At M & R Automotive, we diagnose check engine lights and codes on Audi Q5 models to help owners understand their repair options. While the light doesn’t always indicate an emergency, it should never be ignored. Sometimes it can be as simple as a loose fuel cap, but it could be a serious issue capable of causing severe engine damage. So, early diagnosis is key.
In the 2018 Audi Q5, the check engine light serves as an alert from the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system. When one or more sensors detect abnormal operating conditions, the engine control module turns on the light and stores the related fault codes.
When this happens, it’s important to have the problem professionally diagnosed as soon as possible. The following are some of the more common issues we see with the 2018 Audi Q5 and how to repair them.
Ignition Coils and Sparkplug Problems
One of the most common reasons for a check engine light in an Audi Q5 is a problem with the ignition coils or the sparkplugs connected to them. Each coil is designed to deliver a tiny electrical charge to its assigned sparkplug.
If there’s a problem with either component, the fuel-air mixture won’t ignite or won’t ignite at the proper time in the engine cycle. This will cause hesitation and potential misfires. Left unchecked, it could even cause a backfire capable of damaging the exhaust system.
In the case of a misfire caused by a failing ignition coil or a bad spark plug, the check engine light might flash for a few seconds. The system then stores a fault code for the affected cylinder, and the light may turn off temporarily. This might leave you with the false impression the problem is gone, only to happen again at a random time.
A Bad Sensor
The Audi Q5 has an array of sensors monitoring emissions and engine performance. A problem with an oxygen sensor, mass airflow sensor or an emissions sensor will easily trigger the check engine light to come on.
Sometimes the data relayed to the engine control module falls outside normal operating parameters. This is usually a sign of a component failure, and the specific diagnostic code will need to be read by one of our automotive techs to determine the issue.
If a sensor fails to send data, even intermittently, it can throw a code triggering the check engine light. In a case like this, our technicians usually just need to replace the faulty sensor.
A Loose Fuel Cap
Something as simple as a loose fuel cap could also trigger the check engine light in the Audi Q5. In a case like this, improper fuel tank pressure or escaping fuel vapors can trigger evaporative emissions system fault codes.
Resolving a problem like this might be as simple as having one of our technicians reset the code, and tighten the cap. If the gasket on the gas cap has worn out, we might need to replace it before it causes more serious problems in the fuel system.
Don’t Ignore a Check Engine Light
Many things could trigger a check engine light in the Audi Q5, yet even something as simple as a loose gas cap should never be ignored. The longer you delay the more you risk serious damage to other components. If you have a check engine light on, call M & R Automotive today to have it diagnosed, and explore your repair options.