2021-2022 Audi 3.0 TFSI 'Please reduce oil level' Message TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021-2022 Audi 3.0 TFSI vehicles may observe a warning message in the instrument cluster or MMI stating, "Please reduce oil level". This indicates that the engine's oil level is detected as being too high.

Technical Background

This condition, where the Audi 3.0 TFSI oil level too high message appears, is often linked to the engine's design for high thermal efficiency. When the engine rarely reaches its optimal operating temperature, fuel evaporation from the oil may not be complete. Frequent short trips, especially in colder climates, can increase fuel dilution in the engine oil, leading to the elevated oil level. The engine typically reaches its fully stabilized operating temperature when the oil temperature is between 176°F (80°C) and 248°F (120°C).

Important Notes for Owners

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 21 01 2054893/5 includes crucial advisories:

• If a technician determines that the actual oil level is not above the maximum, this bulletin does not apply, and further repair steps should not be performed under this TSB.
• If your vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only, meaning any associated costs may not be covered.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the "Please reduce oil level" condition, a technician will verify the actual engine oil level using a special tool, dipstick T40178, following the procedures outlined in the Elsa Repair Manual. This step is critical to confirm that the oil level is indeed above the maximum before proceeding with any further actions.

Repair Procedure Summary

For vehicles experiencing the Audi 3.0 TFSI oil level too high message, the repair procedure involves both customer education and a service action:

1. Customer Information: Owners will be informed that the condition is often a result of repetitive short-distance driving. They will be advised that the engine needs to be occasionally fully warmed up, recommending a 30-minute or longer highway drive or ensuring the engine oil reaches 80°C (176°F) or above. This practice helps reduce fuel dilution.
2. Courtesy Oil Change: For a first-time visit concerning this issue, a one-time oil and filter change will be performed as a courtesy, following the ELSA Repair Manual.
3. Repeat Customers: For customers who return with the same concern, the advice regarding engine warm-up will be reiterated. Alternatively, another oil change may be performed under the Audi Customer Accommodation Program (CAP) or goodwill policy.

Required Tools and Parts

Technicians will utilize specific tools and parts for this service:

• VAS 6160/VAS 6150: A VAS tester with the current version of ODIS (Windows 10) for diagnostics.
• T40178B: A specialized dipstick for accurate oil level verification.
• 06M198405F: The specified oil filter.
• Oil: As specified in ETKA/ELSA.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed per the Repair Manual, listed in ETKA/ELSA.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this issue are handled under specific guidelines:

• Claim Type: 110 (for vehicles up to 48 months/50,000 miles) or G10 (for CPO Covered Vehicles, requiring owner verification).
• Service Number: 1711
• Damage Code: 0010
• Labor Operations: Performing an oil change (Labor Operation 1701 9999, 70 Time Units).
• Diagnostic Time: GFF (No allowance).
• Road Test: No allowance for road tests before or after the service procedure.
• Claim Comment: Claims must reference TSB #2054893/5. All warranty claims are subject to Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10189528