2018-2022 Audi Models 'Reduce Oil Level' Message TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 01 23 34 2054893/6 to address instances where the "Please reduce oil level" message appears in the instrument cluster or MMI of various 2018-2022 Audi models. This bulletin, dated January 5, 2023, supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 01 number 21-01, which was dated March 23, 2021.

This TSB applies to 2018-2022 Audi S4, S5, S5 Cabriolet, S5 Sportback, SQ5, RS 5, RS 5 Sportback, S6, A6 allroad, S8, Q7, and A8 e quattro models equipped with the 3.0L engine. The issue is primarily linked to fuel dilution in the engine oil.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may observe the following message displayed in the instrument cluster or MMI:

• "Please reduce oil level"

This message indicates that the engine oil level is too high, prompting a need for inspection and potential correction.

Technical Background

Modern Audi engines, such as the 3.0L DKMB engine, are designed for high thermal efficiency. This can lead to a condition where the engine rarely reaches its optimal operating temperature, especially during frequent short trips or in cold weather climates. When the engine does not fully warm up (reaching 176°F/80°C to 248°F/120°C oil temperature), fuel evaporation from the engine oil may be incomplete.

This incomplete evaporation can cause fuel to dilute the engine oil, increasing its volume and triggering the "Please reduce oil level" warning. The condition can often be mitigated by allowing the engine to reach its fully stabilized operating temperature more frequently.

Diagnosis

When a customer reports the "Please reduce oil level" message, technicians must first verify the actual oil level. This is done using special tool T40178B (dipstick) in conjunction with the Elsa Repair Manual procedures.

Important Note: If the oil level is not found to be above the maximum mark during this verification, Technical Service Bulletin 01 23 34 2054893/6 does not apply, and further diagnostic steps outlined in the bulletin should not be followed.

Repair Procedure Summary

For vehicles confirmed to have an excessively high oil level due to fuel dilution, the following steps are recommended:

For First-Time Visits

1. Customer Education: Inform the customer that the condition is often due to repetitive and extremely short-distance driving. Advise them that the engine needs to be fully warmed up occasionally. For example, a 30-minute or longer highway drive, or ensuring the engine oil reaches 80°C (176°F) or above, can help prevent this condition. Partial load and highway driving are preferable to reduce eventual fuel dilution.
2. Service Action: Perform a courtesy one-time oil and filter change on the vehicle according to the ELSA repair manual.

For Repeat Customers

1. Customer Education: Reiterate the advice to occasionally warm up the vehicle as stated above.
2. Service Action: Alternatively, perform an oil change under CAP/Goodwill consideration.

Required Parts and Tools

Technicians will need the following parts and tools for this service:

• Oil Filter: Part number 06M198405F
• Oil: Refer to ETKA for specific oil requirements.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed per the Repair Manual; refer to ETKA.
• VAS Tester: VAS 6160/VAS 6150 with the current version of ODIS (Windows 10).
• Dipstick: Special tool T40178B.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this condition are processed under specific guidelines:

• Claim Type: 110, applicable for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles.
• Claim Type: G10, for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, requiring owner verification.
• Service Number: 1711
• Damage Code: 0010
• Labor Operations:
  • Perform oil change: 1701 1799 (0.70 Labor Time Units)
  • Diagnostic Time (GFF): No allowance (0 Labor Time Units)
  • Road test prior to service: No allowance (0 Labor Time Units)
  • Road test after service: No allowance (0 Labor Time Units)
• Claim Comment: Claims must reference "As per TSB 2054893/6".

Important Warnings

• If the engine oil level is not found to be above the maximum during initial diagnosis, this Technical Service Bulletin does not apply. Technicians should not proceed with the repair steps outlined in this bulletin.
• If the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. Owners with out-of-warranty vehicles should consult with their dealer regarding potential costs.

---

Source: NHTSA ID 10230232