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MBeck87

Audi Q7 DPF Failure Causing Power Loss and Smoke

Having issues with my 2018 Audi Q7 diesel that seems DPF related. Warning light appeared on the dash along with reduced power. When accelerating, there is dark smoke and a strong diesel exhaust smell. The diagnostic system shows low DPF pressure. Has anyone dealt with similar particulate filter issues on these engines? Mainly interested in actual repair solutions and workshop experiences to get this resolved. What was the root cause in your case and how much did the fix cost? Thanks in advance for sharing your DPF regeneration stories and repair insights.

4 comment(s)

finn_knight1

I had a very similar issue with my 2016 Audi Q5 diesel last summer. Having some experience with diesel engines, I recognized the symptoms immediately as particulate filter related. The warning light and performance issues you describe match exactly what happened with mine. The exhaust system was showing similar symptoms, dark smoke and that distinctive strong smell. My diagnostic also indicated problems with the DPF pressure readings. The root cause turned out to be a faulty exhaust back pressure sensor, which was causing incorrect readings and preventing proper emission control system function. The repair at my workshop was straightforward, they replaced the defective pressure sensor and performed a forced DPF regeneration cycle. Total cost was 245 Euro and it completely resolved the issues. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: Current mileage on your Q7, Driving pattern (mostly city or highway), How long the warning light has been on, Whether you noticed the issue gradually or suddenly This information would help determine if your case is similar and if the same solution might work for your diesel engine.

finn_knight1

I had a very similar issue with my 2016 Audi Q5 diesel last summer. Having some experience with diesel engines, I recognized the symptoms immediately as particulate filter related. The warning light and performance issues you describe match exactly what happened with mine. The exhaust system was showing similar symptoms, dark smoke and that distinctive strong smell. My diagnostic also indicated problems with the DPF pressure readings. The root cause turned out to be a faulty exhaust back pressure sensor, which was causing incorrect readings and preventing proper emission control system function. The repair at my workshop was straightforward, they replaced the defective pressure sensor and performed a forced DPF regeneration cycle. Total cost was 245 Euro and it completely resolved the issues. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: Current mileage on your Q7, Driving pattern (mostly city or highway), How long the warning light has been on, Whether you noticed the issue gradually or suddenly This information would help determine if your case is similar and if the same solution might work for your diesel engine.

finn_knight1

I had a very similar issue with my 2016 Audi Q5 diesel last summer. Having some experience with diesel engines, I recognized the symptoms immediately as particulate filter related. The warning light and performance issues you describe match exactly what happened with mine. The exhaust system was showing similar symptoms, dark smoke and that distinctive strong smell. My diagnostic also indicated problems with the DPF pressure readings. The root cause turned out to be a faulty exhaust back pressure sensor, which was causing incorrect readings and preventing proper emission control system function. The repair at my workshop was straightforward, they replaced the defective pressure sensor and performed a forced DPF regeneration cycle. Total cost was 245 Euro and it completely resolved the issues. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: Current mileage on your Q7, Driving pattern (mostly city or highway), How long the warning light has been on, Whether you noticed the issue gradually or suddenly This information would help determine if your case is similar and if the same solution might work for your diesel engine.

finn_knight1

I had a very similar issue with my 2016 Audi Q5 diesel last summer. Having some experience with diesel engines, I recognized the symptoms immediately as particulate filter related. The warning light and performance issues you describe match exactly what happened with mine. The exhaust system was showing similar symptoms, dark smoke and that distinctive strong smell. My diagnostic also indicated problems with the DPF pressure readings. The root cause turned out to be a faulty exhaust back pressure sensor, which was causing incorrect readings and preventing proper emission control system function. The repair at my workshop was straightforward, they replaced the defective pressure sensor and performed a forced DPF regeneration cycle. Total cost was 245 Euro and it completely resolved the issues. Before jumping to conclusions though, could you share: Current mileage on your Q7, Driving pattern (mostly city or highway), How long the warning light has been on, Whether you noticed the issue gradually or suddenly This information would help determine if your case is similar and if the same solution might work for your diesel engine.

MBeck87 (Author)

My Q7 just had its latest service at 144998 KM. After reading your response, I strongly suspect my case matches yours. The pressure sensor issue makes sense since I also noticed the reduced power came on suddenly during highway driving. I tried a few longer drives hoping for natural regeneration, but the particulate filter warning persists. The emission control system seems unable to complete a proper regen cycle. The diagnostic readings from my pressure sensor are inconsistent, sometimes showing normal values and other times indicating extremely low pressure. Your repair solution sounds promising and much more cost-effective than a complete DPF replacement. Will have the workshop check the pressure sensor first before considering more extensive repairs.

MBeck87 (Author)

My Q7 just had its latest service at 144998 KM. After reading your response, I strongly suspect my case matches yours. The pressure sensor issue makes sense since I also noticed the reduced power came on suddenly during highway driving. I tried a few longer drives hoping for natural regeneration, but the particulate filter warning persists. The emission control system seems unable to complete a proper regen cycle. The diagnostic readings from my pressure sensor are inconsistent, sometimes showing normal values and other times indicating extremely low pressure. Your repair solution sounds promising and much more cost-effective than a complete DPF replacement. Will have the workshop check the pressure sensor first before considering more extensive repairs.

MBeck87 (Author)

My Q7 just had its latest service at 144998 KM. After reading your response, I strongly suspect my case matches yours. The pressure sensor issue makes sense since I also noticed the reduced power came on suddenly during highway driving. I tried a few longer drives hoping for natural regeneration, but the particulate filter warning persists. The emission control system seems unable to complete a proper regen cycle. The diagnostic readings from my pressure sensor are inconsistent, sometimes showing normal values and other times indicating extremely low pressure. Your repair solution sounds promising and much more cost-effective than a complete DPF replacement. Will have the workshop check the pressure sensor first before considering more extensive repairs.

MBeck87 (Author)

My Q7 just had its latest service at 144998 KM. After reading your response, I strongly suspect my case matches yours. The pressure sensor issue makes sense since I also noticed the reduced power came on suddenly during highway driving. I tried a few longer drives hoping for natural regeneration, but the particulate filter warning persists. The emission control system seems unable to complete a proper regen cycle. The diagnostic readings from my pressure sensor are inconsistent, sometimes showing normal values and other times indicating extremely low pressure. Your repair solution sounds promising and much more cost-effective than a complete DPF replacement. Will have the workshop check the pressure sensor first before considering more extensive repairs.

finn_knight1

Thanks for the additional details about your Q7. The inconsistent pressure sensor readings you describe are a telltale sign that matches what I experienced. In my case, the intermittent nature of the sensor values was actually what helped the technicians pinpoint the issue quickly. The fact that your problems started suddenly during highway driving is another indicator pointing to a faulty pressure sensor rather than a clogged diesel particulate filter. When the DPF itself is the problem, symptoms typically develop gradually over time. One thing I learned from my repair experience: attempting forced highway drives for DPF regeneration with a bad pressure sensor can be counterproductive. The diesel exhaust system cant properly regulate backpressure with faulty sensor input, so regeneration cycles often fail to complete. The repair cost you mentioned is in line with what I paid. Just make sure they perform a full system check after replacing the pressure sensor, as proper DPF regeneration is crucial for preventing future low pressure warnings. Would recommend having it checked soon, as running with incorrect pressure readings can impact overall diesel engine performance and potentially cause additional exhaust system issues if left unaddressed.

finn_knight1

Thanks for the additional details about your Q7. The inconsistent pressure sensor readings you describe are a telltale sign that matches what I experienced. In my case, the intermittent nature of the sensor values was actually what helped the technicians pinpoint the issue quickly. The fact that your problems started suddenly during highway driving is another indicator pointing to a faulty pressure sensor rather than a clogged diesel particulate filter. When the DPF itself is the problem, symptoms typically develop gradually over time. One thing I learned from my repair experience: attempting forced highway drives for DPF regeneration with a bad pressure sensor can be counterproductive. The diesel exhaust system cant properly regulate backpressure with faulty sensor input, so regeneration cycles often fail to complete. The repair cost you mentioned is in line with what I paid. Just make sure they perform a full system check after replacing the pressure sensor, as proper DPF regeneration is crucial for preventing future low pressure warnings. Would recommend having it checked soon, as running with incorrect pressure readings can impact overall diesel engine performance and potentially cause additional exhaust system issues if left unaddressed.

finn_knight1

Thanks for the additional details about your Q7. The inconsistent pressure sensor readings you describe are a telltale sign that matches what I experienced. In my case, the intermittent nature of the sensor values was actually what helped the technicians pinpoint the issue quickly. The fact that your problems started suddenly during highway driving is another indicator pointing to a faulty pressure sensor rather than a clogged diesel particulate filter. When the DPF itself is the problem, symptoms typically develop gradually over time. One thing I learned from my repair experience: attempting forced highway drives for DPF regeneration with a bad pressure sensor can be counterproductive. The diesel exhaust system cant properly regulate backpressure with faulty sensor input, so regeneration cycles often fail to complete. The repair cost you mentioned is in line with what I paid. Just make sure they perform a full system check after replacing the pressure sensor, as proper DPF regeneration is crucial for preventing future low pressure warnings. Would recommend having it checked soon, as running with incorrect pressure readings can impact overall diesel engine performance and potentially cause additional exhaust system issues if left unaddressed.

finn_knight1

Thanks for the additional details about your Q7. The inconsistent pressure sensor readings you describe are a telltale sign that matches what I experienced. In my case, the intermittent nature of the sensor values was actually what helped the technicians pinpoint the issue quickly. The fact that your problems started suddenly during highway driving is another indicator pointing to a faulty pressure sensor rather than a clogged diesel particulate filter. When the DPF itself is the problem, symptoms typically develop gradually over time. One thing I learned from my repair experience: attempting forced highway drives for DPF regeneration with a bad pressure sensor can be counterproductive. The diesel exhaust system cant properly regulate backpressure with faulty sensor input, so regeneration cycles often fail to complete. The repair cost you mentioned is in line with what I paid. Just make sure they perform a full system check after replacing the pressure sensor, as proper DPF regeneration is crucial for preventing future low pressure warnings. Would recommend having it checked soon, as running with incorrect pressure readings can impact overall diesel engine performance and potentially cause additional exhaust system issues if left unaddressed.

MBeck87 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details about your own repair experience. The situation definitely seems very similar, my Q7 has the exact symptoms you described. The sudden onset during highway driving and those inconsistent pressure sensor readings match perfectly. After trying those longer drives without success, I now understand why the DPF regeneration attempts failed. Makes complete sense that the emission control system cant function properly with unreliable pressure sensor data. I will schedule an appointment this week to have the exhaust system checked, focusing first on the pressure sensor before exploring more expensive repairs. The 245 Euro cost you mentioned for sensor replacement and regeneration seems very reasonable compared to a full DPF replacement. Really appreciate you explaining how the intermittent sensor readings helped diagnose your issue. Having this information will help me better communicate the symptoms to my workshop and hopefully lead to a quick resolution like in your case.

MBeck87 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details about your own repair experience. The situation definitely seems very similar, my Q7 has the exact symptoms you described. The sudden onset during highway driving and those inconsistent pressure sensor readings match perfectly. After trying those longer drives without success, I now understand why the DPF regeneration attempts failed. Makes complete sense that the emission control system cant function properly with unreliable pressure sensor data. I will schedule an appointment this week to have the exhaust system checked, focusing first on the pressure sensor before exploring more expensive repairs. The 245 Euro cost you mentioned for sensor replacement and regeneration seems very reasonable compared to a full DPF replacement. Really appreciate you explaining how the intermittent sensor readings helped diagnose your issue. Having this information will help me better communicate the symptoms to my workshop and hopefully lead to a quick resolution like in your case.

MBeck87 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details about your own repair experience. The situation definitely seems very similar, my Q7 has the exact symptoms you described. The sudden onset during highway driving and those inconsistent pressure sensor readings match perfectly. After trying those longer drives without success, I now understand why the DPF regeneration attempts failed. Makes complete sense that the emission control system cant function properly with unreliable pressure sensor data. I will schedule an appointment this week to have the exhaust system checked, focusing first on the pressure sensor before exploring more expensive repairs. The 245 Euro cost you mentioned for sensor replacement and regeneration seems very reasonable compared to a full DPF replacement. Really appreciate you explaining how the intermittent sensor readings helped diagnose your issue. Having this information will help me better communicate the symptoms to my workshop and hopefully lead to a quick resolution like in your case.

MBeck87 (Author)

Thanks for sharing those details about your own repair experience. The situation definitely seems very similar, my Q7 has the exact symptoms you described. The sudden onset during highway driving and those inconsistent pressure sensor readings match perfectly. After trying those longer drives without success, I now understand why the DPF regeneration attempts failed. Makes complete sense that the emission control system cant function properly with unreliable pressure sensor data. I will schedule an appointment this week to have the exhaust system checked, focusing first on the pressure sensor before exploring more expensive repairs. The 245 Euro cost you mentioned for sensor replacement and regeneration seems very reasonable compared to a full DPF replacement. Really appreciate you explaining how the intermittent sensor readings helped diagnose your issue. Having this information will help me better communicate the symptoms to my workshop and hopefully lead to a quick resolution like in your case.

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