2022-2023 Audi A4/Q5 P016900 Engine Warning Lamp TSB

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Owners of 2022-2023 Audi A4, A5 Sportback, and Q5 models equipped with the 4-cylinder 2.0 TFSI engine may notice an "engine warning lamp on" illuminated on their dashboard. This indicates a detected issue within the engine management system.

When a technician investigates this condition, diagnostic scans often reveal specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) -J623-, which is identified by address word 0001. The primary fault code found is P016900, indicating "incorrect fuel detection." This is typically accompanied by symptom code DFCC 45233.

Initially, attempts to clear these fault entries may be unsuccessful, and the vehicle's Guided Fault Findings system might incorrectly suggest replacing the engine control unit. However, this TSB clarifies that ECM replacement is not the correct solution for this specific Audi A4 Q5 P016900 engine warning.

Important Warnings and Technical Background

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2075261/1 explicitly states: "Do not replace the ECM!" Despite initial diagnostic suggestions that the control unit should be replaced, doing so will not resolve the underlying issue of the Audi A4 Q5 P016900 engine warning. A specific sequence of steps is required to correctly erase the fault entry.

The technical background for this issue is currently "Under analysis," and there is "Not applicable" production solution mentioned at the time of the bulletin's release. This indicates that the issue is being investigated further, but a repair procedure has been identified to address the symptom.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the "engine warning lamp on" and clear the P016900 DFCC 45233 fault without replacing the ECM, a precise procedure must be followed. This involves a specific sequence of ignition cycles and event memory erasures to correctly reset the system.

Follow these steps to erase the entry:

1. Switch ignition on (Terminal 15): Turn the vehicle's ignition to the ON position, ensuring power is supplied to the control modules.
2. Erase event memory: Use a diagnostic tool to clear all stored fault codes from the vehicle's memory.
3. Start engine as long as ignition is on (Terminal 15): Start the engine and allow it to run while the ignition remains in the ON position.
4. Switch ignition/engine off: Turn off both the engine and the ignition.
5. Switch ignition on (Terminal 15): Turn the ignition back to the ON position.
6. Erase event memory again: Perform a second erasure of the event memory using the diagnostic tool.
7. Entry is erased!: Confirm that the P016900 and DFCC 45233 fault codes have been successfully cleared from the ECM.

This procedure should effectively resolve the Audi A4 Q5 P016900 engine warning condition and turn off the engine warning lamp.

Warranty Information

For vehicles still under warranty, claims related to this issue must be submitted in strict accordance with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Claims are subject to review and audit by Audi Warranty. If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only, meaning the repair may not be covered.

The specific codes for processing this service claim are:

• Service Number: 2470
• Damage Code: 0039
• Labor Operations: GFF
  • 0150 0010: For SRT (Standard Repair Time) with associated operations.
  • 0150 0060: For the time stated on the diagnostic protocol.
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2075261/1.

Technicians should always check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins, as all part and service references in TSB 2075261 are subject to change. Additionally, the Repair Manual should be consulted for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during any repair.

Source: NHTSA ID 11009319