Audi Check Engine Light | Troubleshooting Guide

In this guide, we explain what an Audi check engine light means and go over the common problems that may trigger an Audi Check Engine Light (CEL).

You will also find step-by-step instructions on reading Audi check engine light codes yourself using an OBD-II scanner.

Symptoms

Here are a few things you may notice when your Audi check engine light turns on.

Check engine light flashing and engine shaking.
EPC and check engine light come on.
Reduced engine power.
A decrease in fuel economy.
The vehicle goes in limp mode.
Check Engine Light with the lightning bolt comes on.

If the problem is less serious, you may not notice any symptoms except the check engine light. Even if you don't notice any symptoms, diagnose your Audi as soon as possible.

What Does Audi Check Engine Light Mean?

audi check engine light with lighting bolt

If your Audi check engine light stays on, it means the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system has detected a problem. Fault codes, often referred to as Diagnostic Trouble Code or DTC, gets stored in the Engine Control Unit (ECU).

The problem could be emissions-related such as a loose gas cap, but it can also indicate a serious problem such as a faulty transmission valve body.

If your Audi check engine light comes on and there are no other symptoms, the first thing that you should do is tighten the gas cap.

If your Audi check engine light doesn't reset within three to four days, it is time to read the codes. See the instructions below.

Common Causes

This is a list of common problems that will trigger the Audi check engine light to come on.

Oxygen Sensor - Reduced power and increased fuel consumption.
Worn spark plugs - Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and in some cases, even engine shaking due to a misfire.
Ignition Coils / Coilpacks - Unburned fuel, engine shaking, catalytic converter glowing red.
Vacuum leaks - Unstable idle RPMs due to Intake Air System Leak from cracked and loose hoses.
Bad catalytic converter A fault code pointing to Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold. Difficulty accelerating, especially uphill.
Low-quality gas - Check engine light on and reduced power.
Turbo Problem - Reduced power
Ignition Control Module - Will typically trigger multiple cylinder misfire codes.

How to Diagnose Audi Check Engine Light

Follow these steps to read the check engine light on any that's the model year 1996 or newer.

For this procedure, you can use a generic OBD-II scanner, but an Audi OBD-II scanner that will read Audi manufacturer codes is recommended.

Locate the OBD-2 port under the dashboard on the driver's side.
Plugin your OBD-2 Scanner into the OBD2 port.
Turn key to position II. All the dashboard lights will turn on. Do not start the vehicle. If your Audi has a Start/Stop button, you will need to press the Start button without pressing the brake pedal.
Allow the OBD2 scanner to turn on and connect to your Audi Engine Control Unit (ECU).
Read / Clear Audi Codes. Read Audi check engine light codes from the Engine Control Unit (ECU). Follow the same procedure to clear the fault codes by going to the Erase Faults (DTC) menu option.

We don't recommend clearing the Audi check engine light without fixing the problem.

First, you need to read the codes. Figure out why the CEL turned on and fix the problem.

Once you find what caused your Audi check engine light to come on and fix the problem, you can use the OBD-II scanner to clear the code as long as no other codes are present.

These instructions work on all 1996 and newer Audi vehicles, including the A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, Q3, Q5, Q7, and TT models.

Audi check engine light is flashing.

audi check engine light on due to bad spark plug ignition coil pack A1 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 Q3 Q5 Q7 TT

If your Audi check engine light is flashing, it indicates an engine misfire, which means fuel is not getting burnt efficiently in the cylinders.

Engine shaking is often caused by a worn spark plug, bad ignition coil, Ignition Control Module (ICM), or bad catalytic converter.

It is not recommended to drive an Audi if the engine light is flashing. Operating an Audi for an extended time when the check engine light is flashing will damage vehicle components.

It is better to have the car towed to prevent further engine problems. Under these conditions, the car may also go into limp mode (transmission not shifting gears).

If your Audi CEL light is flashing, it indicates that the problem is more serious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I clear the check engine light without fixing the problem?

Clearing Audi check engine lights without fixing the issues will not solve the problem. In fact, if you fix the problem that caused your Audi check engine light to come on but didn't clear the light, the CEL will reset on its own, typically within 5 or 6 driving cycles.

Do I have to use a scanner to reset the Audi check engine light if the problem is fixed?

You don't need to use a scanner to reset the Audi check engine light as long as the problem was resolved. Within two to three days of normal driving, the check engine light will reset itself (CEL will turn off).

Can I drive with the check engine light on?

Yes, as long as the check engine light is not flashing. If the CEL remains on after a few days, you will need to read the codes. Don't ignore Audi check engine lights even if the car drives fine.

Can a Loose Gas Cap Turn on Audi Check Engine light?

Why is my Audi check engine light on?

To find out why your Audi check engine light is on, you or your mechanic can use an OBD-II scanner to read the fault codes via the diagnostic port under the dashboard.

By YOUCANIC Automotive Experts

Published on: Friday, March 16, 2018.
Updated on: Friday, January 22, 2021

Vehicle: Audi

Difficulty:

DIY Cost:

Est. Time: 15-30 min

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Comments

After two weeks in the shop, the check engine light is on. Supposed to get emissions test done. A fault in the line apparantly, the sensors get blocked. Was some kind of recall at some point. Mine is 2010 with 160,000 miles. Does anyone know if I can get this fixed? Already spent $1,500 on trying.

I won't say I am surprised. This is a cause of concern for many owners. I would first like to ask you if you have tried to reset the computer? Did that help? If not, it is possible that the 2 garages who checked your car might not have had appropriate tools. A good place to start is to take it to an Audi Dealerships, since they have the latest tools. Many old scanners just churn out generic codes and old ones might not even be able to detect all problems. Many times, the light might be a sign that your car emissions are more than what is good for the environment. This does not always show up on the scanner but can be a problem. Lastly, revisit what happened after you saw the engine light. Were you in an accident? Did you send your car for repairs? Did someone else drive your car. Look at these things and you might be able to find some issue. At the very least an Engine light that is on is very very irritating. But, never ignore it - it might be a small problem which is gradually creeping up.

I had the check engine light come on in my 2008 Audi A6. At firt I was warried as didnt' want to spend hundred on a repair. Got a $20 scanner on Amazon and read the codes. It turned out I had left my gas cap loose. Got a new gas cap and installed it anyway. Reset the light and it hasn't come on yet. I guess it would have turned off in a couple of days but at least I was able to figure this out on my own. I am grateful for your help.

I have a 2009 Audi a4 2.0 tdi s line. The engine light has been on now for about a year and its telling us it's the dpf area, 2 garages have checked and double checked and cannot find any fault with the car at all ?? Can anyone help!!??

What codes did it read on the scanner for you to figure it was the loose gas cap ?

Hi there,
Engine light doesn't come ' On' the car cranks and RPM isn't moving.
I've tried 3 times in 10sec intervals, but then the battery goes flat.
The Engine light only comes on immediately after I stop cranking.

Audi Check Engine Light | Troubleshooting Guide In this guide, we explain what an Audi check engine light means and go over the common problems that may trigger an Audi Check Engine Light (CEL). You will also find step-by-step instructions on reading Audi check engine light codes yourself using an OBD-II scanner.