be badly effected too. Just like me, they had no problems with their car, took it in good faith to the local dealer to have the update done and now their cars are faulty. This cannot just be a coincidence!

has anybody else had this problem? I don't know what to do next, they were going to do the chargeable investigation as  priority - that was on Tuesday and I still haven't heard back from them and it's now Thursday but I'm going to have to either pay them or go to another garage who I am willing to trust to work on my Audi (there is one garage in the same city) for work that clearly is as a result of the emissions update.

I really regret having the update done and my advice is DON'T DO IT!

 

[Trevor]

Hi...and welcome to the Forum

Sorry to hear you're having difficulties after the update...can't imagine how annoyed I would be if it were my car!

We have had a couple of members on here mention that they have had the update and no issues as yet. However, it depends on how the update was carried out and if there is any option to reverse it to previous settings. Alternatively, I would find a VW Audi specialist equipped with the necessary diagnostic platform who can reset the Electronic Control Modules for the powertrain back to basic settings and go from there. 

Keep us informed of how you get on with it

Cheers  Trevor

[Julie]

I had the update carried out on my Q5 and within 2 weeks the emissions control light came on and a week later the engine management light was on. The car went into limp mode. Audi have told me I need a new EGR valve at a cost of £1300. The car was working perfectly well before the update.  I too have been on forums and have found other people have had the same problem; needing a new EGR valve within weeks of having the update. However, when I showed Audi copies of these,  they said they couldn't comment on other people's car - only mine - stating they were 100% sure the fault was not caused by the update. I was told I could pay for an independent check and if they could say the damage was caused by the update, they would pay for the repair. Although they did reiterate again that they were certain it wasn't anything to do with the update. Can the update possibly damage the EGR valve in some way and would a garage/mechanic be able to PROVE it, if it had? 

[Trevor]

Hi Julie...welcome to the Forum

It would be good to see what transpires on this topic...e.g. running a list of faults experienced following the update.

EGR is a component that generally suffers from clogging up with carbon and is usually a result of using the car on local runs and around town. This issue can be resolved by running cleaning solutions through it (either on or off the car) and then a good blast up the motorway holding in a lower gear with high revs to clear everything through.

It could be coincidence or if the limits are lowered by the update then the EGR will fall into being a faulty component.

I would try the cleaning solution first....you could try Terraclean at  www.terraclean.co.uk  and see if that resolves the issue before spending bug money on replacing parts.

Let us know how you get on with it.

Cheers  Trevor

[Richiebee]

Had a similar experience, within one week of the update, car started vibrating and juddering particularly when accelerating and then started to lose power on the motor way.  Audi has had the car and identified an injector failure, blaming supermarket fuels.  Cost £895 for replacement plus the labour for investigation.  Not happy at all! They also deny any link to update, but it's a hell of coincident since a)I have never used supermarket fuels and b)it has always been serviced by them including a week previous when they did an engine flush/treatment as well.  Time to get rid of it methinks. 

 

[singoa]

had update done end of November.

2 weeks later emission light came on car in limp mode. never had this before.

took to local garage and told need new EGR valve.

had this done .

2 weeks later emission light on again , limp mode.

took it back in . they checked everything could find no fault and said all sensor readings are within normal parameters.

cannot be coincidence that this has happened after update. never had a  problem in 2 years prior to this.

going to contact audi at Nottingham who did the upgrade and see what response I get.

reading comments on this and other sites it appears this could be a regular occurring problem.

 

 

[Suebeblue]

I have also had the same EGR fault happen immediately after the update, my local Audi main dealer quoted £1370 to replace it with no assistance from Audi UK on this and a definite refusal that it has anything to do with the update - but as a gesture of good will they would reduce it by £200 - not at all happy with this and intend to go further in pursuit of my complaint. I don't believe it happens to be coincidence, especially as I always use premium fuels and have my car regularly serviced and properly maintained above the what is required.

[Bec]

I too have problems after the update on my Q5 2012 2.0 diesel. I booked mine in last Friday 3rd Feb at the Audi dealership and I have had no problems with it for the past 2 years as it ran like a dream (4th Audi I have owned). The power went in the acceleration and smoke emissions from the rear as well as noises from the engine. This is too much of a coincidence as it becomes an emissions problem. I have contacted Audi who are going to charge £60 diagnostics test which I am sure will result in similar complaints as above. I have visited other forums with similar complaints. It would be great to know how many other people are out there with similar compliants!!!

[Trevor]

Hi Bec ... welcome to the Forum

Oh dear....there is definitely a recurring theme here....virtually everyone is reporting the same symptoms...not good.

Keep us informed on how it goes with the dealers

Cheers  Trevor

[DuncanK]

I just got the letter to book an appointment for the patch, after reading all of the above I think I'll give it a miss!

[Lord Harris 85]

Hi all, 

i have just had the update done (26/01) on my 1.6tdi a1 and have had the same issue within 24hrs of having it back.The engine judders and there is a lack of power. There is only a small boost between 1800-2200 rpm. Other than that the engine is flat and does not pull.

ive been advised by Audi Nottingham that it's nothing to do with the 23q7 update they done whilst the car was being mot and had a few other bits.

ive now been told I need 4 new injectors, clutch & DMF. Total cost £3.3k!!!!

the car is a 2012 a1 sline with less than 60k, always used bp or Esso fuel. Always been serviced by Audi. So I'm quite surprised by the work that is needed.

i complained to Nottingham Audi and the have forwarded their findings to Audi technical on the 9th Feb and I'm waiting to hear back. I've also sent an email to Audi uk to raise my concerns and addressed it to Andre konsbruck and Paul Willis. Not that I can see them ever reading it or responding.

any advice or input from anyone would be helpful.

singoa - how did you get on with Nottingham Audi with your issues?

[Fitzyafcb]

Hi i also have A4 sdi first year of new shape. I had emissions update on the 15th. All seemed ok at first. A few miles later emissions control light permanently on. Also fan stays on for a long time after switching engine off after very short journeys  (3miles).

It's Booked in again in two weeks time. Earliest they could do and have said if I break down then it's my cost not theirs. Car was perfect before it went in for update! They also said they will investigate the issue and if it's theirs they will fix at no cost but it's mine then I will have to pay. 

I can't help but feel a little pessimistic after reading other's problems

[Lord Harris 85]

Hi all

i signed up to twitter last night and and it seems to work as Audi jump on the case right away. 

Please post on there aswell it's seems a way to be heard and it's more in the public eye. 

Im not campaigning for compo like some law firms but I just want to have a car to work and run as it should. There seems to be plenty of issues people are having from all vw group cars so it's not isolated to one brand or engine size.

i will keep you posted

#23q7fail

[Bec]

On 2/9/2017 at 0:17 PM, Bec said:

I too have problems after the update on my Q5 2012 2.0 diesel. I booked mine in last Friday 3rd Feb at the Audi dealership and I have had no problems with it for the past 2 years as it ran like a dream (4th Audi I have owned). The power went in the acceleration and smoke emissions from the rear as well as noises from the engine. This is too much of a coincidence as it becomes an emissions problem. I have contacted Audi who are going to charge £60 diagnostics test which I am sure will result in similar complaints as above. I have visited other forums with similar complaints. It would be great to know how many other people are out there with similar compliants!!!

 

I received a quote to fix my EGR cooler, turbo, dpf and tandem pipes for £2200!  We refused as we realise there is so many problems arising with the same faults after the emissions 'fix'. There is a Facebook group here with over 500 members and rising everday. The group increased in size by 100 last week https://www.facebook.com/groups/955027937948541/  All members reporting same EGR, dpf and turbo faults. #vwfixfail

[Bec]

16 hours ago, Fitzyafcb said:

Hi i also have A4 sdi first year of new shape. I had emissions update on the 15th. All seemed ok at first. A few miles later emissions control light permanently on. Also fan stays on for a long time after switching engine off after very short journeys  (3miles).

It's Booked in again in two weeks time. Earliest they could do and have said if I break down then it's my cost not theirs. Car was perfect before it went in for update! They also said they will investigate the issue and if it's theirs they will fix at no cost but it's mine then I will have to pay. 

I can't help but feel a little pessimistic after reading other's problems

 

I would be very careful driving it if it's starting to suffer take a look at this Facebook group. All members with similar problems https://www.facebook.com/groups/955027937948541/

[Bec]

On 2/12/2017 at 3:05 PM, Lord Harris 85 said:

Hi all, 

i have just had the update done (26/01) on my 1.6tdi a1 and have had the same issue within 24hrs of having it back.The engine judders and there is a lack of power. There is only a small boost between 1800-2200 rpm. Other than that the engine is flat and does not pull.

ive been advised by Audi Nottingham that it's nothing to do with the 23q7 update they done whilst the car was being mot and had a few other bits.

ive now been told I need 4 new injectors, clutch & DMF. Total cost £3.3k!!!!

the car is a 2012 a1 sline with less than 60k, always used bp or Esso fuel. Always been serviced by Audi. So I'm quite surprised by the work that is needed.

i complained to Nottingham Audi and the have forwarded their findings to Audi technical on the 9th Feb and I'm waiting to hear back. I've also sent an email to Audi uk to raise my concerns and addressed it to Andre konsbruck and Paul Willis. Not that I can see them ever reading it or responding.

any advice or input from anyone would be helpful.

singoa - how did you get on with Nottingham Audi with your issues?

 

 

Hi, there are lots of members joining this Facebook group here with the same injector, lack of power problems.   https://www.facebook.com/groups/955027937948541/

[Fitzyafcb]

Unfortunately I know very little about cars. I can't help but think now that I should not have bothered to take it to Audi. 

You say I should drive carefully but at the moment the light is on all the time, the fan seems to stay on for longer than it should and I swear the fumes are worse (smell is stronger) than prior to what ever they did during the update process. Perhaps I'm just being paranoid but if this is the start of something going wrong, what problems or signs should I be expecting or should I look out for, particularly if my car could be dangerous to drive? 

Thanks

[Bec]

38 minutes ago, Fitzyafcb said:

Unfortunately I know very little about cars. I can't help but think now that I should not have bothered to take it to Audi. 

You say I should drive carefully but at the moment the light is on all the time, the fan seems to stay on for longer than it should and I swear the fumes are worse (smell is stronger) than prior to what ever they did during the update process. Perhaps I'm just being paranoid but if this is the start of something going wrong, what problems or signs should I be expecting or should I look out for, particularly if my car could be dangerous to drive? 

Thanks

 

 

 

Hi, I  am not a mechanic either but after reading many many reports of people with the same issues see here https://www.facebook.com/groups/955027937948541/.

I didn't have any warning and my car just slumped from 70mph to 40mph and smoke coming from the rear. They quoted me £2000+ to fix egr, turbo and dpf. There are people having issues with fuel injectors leaking/failing and complaining of the smell. If they quote fuel injectors, EGR, turbo and dpf problems I would stand your ground and insist it is the update; there are 1000s of people complaining online. From what I can gather, the update changes the way the car handles emissions and one of the problems; it creates more soot thus preventing the EGR valve to work properly. 

[kemp]

Hi all

I have an A3 and I have had the update done and I have had the same problem as a few of you. A few days after the update the glow plug light flashing going into limp mode. took the vehicle to local Audi dealer and they have said it requires new egr valve/cooler. They are telling me it has nothing to do with the update. I find it hard to believe  as it has never faulted before. my car does not do short journeys or get drove with out going over 3000 rpm to avoid it clogging up with carbon. I have rang Audi UK today and made a complaint. Will let you know the outcome.

Thanks

[Bec]

Looks like it was well-known issue to cause #vwemissions problems since the update, since 2015 and #vw #vag #audi choose to play dumb http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/09/heres-might-cost-fix-vw-car/

[Peter M]

2012 A1 - just days after the software update- the warning lights came on and entered limp mode on a motorway!

the car is driven on the motorway on distances of a minimum of 45 miles at a time. no school runs etc.

the car was some 60 miles from our usual dealer and taken to the nearest.

they advised the EGR cooler had failed as a result of the software update. they also advised the update was not carried out correctly and the national audi computer had no record of the update being carried out- despite us having a signed and stamped certificate to prove the emissions update was carried out. this garage refused to fix the car and insisted it be returned to the dealership that carried out the attempted update. they made it clear the dealership that updated / attempted to update had caused this damage.

It was arranged for the car to be taken to the dealership we use and that carried out the update- eventually they admitted the update can destroy the engines emissions systems, and this being no exception, they claim to have 27 courtesy cars and a months waiting list for one- so they destroy your car and make you hire a car in the mean time - all because audi made the vehicle illegal in the first place.

my advice- DO NOT GET THE UPDATE DONE, just read online for yourself.

audi have a lot to answer for.

for the record- the car has always been serviced and have everything done by audi dealerships.

[Magnet]

Hello Peter, 

Sorry to hear of your problems, and I must assume that this is a recent account of problems.

If so, and taking account that bad news travels faster than good, it would seem that there is sufficient evidence - certainly on here - to at least think twice before going ahead with these recalls. 

Good luck in getting back where you were with the car.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

[Peter M]

Hi Garath. 

Thanks for your message  

All this happened last week. Car still in the main dealers. I just hope enough people get the message before being bullied into getting the update. 

I am going to insist they reinstall the original software, don't think they will as the dealers will be on a bonus to get the updates out there, but I can be persuasive if I need to be. Seriously considering making Audi buy the car back for the full purchase price as I cannot see how it will ever be right. 

Ill keep you all posted. 

[Nulala]

Hi, 

i had the software update and a minor service done on my Audi A3 1.6 TDI on Thursday. On Sunday morning, the car wouldn't start and there was smoke coming from the engine. It was towed to the Audi dealership on Monday morning. They have been testing the car since trying to recreate the problem. They came back to me today saying there's a problem with the exhaust regulator valve. It would normally cost €1600 to fix but they're contributing €1100 so it will still cost me €500. The mechanic said it's a mechanical problem, not an electronic problem. I have had the car two years and have never had a single issue. I cannot believe that it is unrelated to the software update but do not know how to proceed from here or how to prove this? I wish I had never had the software update done, I had no idea it could cause these kinds of problems. I would appreciate any advice, thanks 

 

 

 

[Magnet]

Hello Nuala,

I'm sorry to hear that your issues are adding to the bad experiences of others. How many bad experiences against good ? Only VAG would know I guess. 

Not that it will be any consolation to you, but the thought of having to take a car of mine in for a so called update, would lead to many sleepless nights. Thanks, but no thanks for a free update! 

Now I'm not sure how this will be received by the administrators of this forum - but it's only a personal opinion of what I would be tempted to do if it were mine - I would formally write the to the dealer principal by recorded delivery letter and register my  dissatisfaction as a result of this upgrade and inform him that I intend to present the facts of my discontents to the media, since I understand that mine is not an isolated bad experience following these updates. Tell them that I  propose to do that within say seven days receipt of the letter unless I  have the car returned to me  ( with no expense to me) in the same performance mode as it was before I was asked to return it for this upgrade.

Still not happy after this? Then it would be the national press for me.

I must emphasise that this is what I would do if it were mine, and not necessarily a recommendation for what others should do, but I could be something to think about.

I can only wish you well in your quest to right the wrongs.

Kind regards,

Gareth.