2021-2022 Audi Q7/Q8 3.0TFSI Engine Misfire PSS 01

Symptoms

Owners of 2021-2022 Audi Q7 and Q8 vehicles with the 3.0TFSI (DCBD) engine may observe several indicators of an Audi Q7 Q8 engine misfire. These symptoms typically include the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminating or flashing on the dashboard. Customers might also report general engine misfires.

Specifically, this issue is characterized by misfire Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored for more than one cylinder on Bank 2 of the engine. These misfires are often recorded under specific ambient conditions, such as occurring at or near the same timestamp. The engine operating condition is frequently noted as "Leerlauf" (idle in German), or when the vehicle speed is at or near 0 km/h. It's important to note that the vehicle may not be actively misfiring when inspected in the workshop.

Fault Codes / DTCs

If your Audi Q7 or Q8 is experiencing an Audi Q7 Q8 engine misfire, diagnostic scans may reveal specific fault codes related to cylinder misfires on Bank 2. The following are examples of DTCs that may be stored:

Code	Description	Module
P030500	Cyl.5 Misfire	Engine
P030600	Cyl.6 Misfire	Engine

These codes indicate misfires detected on cylinder 5 and cylinder 6, respectively, which are located on Bank 2 of the 3.0TFSI engine.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Diagnosis for this specific Audi Q7 Q8 engine misfire condition requires careful attention to the stored DTC ambient conditions. Technicians should verify that the misfires occurred at or near the same timestamp and specifically during engine operation at idle or near 0 km/h speed. This is crucial because the vehicle might not be misfiring when brought into the workshop for examination.

The Technical Service Bulletin PSS 01 2054182/5 specifies that this bulletin applies only if the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is on or flashing, or if the customer reports misfires. Additionally, misfire DTCs must be stored for more than one cylinder on Bank 2, and the ambient conditions associated with these DTCs must show misfires occurring at idle ("Leerlauf") or at very low vehicle speeds. If these specific criteria are not met, the vehicle should be diagnosed using the standard GFF process.

Technical Background

The root cause of this Audi Q7 Q8 engine misfire issue is identified as a software calibration problem within the engine control unit. This calibration can lead to misfires under certain running conditions, particularly when using winter blend fuel, which typically has a higher vapor pressure. This condition is more prevalent during the colder winter months.

Audi is actively working on an improved software solution to address this issue permanently. This production solution is anticipated to be released in the fourth quarter of 2021.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi Technical Service Bulletin PSS 01 2054182/5 provides a critical instruction for technicians and, by extension, for owners. If your vehicle exhibits the symptoms described and meets the diagnostic criteria, do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern. This means that replacing parts like spark plugs, ignition coils, or injectors will not fix the underlying software issue causing the Audi Q7 Q8 engine misfire.

Repair Procedure Summary

For vehicles presenting with the Audi Q7 Q8 engine misfire symptoms and meeting the specific conditions outlined in TSB PSS 01 2054182/5, the current service procedure is as follows:

1. The technician will first clear any stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) from the vehicle's memory.
2. Following the DTC clearing, the vehicle will undergo a test drive to confirm if the faults return.
3. If no faults reappear after the test drive, the customer will be informed that a permanent software solution is currently under development. This solution is expected to be released in the fourth quarter of 2021.
4. Crucially, technicians are instructed not to replace any components for this condition, as doing so will not resolve the underlying issue.
5. A PSS (Pending Service Solutions) record will be created by the dealership to track the issue and ensure the customer is aware of the forthcoming software update.

This TSB is for informational purposes and does not apply to any Audi Warranty claims.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021-2022 Audi Q7 or Q8 with the 3.0TFSI (DCBD) engine and are experiencing an Audi Q7 Q8 engine misfire, especially with the MIL light on or flashing, or if you notice misfires at idle, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership. While a permanent fix is pending, your dealer can perform the diagnostic steps outlined in Technical Service Bulletin PSS 01 2054182/5. They will clear the DTCs and confirm the condition, informing you about the upcoming software update. It is important to remember that no parts should be replaced for this specific issue, as it will not resolve the problem.

NHTSA ID: 10190237