Audi A6 AdBlue Countdown Timer Fault

Luxury vehicles are often a source of pride and joy for their owners, and Audi is no exception. Although Audi cars are made with high-quality components, they may still experience faults and malfunctions. This blog post will explore the world of Audi AdBlue maintenance, highlighting the expertise and skills of our talented Audi technicians at Fergies.

Our team of experienced technicians employ a 15-step diagnostic process to accurately identify any issues with your vehicle, ensuring no unnecessary repairs are made. We take pride in offering you excellent value and providing a first-time fix for all your Audi troubles. Whether you are dealing with a minor problem or a major breakdown, we guarantee that you will leave our garage with a well-maintained Audi and a smile.

With that said, let’s get into it!

What is Audi Diesel AdBlue? 

Audi was among the pioneering brands in Europe to incorporate a diesel engine into a luxury vehicle like the Audi A6. The engine proved to be dependable and offered an exceptional driving experience. However, emissions continued to be a concern.

More than ten years ago, Audi introduced AdBlue into their engine exhaust systems as a means to decrease harmful emissions from their diesel vehicles. Audi AdBlue is a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) composed of a solution containing urea and deionised water. AdBlue is stored in a separate tank and automatically injected into the exhaust system while driving. When introduced into the exhaust system, AdBlue aids in the conversion of nitrogen oxide emissions into benign nitrogen and water vapour.

The use of AdBlue enables Audi vehicles to comply with emissions regulations, successfully pass the annual MOT test, and diminish the environmental impact of diesel engines.

Audi A6 Diesel AdBlue Case Study

A recent client of ours at Fergies reported that their 2016 Audi A6 was emitting excess emissions. When they brought their vehicle in for inspection, our Audi specialist inspected the issue and located the problem – the countdown timer on the AdBlue system.

Here’s what we found…

The Faults 

In order to address the client’s AdBlue issue in their Audi A6, our skilled Audi technician at Fergies initially performed a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle, uncovering various clues that could aid in the repair process.

Despite refilling the AdBlue fluid, both the countdown timer and the AdBlue warning continued to appear on the dashboard. Consequently, our Audi technician suspected a potential problem with the Engine Management System (EMS) and the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).

The client informed us that they had previously taken the car to an Audi dealer, who proposed an alternative component as the source of the issue and conducted a software update. Regrettably, this attempted repair proved unsuccessful.

Fortunately, the client discovered Fergies through positive customer reviews and blog posts while searching for a local Audi specialist. They had confidence in our ability to address the AdBlue problem in their Audi A6, and they were absolutely correct!

Drawing upon years of experience in dealing with AdBlue problems, our seasoned Audi technician approached the issue with confidence. It became evident that both the Engine Management System (EMS) and the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) were accountable for the malfunction.

To provide a comprehensive solution, our Audi specialist carried out a meticulous 15-step diagnostic assessment. At Fergies, our troubleshooter technicians adhere to this process to efficiently and effectively resolve issues. We do not rely on guesswork and avoid unnecessary component replacements. Instead, we pride ourselves on delivering a first-time fix and exceptional service, all while offering excellent value.

The Diagnostic Procedure   

Our technician immediately began our trusted 15-step diagnostic process as soon as the Audi A6 was in our care.

We conducted a brief test drive to identify any potential issues with the vehicle. It’s essential to perform test drives to diagnose problems that may not be apparent when the vehicle is stationary. Test-driving the Audi enabled our technician to experience how it behaved firsthand and detect any problems that require attention.

At Fergies, our Audi expert utilised the advanced technology used by Audi dealerships to scan the vehicle for any possible fault codes. As anticipated, they detected multiple issues concerning the SCR system that demanded further examination.

Prior to analysing the SCR system, our technician performed real-time data inspections on the exhaust gas’s incoming and outgoing signals. The incoming signal originates from the engine’s exhaust gas, which carries harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides. On the other hand, the outgoing signal refers to the treated exhaust gas that has gone through the SCR system. If the system is functioning properly, it should eliminate pollutants by transforming them into benign nitrogen and water vapour.

Additionally, our Audi specialist noticed an anomaly in the signals and decided to investigate the repair history from the previous garage. This is a straightforward way to expedite the diagnostic process, but unfortunately, it did not yield any solutions in this particular case.

Our technician proceeded to inspect the AdBlue fluid levels and discovered that the fluid met the recommended standards and was of excellent quality. It’s common for some Audi owners to opt for lower-quality AdBlue fluid to save money, but it can be detrimental to the vehicle’s engine. Thankfully, our client had always used the recommended AdBlue for their Audi A6, so there was no cause for concern.

Now, we were placed in a puzzling situation where the fluid was in good condition, the software was working properly, and the issue was not a common or obvious fault. Our specialist suspected that the problem might be related to hardware and, therefore, decided to conduct further investigation.

Upon inspection of the AdBlue pump, our technician discovered the root cause of the issue. It was determined that the pump was not generating sufficient pressure to distribute the AdBlue fluid throughout the system efficiently.

As soon as our technician identified the problem, they began the repair process.

Fixing the Problem 

Our Audi specialist performed multiple tests and discovered that they were unable to achieve the necessary pressure from the AdBlue pump. The only viable resolution was to replace the defective component and install a new one.

Finally, the AdBlue pump in the Audi was replaced by our knowledgeable expert, followed by refilling the AdBlue liquid and checking the pressure levels. A thorough scan revealed no errors, indicating that the system was now operating smoothly once more. Our client was then informed of the fix, and to their delight, they could now pick up the keys and drive out of our garage wearing a wide smile!

In Summary

Our Audi specialist used their extensive knowledge and experience to address our client’s Audi A6 problem with confidence and determination. Despite facing challenges, they trusted in their expertise and training to identify the root cause of the AdBlue issue.

At Fergies, our top priority is to offer you a comprehensive solution that is worth your investment. Our technicians are adept at promptly identifying any issue and providing top-quality fixes. In addition, we utilise our 15-point diagnostic approach to accurately diagnose any problem, determine its root cause, and perform an effective remedy.

Why bother going to Newbury Audi for repairs when we are dedicated to delivering dealer-level experience and service, along with better-than-dealer value, to every customer?

You can rely on our team at Fergies to expertly diagnose and mend any problem with your Audi. Reach out to us today to book an appointment.

Call Now 01635 778002 Save on Audi Servicing