2021 Audi Q8 MIL On, EVAP System Small Leak DTC P044200 TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2065287/2 to address an issue affecting various 2021 Audi models, including the 2021 Audi Q8. This bulletin specifically targets instances where the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates due to a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P044200, indicating a small leak in the EVAP (Evaporative Emissions Control System).

The TSB, which was updated on January 3, 2022, and supersedes the initial publication dated December 22, 2021 (TSB 2065287/1), provides a repair procedure for this specific condition. Owners of an affected 2021 Audi Q8 experiencing a MIL illumination should be aware of this bulletin.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles will typically notice the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated on their dashboard. This is the primary indicator that a fault has been detected within the vehicle's emissions system. If your 2021 Audi Q8 MIL on P044200 is present, it points to this specific issue.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the MIL is on, a scan of the vehicle's engine control module (ECM), identified as J623 (address word 0001), will reveal specific diagnostic trouble codes. The primary code associated with this issue is:

• DTC P044200: EVAP Emissions Control System (Small Leak) Detected, accompanied by symptom code 19801.

Another related DTC, P045600 (EVAP Emissions Control System (Very Small Leak) Leak Detected), is also mentioned in the bulletin, indicating a similar type of fault.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The technical background for this issue points to an internal defect within the EVAP leak detection pump, designated as GX36. This defect causes the pump to falsely detect a leak in the EVAP system, even when no actual leak is present. This false detection then triggers the MIL and stores the relevant DTCs in the ECM.

Important Warnings

Audi has introduced an optimized version of the GX36 EVAP leak detection pump for MY22 (Model Year 2022) vehicles. It is crucial to note that this optimized GX36 is not backward compatible with previous model years. Technicians are explicitly instructed: "Do not install the MY22 GX36 into older vehicles." Attempting to install the newer pump into an older model year vehicle will not resolve the issue and could lead to further complications.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in TSB 2065287/2 involves a two-step process:

1. Initial Leak Confirmation: Before replacing any parts, technicians must first confirm that there is no actual leak present in the EVAP system caused by other components. If another component is indeed the source of an actual leak, this TSB does not apply, and that component should be addressed.
2. EVAP LD Pump Replacement: If no other failures or actual leaks can be found after thorough inspection, the EVAP LD Pump GX36 should be replaced. This addresses the internal defect causing the false leak detection that triggers the 2021 Audi Q8 MIL on P044200.

Labor operations involved include removing and reinstalling the leak diagnosis pump (service number 2048 XXXX) and the rear-wheel housing liners (6676 1900). Diagnostic time for checking and clearing fault codes (0150 0000) is also accounted for.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, specific parts and tools are necessary:

• LD Pump (DMTL): The replacement leak detection pump. Technicians must refer to ETKA (Electronic Parts Catalog) and the vehicle's VIN to ensure the correct, VIN-specific part is ordered.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, per the ETKA/ELSA Repair Manual.
• VAS 6160/VAS 6150: A VAS tester equipped with the current version of ODIS (Offboard Diagnostic Information System) running on Windows 10 is required for diagnostics and clearing fault codes.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under Audi's New Vehicle Limited Warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage falls under claim type G10, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only, meaning the repair cost would typically be the owner's responsibility. The service number for warranty claims is 2048, and the damage code is 0010. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

NHTSA ID: 10206879