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elizabethhuber1

Audi A6 Hybrid PCV Issues: Smoke and Power Loss Guide

Need advice, My 2020 Audi A6 Hybrid is showing concerning signs that point to a possible PCV valve issue. Engine check light is lit, power feels weak, and there is visible smoke under heavy acceleration. Mileage is at 173791 km. Had some questionable experiences with mechanics lately, so I am looking for feedback from others who dealt with similar symptoms. What was your diagnosis and repair cost? Did the smoke and power issues resolve after fixing the PCV?

4 comment(s)

martha_eagle53

Had a comparable situation with my 2017 Audi A7 Hybrid last winter. The crankcase ventilation malfunction showed similar symptoms, white smoke from exhaust during acceleration, reduced engine performance, and constant check engine light. Initial diagnosis revealed a clogged PCV valve causing excessive pressure in the crankcase. The smoke appeared because oil was being forced past the seals due to this pressure buildup. This is a serious issue that needs prompt attention, as continued operation risks damaging engine seals and contaminating the intake system. The repair involved replacing the complete PCV assembly and cleaning the intake manifold that had become contaminated with oil. The smoke disappeared completely after the fix, and engine power returned to normal levels. The check engine light cleared and has not returned. This is a known weak point in these engines, especially when regular oil changes are delayed. The ventilation system can get overwhelmed by carbon deposits, leading to malfunction. Would strongly recommend having it checked by a certified shop that specializes in VAG vehicles.

elizabethhuber1 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience with the A7. I had the same smoke and valve issues with my 2019 A6 a few months back. The symptoms matched perfectly, performance drop and that annoying check engine warning. Turned out the ventilation system was pretty clogged up. After the maintenance work, all issues cleared up and performance went back to normal. Regular driving has been smooth since the fix, but I am curious about your long-term results. Could you share how much the repair cost in your case? Also wondering if any related problems have shown up since the initial fix?

martha_eagle53

Thanks for asking about the follow-up. After getting the crankcase ventilation system repaired on my A7, the car has been running perfectly for over 8 months now. The repair cost came to 360 Euro for parts and labor, which included a thorough cleaning of related components. The smoke issues completely disappeared right after the fix, and the idle has remained stable. No check engine lights or performance problems have returned. Regular maintenance seems key to preventing these ventilation issues from recurring. The mechanic did a great job identifying and resolving the root cause. The repair turned out to be much more straightforward than I initially feared. Just make sure to use high-quality oil and stick to the recommended service intervals to keep the system running smoothly.

elizabethhuber1 (Author)

After dealing with concerning emissions and performance issues, I finally took my A6 to the dealer last week. The diagnosis confirmed a faulty PCV valve causing pressure buildup in the crankcase system. Total repair bill came to 420 Euro including parts and labor. The mechanic found significant oil residue in the intake manifold from the leak, which explained the smoke and power loss. They cleaned everything thoroughly and installed a new valve assembly. The whole job took about 3 hours. Really happy with the results, no more smoke, check engine light is off, and power feels completely restored. The car runs like new again. Will definitely stay on top of maintenance to prevent future ventilation system issues. Glad I got it fixed before any serious engine damage occurred.

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