Audi S6 Diesel: Troubleshooting Exhaust Flap Issues

Having some experience with exhaust systems, I encountered a similar issue on my 2020 Audi S4 diesel. The symptoms were almost identical, loud exhaust noise and unusual sounds during cold starts. The problem turned out to be a defective exhaust flap motor, which was causing improper flap operation. This affected engine performance and created that distinct noise pattern youre describing. My repair process involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Inspection of the exhaust flaps and actuator system, Replacement of the flap motor assembly, System recalibration Total cost was 190 Euro including parts and labor. The repair resolved both the noise issue and the error codes. Before suggesting specific solutions, it would help to know: Current mileage on your S6? Are you noticing any performance changes? Does the noise change with engine temperature? Any other warning lights on the dashboard? This could help determine if youre facing an exhaust blockage or specifically an exhaust flap issue like I had. The symptoms align closely with my experience, but these details would help confirm.

Having some experience with exhaust systems, I encountered a similar issue on my 2020 Audi S4 diesel. The symptoms were almost identical, loud exhaust noise and unusual sounds during cold starts. The problem turned out to be a defective exhaust flap motor, which was causing improper flap operation. This affected engine performance and created that distinct noise pattern youre describing. My repair process involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Inspection of the exhaust flaps and actuator system, Replacement of the flap motor assembly, System recalibration Total cost was 190 Euro including parts and labor. The repair resolved both the noise issue and the error codes. Before suggesting specific solutions, it would help to know: Current mileage on your S6? Are you noticing any performance changes? Does the noise change with engine temperature? Any other warning lights on the dashboard? This could help determine if youre facing an exhaust blockage or specifically an exhaust flap issue like I had. The symptoms align closely with my experience, but these details would help confirm.

Having some experience with exhaust systems, I encountered a similar issue on my 2020 Audi S4 diesel. The symptoms were almost identical, loud exhaust noise and unusual sounds during cold starts. The problem turned out to be a defective exhaust flap motor, which was causing improper flap operation. This affected engine performance and created that distinct noise pattern youre describing. My repair process involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Inspection of the exhaust flaps and actuator system, Replacement of the flap motor assembly, System recalibration Total cost was 190 Euro including parts and labor. The repair resolved both the noise issue and the error codes. Before suggesting specific solutions, it would help to know: Current mileage on your S6? Are you noticing any performance changes? Does the noise change with engine temperature? Any other warning lights on the dashboard? This could help determine if youre facing an exhaust blockage or specifically an exhaust flap issue like I had. The symptoms align closely with my experience, but these details would help confirm.

Last service was at 30000 KM and current mileage is 33107 KM. Yes, I notice performance changes especially during acceleration. The noise does decrease when the engine warms up, and there are no warning lights on the dashboard. Since the exhaust components are still under warranty, I am going to schedule a dealership visit to have them check the exhaust system thoroughly. The exhaust repair will hopefully be covered under warranty since these symptoms started recently.

Last service was at 30000 KM and current mileage is 33107 KM. Yes, I notice performance changes especially during acceleration. The noise does decrease when the engine warms up, and there are no warning lights on the dashboard. Since the exhaust components are still under warranty, I am going to schedule a dealership visit to have them check the exhaust system thoroughly. The exhaust repair will hopefully be covered under warranty since these symptoms started recently.

Last service was at 30000 KM and current mileage is 33107 KM. Yes, I notice performance changes especially during acceleration. The noise does decrease when the engine warms up, and there are no warning lights on the dashboard. Since the exhaust components are still under warranty, I am going to schedule a dealership visit to have them check the exhaust system thoroughly. The exhaust repair will hopefully be covered under warranty since these symptoms started recently.

Thanks for providing those details. On my S4, I had similar mileage (around 35000 KM) when the exhaust flap actuator started acting up. The performance changes during acceleration and noise reduction after warm-up match my experience exactly. Going to the dealership is definitely the right move since your car is under warranty. When they diagnosed my issue, they found that the flap actuator had developed internal wear causing inconsistent operation. This affected the exhaust system flow and created those cold-start symptoms. A few warranty repair tips based on my experience: Request they specifically check the flap actuator operation, Ask them to inspect for any exhaust blockage that could cause similar symptoms, Have them perform a full diagnostic scan to document all error codes, Make sure they test drive after repairs to verify normal operation The dealership should cover all parts and labor if its similar to my case. They might also update the control module software while theyre at it, which helped prevent the issue from recurring on my car.

Thanks for providing those details. On my S4, I had similar mileage (around 35000 KM) when the exhaust flap actuator started acting up. The performance changes during acceleration and noise reduction after warm-up match my experience exactly. Going to the dealership is definitely the right move since your car is under warranty. When they diagnosed my issue, they found that the flap actuator had developed internal wear causing inconsistent operation. This affected the exhaust system flow and created those cold-start symptoms. A few warranty repair tips based on my experience: Request they specifically check the flap actuator operation, Ask them to inspect for any exhaust blockage that could cause similar symptoms, Have them perform a full diagnostic scan to document all error codes, Make sure they test drive after repairs to verify normal operation The dealership should cover all parts and labor if its similar to my case. They might also update the control module software while theyre at it, which helped prevent the issue from recurring on my car.

Thanks for providing those details. On my S4, I had similar mileage (around 35000 KM) when the exhaust flap actuator started acting up. The performance changes during acceleration and noise reduction after warm-up match my experience exactly. Going to the dealership is definitely the right move since your car is under warranty. When they diagnosed my issue, they found that the flap actuator had developed internal wear causing inconsistent operation. This affected the exhaust system flow and created those cold-start symptoms. A few warranty repair tips based on my experience: Request they specifically check the flap actuator operation, Ask them to inspect for any exhaust blockage that could cause similar symptoms, Have them perform a full diagnostic scan to document all error codes, Make sure they test drive after repairs to verify normal operation The dealership should cover all parts and labor if its similar to my case. They might also update the control module software while theyre at it, which helped prevent the issue from recurring on my car.

Thank you all for the helpful replies. I have scheduled the dealership appointment for next week to address these exhaust system issues. The similarities with other cases, especially regarding the flap actuator problems, are quite revealing. Will make sure to have them perform a complete diagnostic and check the exhaust valves thoroughly since the symptoms match what others experienced. Its reassuring to know this is likely a warranty-covered repair based on my cars age and mileage. The fact that engine performance improves after warm-up and the correlation with exhaust noise really points toward the flap mechanism. Will update once the dealership completes their inspection and repairs. The only concern now is being without the car during repairs, but its better to address this early before it potentially affects other engine performance components. Looking forward to having the normal exhaust sound back and proper cold start operation.

Thank you all for the helpful replies. I have scheduled the dealership appointment for next week to address these exhaust system issues. The similarities with other cases, especially regarding the flap actuator problems, are quite revealing. Will make sure to have them perform a complete diagnostic and check the exhaust valves thoroughly since the symptoms match what others experienced. Its reassuring to know this is likely a warranty-covered repair based on my cars age and mileage. The fact that engine performance improves after warm-up and the correlation with exhaust noise really points toward the flap mechanism. Will update once the dealership completes their inspection and repairs. The only concern now is being without the car during repairs, but its better to address this early before it potentially affects other engine performance components. Looking forward to having the normal exhaust sound back and proper cold start operation.

Thank you all for the helpful replies. I have scheduled the dealership appointment for next week to address these exhaust system issues. The similarities with other cases, especially regarding the flap actuator problems, are quite revealing. Will make sure to have them perform a complete diagnostic and check the exhaust valves thoroughly since the symptoms match what others experienced. Its reassuring to know this is likely a warranty-covered repair based on my cars age and mileage. The fact that engine performance improves after warm-up and the correlation with exhaust noise really points toward the flap mechanism. Will update once the dealership completes their inspection and repairs. The only concern now is being without the car during repairs, but its better to address this early before it potentially affects other engine performance components. Looking forward to having the normal exhaust sound back and proper cold start operation.