Audi Q5 Diesel Power Loss + Black Smoke Fix Guide

Those symptoms sound very familiar. I had a similar issue with my 2013 Audi Q7 diesel about a year ago. Have moderate experience with diesel engines and their common issues. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, reduced power, black smoke, and the check engine light. After vehicle inspection, it turned out the diesel particulate filter was completely clogged, affecting the exhaust system and overall fuel efficiency. The repair cost me 1550 Euro total, including parts and labor. The difference in performance after replacement was remarkable, better acceleration, no more black smoke, and significantly improved fuel efficiency. To properly diagnose your case, could you share: Current mileage, Service history of the particulate filter, Any recent changes in driving patterns (lots of short trips vs highway driving), Other warning lights besides check engine, Any unusual engine sounds or vibrations This information would help determine if your issue is indeed similar to what I experienced. Regular regeneration cycles are crucial for maintaining the particulate filter, and driving patterns can significantly impact its lifespan.

Current mileage is 186396KM. Just had the engine light trigger last weekend, and no other warning lights are present. Looking at the error codes, P2002 points directly to a DPF issue. I agree with your assessment about the particulate filter. The backpressure readings suggest clogging, and forced regeneration hasnt improved the situation. A local shop quoted 1200 Euro for DPF cleaning, but Im concerned this might be a temporary fix given the symptoms. No unusual engine sounds, but the loss in fuel efficiency is quite noticeable, consumption increased by about 2L/100km. Would prefer to address this before winter driving conditions make things worse. Has anyone tried aftermarket DPF solutions with positive results?

Thanks for those details. After dealing with similar DPF issues on my Q7, I can tell your mileage and symptoms strongly suggest a filter replacement rather than cleaning would be more cost-effective long-term. When my DPF backpressure readings showed severe clogging, I initially considered cleaning too. However, at high mileage like yours, cleaning often provides only temporary relief. The filter material degrades over time, making it more prone to repeated clogging even after professional DPF cleaning. The P2002 code combined with your fuel efficiency drop mirrors my experience exactly. My consumption had increased similarly before I opted for a full filter replacement. The 1200 Euro cleaning quote is close to replacement costs, and given the symptoms, investing in new OEM parts makes more sense. Regarding aftermarket options, I researched these extensively but stuck with OEM. While aftermarket DPF units can cost 20-30% less, compatibility issues and varying material quality can affect regeneration cycles and long-term fuel efficiency. Consider requesting a detailed inspection of the exhaust system when replacing the filter. In my case, they found a partially damaged sensor that was affecting regeneration cycles, and fixing both issues together prevented future problems.

Thanks for the detailed response. After reviewing my mileage and symptoms against similar cases, I think moving forward with a complete filter replacement makes the most sense. The engine light and P2002 code, combined with the poor fuel economy and failed regeneration attempts, clearly point to a worn DPF system. Your experience with the OEM vs aftermarket options is particularly helpful. While the initial savings of aftermarket parts are tempting, I dont want to risk dealing with regeneration issues or compatibility problems down the line. The fuel consumption increase Im seeing matches what you described, and Id rather invest in a proper fix now. Ill have them check the entire exhaust system and sensors during replacement. Given the backpressure readings and black smoke issues during acceleration, getting everything inspected at once could prevent future problems. Will schedule the filter replacement this week before the performance issues get worse. Looking at the repair costs you mentioned, the investment seems reasonable considering the potential benefits in fuel efficiency and engine performance. Thanks for sharing your repair experience, it helped confirm my diagnosis and decision on how to proceed.