Audi SQ5 Idle Issues Point to Faulty Air Valve Fix

As an SQ5 owner mentioned vacuum issues, this sounds familiar to what I experienced on my 2012 Audi S4. The symptoms match a vacuum leak causing idle problems, which turned out to be a deteriorated hose connection between the brake booster pump and check valve. The idle fluctuation and check engine light are classic indicators of manifold pressure issues. When the throttle body tries to compensate for unmetered air entering through a vacuum leak, it creates unstable idle conditions. In my case, the repair involved replacing the entire vacuum line assembly since the original rubber had become brittle. This was a serious issue that needed immediate attention, as vacuum leaks can cause increased fuel consumption and potential damage to other components if left unchecked. For proper diagnosis, a smoke test of the air intake system revealed the exact location of the leak. The repair required accessing components behind the intake manifold, making it a technical job requiring specific knowledge of Audi engines. Getting a second opinion is always worthwhile when dealing with air intake system issues, as proper diagnosis is crucial. A competent technician should be able to verify vacuum leaks using proper testing equipment rather than making assumptions.

Thanks for sharing that detailed repair experience. I dealt with similar engine stalling issues and inconsistent idle on my SQ5. After noticing the check engine light, I also discovered air supply problems due to a faulty throttle body sensor. The symptoms match what you described. Did you track how much the full repair ended up costing? And has everything stayed fixed since, or have you noticed any other air intake related issues popping up?

Had the repair done last week and glad to report the air valve issue is completely resolved. The total came to 175 Euro for fixing the faulty hose connection between the pump and valve. Since the repair, the engine idle has been rock steady and the check engine light has stayed off. The vacuum leak was causing those exact symptoms you mentioned, the stalling and inconsistent idle. The mechanic performed a thorough check of the entire air intake system to ensure there were no other failing components that could cause problems down the line. The air supply is now properly regulated and the engine runs smoothly. No other issues have emerged since the fix. The repair cost was reasonable considering the technical nature of accessing and replacing those particular components. This type of vacuum leak repair typically provides a lasting solution when done correctly.

Finally got it fixed yesterday after getting a second opinion. The new shop diagnosed the throttle body sensor and several damaged vacuum hoses. Total repair came to 320 Euro, including parts and labor. While more expensive than expected, the engine stalling has completely stopped and idle is perfect now. The mechanic was professional and showed me the worn vacuum hoses before replacing them. Much better experience than my previous repair attempt. They also cleaned the air intake system while everything was apart, which helped overall performance. Really glad I asked here first and got that second opinion. The problems matched exactly what others described, and now the car runs like new. Will definitely keep an eye on the vacuum hoses during future maintenance to catch any issues early.