2018 3.0T Engine Issues
#1
AudiWorld Junior Member
Thread Starter
2018 3.0T Engine Issues
I have a 2018 Q7 3.0T Prestige with about 53K miles. A few weeks ago, I was driving on the interstate when my car shuttered and received the drive system malfunction error. I had it towed in to the dealer and they pulled three error codes for a cylinder 4 misfire, hide cylinder, and misfire during fuel injection. Because they also found fuel residue on the spark plug, they recommended I replace the fuel injectors.
I approved the new fuel injectors and they cleared the error codes. However the engine continued to have issues. The misfires returned. The cleared the code several times to see if it was just due to loss of pressure in the system due to the fuel injector replacement. They checked the compression on cylinder 4 and it is at 3 BAR when it should be at 10 BAR or above. They used a borescope on cylinder 4 and there is no noticeable damage.
At this point, they are presenting two options that I'm awaiting formal estimates on.
1. Tear down the engine to further diagnose the problem. Roughly estimated to "a few grand" but it's not uncommon for an ECRC motor (what's that?) to fail leading to a full engine replacement.
2. Engine replacement.
2 videos from the technician are here if you want to hear his description directly.
The technician and service advisor say it's not uncommon for engines to fail but I'm shocked that I'm having this severe of engine issues for a 4.5-yr old vehicle with a moderate number of miles.
Since I'm just outside of warranty, any thoughts or recommendations? Anyone else have similar issues?
Thank you in advance!
-Tom
I approved the new fuel injectors and they cleared the error codes. However the engine continued to have issues. The misfires returned. The cleared the code several times to see if it was just due to loss of pressure in the system due to the fuel injector replacement. They checked the compression on cylinder 4 and it is at 3 BAR when it should be at 10 BAR or above. They used a borescope on cylinder 4 and there is no noticeable damage.
At this point, they are presenting two options that I'm awaiting formal estimates on.
1. Tear down the engine to further diagnose the problem. Roughly estimated to "a few grand" but it's not uncommon for an ECRC motor (what's that?) to fail leading to a full engine replacement.
2. Engine replacement.
2 videos from the technician are here if you want to hear his description directly.
The technician and service advisor say it's not uncommon for engines to fail but I'm shocked that I'm having this severe of engine issues for a 4.5-yr old vehicle with a moderate number of miles.
Since I'm just outside of warranty, any thoughts or recommendations? Anyone else have similar issues?
Thank you in advance!
-Tom
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BubMobile (09-14-2023)
#2
AudiWorld Member
The piston ring for cyl 4 may have given up prematurely. This will likely be a 12-20k repair or 20k for a used engine and 40k for a new one. This is definitely uncommon for CREC engines
#3
The exact same thing happened to my 2016 A7 3.0T Prestige with the exact same engine. Cylinder 4 disabled, cylinder 5 and 6 misfiring (see video below). I saw fouled spark plugs like washed with fuel as well. Replaced throttle body, spark plugs, MPI injectors, FSI injectors, flushed engine to no avail. Engine is burning oil like crazy as well and fuel consumption is through the roof. The car is undrivable and is parked for months now. I am still troubleshooting...
#4
AudiWorld Super User
I would go back to AoA and see if they will work with the dealer / warranty administrator to give you some kind of goodwill coverage. I bet audi of america comes forward and agrees to pay for 1/2 of the repair. whatever you get from them, get it in writing and also see if you can get them to guarantee the work for at least one year in writing as well. best of luck and keep us posted.
#5
AudiWorld Member
Looks like two options install a new or used engine. The piston rings on cylinder 4 most likely failed. Have you been using premium fuel? Detonation can cause a broken ring.
You could also just trade the vehicle in as is.
You could also just trade the vehicle in as is.
#6
AudiWorld Junior Member
Thread Starter
I would go back to AoA and see if they will work with the dealer / warranty administrator to give you some kind of goodwill coverage. I bet audi of america comes forward and agrees to pay for 1/2 of the repair. whatever you get from them, get it in writing and also see if you can get them to guarantee the work for at least one year in writing as well. best of luck and keep us posted.
#7
AudiWorld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Not pleasant options but I think you're right. I have been using premium fuel.
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#8
AudiWorld Super User
My friend has seen 4 3.0Ts over the past year come through his shop for this exact issue. Car runs rough, misfires and found that cylinder 4 had no compression. All stock. Based on feedback from the customers, they were on a drive cruising along then went to pass someone when the issue happened. He suspects the stock software may be running too lean conditions (and maybe together with poor quality fuel from the last fill up) and over time, cyl 4 is the unlucky one. One customer was able to get CPO to cover a replacement engine but the others just got rid of their cars.
#9
My friend has seen 4 3.0Ts over the past year come through his shop for this exact issue. Car runs rough, misfires and found that cylinder 4 had no compression. All stock. Based on feedback from the customers, they were on a drive cruising along then went to pass someone when the issue happened. He suspects the stock software may be running too lean conditions (and maybe together with poor quality fuel from the last fill up) and over time, cyl 4 is the unlucky one. One customer was able to get CPO to cover a replacement engine but the others just got rid of their cars.
#10
AudiWorld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Here's a quick update for those interested. I'm still working through the issue. AoA got back to me a said that anything beyond the warranty is at the discretion of the dealership. I then stopped in a spoke with the service manager. He's worked with my service advisor to build a case. His initial pitch is to cover the cost of the new engine leaving me to pay the labor. My service advisor wrote me an email last week saying, "Audi and our dealership are working together to help with the cost of the repairs. I will be in touch with you once I have received the go ahead to finish the work." Since they don't need my approval to proceed, I'm inferring they are covering the parts and labor. We'll see. I'll post once I know more.