[SteveMak]

I'm scheduled to get the "Dieselgate Recall" work done on my 2015 Q5 3.0 TDI with 2nd Generation V6 diesel engine. It's comprised of:

• ECU (Engine Control Unit) software updated
• New lambda sensor (hardware)

VW says in the letter that this is not expected to affect fuel economy, and then later in the same letter says it might increase fuel consumption by as much as 1.5 L/100 km. Talk about double-talk!

For me, this might mean (though I suspect likely not) the difference between:

• 5.1 L/100 km in economy cruise (=46.1 US MPG = 55.4 Imp MPG) -- Round trip from Ontario, Canada to Colorado.
• 6.6 L/100 km after ECU update (=35.6 US MPG = 42.8 Imp MPG) -- My worst-case possibility after dieselgate fix

They also warn of:

• Increased AdBlue consumption, so no AdBlue refills between services might be a thing of the past for me.
• Possibly different engine sound, so the engine might become a typical diesel klattervagen.

I'm a huge Q5 3.0 TDI fan, so after I get the recall work done, I'll post my observations to this thread. I plan to take a long trip in July, so I'll be able to gauge the effects on fuel economy in economy cruise over long distances.

The work is being done on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Remember to "Follow" this thread to get updates as I post them.

 

[SteveMcB]

Why are you getting it done?

 

[SteveMak]

Why are you getting it done?

I typically own my vehicles a long time, so eventually the recall work will happen. I'd rather "get it over with", than have to worry about the recall work being done secretly (I have 4 years prepaid services, plus 2 additional services paid by VAG). Avoiding Audi dealers is not an option for me, for this reason. Also, unconfirmed reports indicate that the "Ontario Drive Clean" program (emissions certification required to renew your car's plate every 2 years) requires vehicles affected by this well-known scandal and recall, and for whom a recall fix is available, to have the work done before they'll issue a renewal. A special sticker is affixed under the hood by Audi to certify the recall work has been done, and the vehicle is now compliant with emissions laws.

And lastly, I'd rather not have my vehicle produce excessive, dangerous emissions if I can help it.

 

[SteveMcB]

I typically own my vehicles a long time, so eventually the recall work will happen. I'd rather "get it over with", than have to worry about the recall work being done secretly (I have 4 years prepaid services, plus 2 additional services paid by VAG). Avoiding Audi dealers is not an option for me, for this reason. Also, unconfirmed reports indicate that the "Ontario Drive Clean" program (emissions certification required to renew your car's plate every 2 years) requires vehicles affected by this well-known scandal and recall, and for whom a recall fix is available, to have the work done before they'll issue a renewal. A special sticker is affixed under the hood by Audi to certify the recall work has been done, and the vehicle is now compliant with emissions laws.

And lastly, I'd rather not have my vehicle produce excessive, dangerous emissions if I can help it.

Fair enough, will be interesting to see how the car is after the update, hopefully all will be good.

 

[Helisupp]

Two things are guaranteed.

Less performance
Increased cost to operate

I assume you bought the car bearing in mind its consumption, performance, operating costs, these will be affected.

Having seen a couple of VWs recalled for the updates, with bad results afterwards, your feedback is going to be interesting.

 

[SteveMak]

...I assume you bought the car bearing in mind its consumption, performance, operating costs, these will be affected...

Indeed, these were major factors in my purchase. I live in Ontario, Canada (near Toronto), so diesel fuel usually costs less than regular gas. Also, I hypermile, so fuel economy is a big deal for me. I recently did a 5,000 km (3,100 mile) round trip with over 7,000 ft elevation difference (Oakville, Ontario to Colorado USA), and I got a genuine 5.1 L/100 km (see first post in this thread).

I'll definitely report my findings. I've heard bad news about the 2.0L diesel engines doing much worse. With the 3.0 L V6, I have no shortage of power, but I'll be pissed if fuel economy suffers.

 

[rapport25]

Indeed, these were major factors in my purchase. I live in Ontario, Canada (near Toronto), so diesel fuel usually costs less than regular gas. Also, I hypermile, so fuel economy is a big deal for me. I recently did a 5,000 km (3,100 mile) round trip with over 7,000 ft elevation difference (Oakville, Ontario to Colorado USA), and I got a genuine 5.1 L/100 km (see first post in this thread).

I'll definitely report my findings. I've heard bad news about the 2.0L diesel engines doing much worse. With the 3.0 L V6, I have no shortage of power, but I'll be pissed if fuel economy suffers.

Leave well alone is my advise.

I have a few friends, that were getting 5/10mpg less & the car is sluggish :-(.

They got round this by having the cars remapped. But obviously at cost.

Mine is remapped. So if come service time, they decide to change anything, mine will be simply flashed back.

All the best,

Rappy.

 

[SteveMak]

Did you have the "Dieselgate Fix" done for your North American 2nd-Generation 3.0L V6 TDI done? Report here!

Audi is rolling out the "Dieselgate fix" for the 3.0L engine. I'm affected, and getting cold feet about getting the work done, so I am soliciting drivers' experiences with this fix. If you've had the work done, please leave your feedback in this thread. Areas of interest include (but not limited to) the points below. Remember to "follow" this thread if you're interested:

• How long (time and distance) have you had the fix?
  .
• Any new flaws/defects introduced after the fix (e.g., "Check Engine" light the next day)?
  .
• Any adverse performance characteristics (e.g., jerky gear changes, slower acceleration)
  .
• Fuel economy changes. Tell us if if it's indicated (computer display) or actual fuel economy. Do you keep meticulous records, or just casual observation?
  .
• Anything else different?

 

[SteveMak]

After reading numerous problem reports about this fix (as well as some "it went well" reports), I've decided to cancel my appointment to get the dieselgate "fix". I have too many concerns that things won't go well. I'll continue monitoring user's reports, and I'll reconsider getting the fix at a later time, or when circumstances force me to do so.

 

[Helisupp]

Am I wrong to believe that when the vehicle is serviced by Audi dealer, the vehicle is hooked up to the factory diagnostic harness, and all updates uploaded.

My sons 4 year old VW golf just had a discounted VW health check, full valet and a bag of polishing goodies (worth £40) for £20. He waited 1 hour for the car to be completed, and when they handed him his keys back he was told a factory update had been carried out on his electronic handbrake.

This is a factory software update when he only had a "health check", and they never asked him if he wanted it carried out.

 

[missile]

It is my understanding that Audi dealers will carry out any campaigns applicable to your vehicle at the first available opportunity .......... unless you instruct them not to.

 

[SteveMak]

It is my understanding that Audi dealers will carry out any campaigns applicable to your vehicle at the first available opportunity .......... unless you instruct them not to.

This is my hope. I'll let you know the next time my Q5 is serviced, and I tell them NOT to do the Dieselgate update.

 

[missile]

Make sure your instruction is written on the service job card. To be precise it is actually called the "emissions control campaign"

 

[SteveMak]

Update: I got the "fix" on May 30. Here's the write-up...

Dieselgate "fix" complaint (2015 Audi Q5)

During the warmup cycle: Engine revs considerably higher before changing gears; won't upshift manually at popular speeds; burns about 10% to 20% more fuel. Warm-up cycle lasts longer, even on a hot summer day. It'll be worse in the winter cold. Every cold-engine drive starts by burning lots more fuel during the warm-up cycle.

In all non-highway driving, even with the engine thoroughly warmed up: Engine revs higher, burns more fuel. I use to drive at 60 kph around 1,300 RPM. Now, it's in a lower gear, running between 1,700-2,000 RPM. I have to constantly manually upshift to reduce fuel consumption. I used to cruise at a super-efficient 80 kph @ 1,200 RPM in 8th gear. It now revs hundreds of RPM higher, sucking more fuel, and I always have to manually upshift to 8th gear at 80 kph.

Gear shifts used to always be silky smooth. Now, clunky shifts are not uncommon. I don't know if this will damage the transmission over time. Transmission damage is not covered by the dieselgate "fix".

The Dieselgate "fix" significantly changed my car's driving character. If I test-drove this car, this way, I would have continued looking elsewhere and likely NOT bought a Q5. I likely would have bought a BMW SUV. If I had the money to get rid of this car and buy something better, I would. I'm very disappointed with this "fix." It was obviously done only to meet emissions regulation, with absolute disregard to the owner's experience.

I always drive in Comfort mode. I drive gently, for best fuel economy. The 'Net is awash with similar reports.

 

[missile]

I tell them​

NOT

to do the Dieselgate update.​

Did you change your mind or did they do it anyway?

 

[rapport25]

Get it remapped

 

[SteveMak]

Just to add a data point, a friend of mine has an identical Q5 (except color). He's happy with the fix. The difference is that he's a lead-foot, and I'm a hypermiler. My gentle acceleration reveals the now clunky transmission (occasional hard shifts under light load) and the much worse fuel economy. His driving habits reveal nothing he doesn't like post-fix.

 

[SteveMak]

More data points. Subsequent software updates smoothed the transmission shifts, but not as good as pre-fix. I've had 2 oxygen sensors replaced under extended emissions warranty because of the Dieselgate fix. They would have cost me 2 x $2,000 out of pocket had I not done the fix. In retrospect, smart decision to get the fix. $500 in Audi bucks. 2 free services. $7500 back in settlement cash. And now saving $4000 in 02 sensors.

 

[Tacenda Darvince]

Why are you getting it done?

 

[missile]

Why are you getting it done?

Welcome to our forum