Q3 TDI Smoke & DPF Warning After Poor Service Work

Had the same issue on my 2013 Audi Q5 TDI. The vehicle diagnostics pointed to a failing exhaust back pressure sensor, which initially showed similar symptoms, black smoke during acceleration and warning lights. The exhaust sensor replacement alone did not solve it. After proper diagnosis, it turned out the complete exhaust system had excessive soot buildup, affecting the back pressure readings. The DPF was not regenerating properly due to incorrect pressure readings. The repair required: Replacing the pressure sensor, Cleaning the DPF, Reprogramming the engine control unit, Full system diagnostic check This was a serious issue that needed immediate attention to prevent engine damage. The faulty sensor caused incorrect fuel mixture and improper DPF regeneration cycles. These symptoms match your Q3 scenario precisely. Get it checked soon, as running the engine with incorrect back pressure readings can lead to more expensive repairs. A proper vehicle diagnostic scan should confirm if its the sensor before any parts get replaced.

Thanks for sharing your Q5 experience. I recently had very similar problems with my Q3, the black smoke and warning lights were driving me crazy. The exhaust system problems really matched what you described. The back pressure sensor replacement and DPF cleaning fixed it for me. Engine performance is back to normal now with no warning lights for the past few months. Just wondering, do you remember roughly what you paid for the full repair? Also, has everything stayed problem-free since the fix? Mine is still fairly new but I want to stay ahead of any potential issues.

Thanks for the follow-up. Great to hear your Q3 is running well again. Since getting my exhaust back pressure sensor replaced, the engine performance has been perfect with zero warning lights. The repair cost me 245 Euro for the sensor replacement, which was reasonable considering how critical this component is for proper emission control. The car has been running flawlessly for over a year now with no exhaust issues. Regular car maintenance and keeping an eye on warning signs has helped prevent any recurrence. The black smoke completely disappeared after fixing the faulty sensor, and the DPF regeneration cycles are now working as intended. To prevent future problems, I recommend monitoring any changes in engine performance or unusual exhaust behavior. These sensors are crucial for proper fuel mixture and emissions, so catching issues early helps avoid costlier repairs down the line.

Got my car fixed last week and wanted to close this thread with my experience. After comparing several auto repair shops, found one specializing in vehicle diagnostics for diesel engines. The total repair came to 890 Euro: Back pressure sensor: 245 Euro, DPF cleaning: 420 Euro, Labor and diagnostic work: 225 Euro The exhaust system is working perfectly now. No more black smoke during acceleration and all warning lights are off. Engine performance is noticeably better, the sluggish response is completely gone. The shop did a thorough car maintenance check and found no other issues. For anyone facing similar problems: get it checked early. Driving with a faulty sensor can lead to bigger problems. The repair was not cheap but definitely worth it to avoid more expensive engine damage later. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice that pointed me in the right direction. Case closed on this exhaust sensor drama.