Common Issues with 3.0T (Supercharged) TFSI Audi Engines
Let first start by saying the 3.0T Supercharged Audi engine is a very solid engine. It is not particulary failure prone and would be the most reliable S model engine to date. What we have listed below would be just a few things to look out for if you were to have an issue. With that said here is a little background on the 3.0T.
The 3.0T TFSI engine was a new engine that was first offered in the face lifted C5 A6 for the 2009.5-2010 model year. This new engine was based off of the 3.2L V6 FSI, which was available in some 2006-2009 A4, A5 and A6 models. While the engine blocks looked the same, there were several things changed to accommodate the twin-screw roots style supercharger. There are two generations of 3.0T engines, along with several different engine code variations depending on the year, and trim model of the vehicle, which we’ll touch base on below.
Audi Models with the 3.0T TFSI Gen1 Engine
S4 2010.5 - 2015
S5 2010-5 - 2015
A6, C5 platform 2009 - 2011
A6, C6 platform 2011-2015
A7 2011 - 2015
A8/A8L 2013 - 2016
Q5 2013-2017
SQ5 2015 - 2017
Q7 2011.5 - 2016
Audi Models with the 3.0T TFSI Gen2 Engine
A6 2016 - Current
A7 2016 - Current
A8/A8L 2016 - Current
Q7 2017 - Current
3.0T TFSI Thermostats
Over the years, there have been several updates to the thermostats in these engines. The early first generation 3.0T’s in the A6 were prone to overheating concerns due to thermostats that would stick closed. Sadly, this trickled over into some early C6 A6’s also. There were software updates performed to the engine control module, along with replacement of some thermostats based on certain operating conditions. Some models produced fell under service action, where thermostats, fuel rails, and gaskets were replaced as part of a customer satisfaction bulletin, and were replaced under warranty.
Associated Parts
3.0T TFSI Water Pumps
The water pumps on these engines are a conventional style water pump driven directly by the accessory drive belt, unlike the water pumps on the 2.0T TSI engines. These pumps aren’t a major failure item, but they do leak from the bearing weep hole occasionally. If the engine has previously overheated due to a faulty thermostat, it’s also best to replace the water pump. Some pumps have vacuum diaphragm that controls coolant flow based on engine control module demand. This is controlled via a solenoid valve on the back of the supercharger housing on some models.
Associated Parts
- Water Pump for 3.0t V6 (Supercharged) - for B8 S4 and S5
- Water Pump for 3.0t V6 (Supercharged) - for B8.5 S4, S5, A6 and SQ5
3.0T TFSI Oil Consumption Concerns
Oil consumption in these engines isn’t as big of an issue as it has been with the first generation 2.0T TSI engines, but it’s still a concern that’s been addressed by Audi. Early first generation 3.0T engines produced before mid 2012 had a higher pressure regulation valve for the oil separator. This PCV unit is located under the supercharger assembly, vacuum lines, and fuel rails. This separator unit sucks air from the valve covers, under the supercharger, and into a heavy oil separating unit through a course of passageways and valves. Once the heavy oil particles have dropped, the small lighter particles are passed through a port into the base of the supercharger housing, and burned through the intake. The updated PCV valve has a lower pressure regulating valve which helps with oil consumption concerns. In the rare case that these updated parts didn’t alleviate the consumption, new, tighter fitting piston rings were installed in the engines.
Associated Parts
3.0T TFSI Misfires and Injector Issues
Over the years, there have been many issues with ignition coils, which trigger misfires and other driveability concerns. WIth the new 3.0T, failed ignition coils aren’t as common as it is with the 2.0T TSI engines. One major thing to be concerned about, if you replace your own spark plugs, it’s important to pull the ignition coil up from the red housings, and not from the base between the valve covers. This puts strain on the insulating housing of the secondary windings of the ignition coil, and can damage the coil internally. If you are experiencing misfires, it’s best to inspect and replace the spark plugs, if necessary. These engines do not like aftermarket spark plugs, so it’s best to stick with an OEM supplier such as Bosch or NGK. Service interval for spark plugs in the 3.0T is 55k miles, or 5 years, whichever occurs first.
Fuel injector failures are also not as common as they are with the 2.0T TSI, but it is known to happen from time to time. In most cases, these injectors will stick open, and cause the spark plug to foul up. The engine control module will also store several faults for the affected cylinder. Such faults are cylinder fuel in-balance, and rich O2 sensor readings.
Associated Parts
- Ignition Coil for Audi 3.0t (Supercharged) - OEM
- Ignition Coil for Audi 3.0t (Supercharged) - Bosch
- Spark Plug for Audi 3.0t (Supercharged) - OEM
- Spark Plug for Audi 3.0t (Supercharged) - Bosch
- Fuel Injector for Audi 3.0t (Supercharged) - OEM
3.0T TFSI Secondary Air Faults
The secondary air system on these vehicles is used to heat up the catalytic converters quickly during cold-start conditions. This system consists of an air pump, hoses, vacuum lines, electronic control valves, and secondary combi valves, which are located on the back of the cylinder heads.
These secondary air ports run the length of the cylinder head, into each combustion chamber. Over time, and depending on driving styles, carbon will build up in these small 10mm ports and cause faults in the engine control module for Secondary Air, Bank1/Bank2 Insuffecient Flow. There are several things to be aware of when dealing with this system. If you have broken air supply lines from the pump to the engine, damaged vacuum lines, electrical faulty control valves, or stuck combi valves, you will have one, or several insufficient air flow faults present. If all of these items check out and are operating as they should, you could have clogged air ports. Some models do have a warranty extension which covers the secondary air port cleaning up to 10 year/110,000 miles. Please check with your local dealer for details. Keep in mind, if any of the control valves, combi valves, or supply lines are damaged, or faulty, those items are not covered under the warranty extension, and would have to be replaced before the port cleaning can be performed.
Associated Parts
- Secondary Air Pump for 3.0t Supercharged B8.5 S4 and S5
- Secondary Air Pump for 3.0t Supercharged B8 S4, S5, A6 and SQ5
- Combi Valve (Passenger) Right for Audi 3.0t (Supercharged)
- Combi Valve (Drivers) Left for Audi 3.0t (Supercharged)
3.0T TFSI Oil Pressure Faults - Do Not Exceed 4,000 RPMS
Early Gen1 3.0T engines may have an older style oil pressure switch, which can fail, causing a fault for the high oil pressure circuit in the engine, preventing operation above 4,000 RPM’s. There is an updated switch available, designated as F22, and is purple in color. This pressure switch is buried under the wiring harness, secondary air pipes, and O2 sensor wiring on the bottom of the oil filter housing where the supercharger assembly is located.
Associated Parts
About the Author
Related Products
-
OBDeleven Pro Scan Tool
Ships In: 10-14 Business Days From our Facility
SKU: OBDelevenPROold
Manufacturer: OBDeleven
$79.99 -
Sale
Thermostat for 3.0T Audi with Gasket
Ships In: 1-3 Business Days From our Facility
SKU: 06E-121-111-AL
Manufacturer: Genuine Volkswagen/Audi
Special Price $77.04 was $85.00 -
Set of 6 Spark Plugs for 3.0T Audi's (Replaced by 101998631GBOSGRP)
Ships In: Product has been replaced with a newer revision
SKU: 101-998-631-G-BOS
Manufacturer: Bosch
Special Price $78.75 was $114.00 -
Ignition Coil (Red)
Ships In: 1 Business Day From our Facility
SKU: 06E-905-115-F-BOS
Manufacturer: Bosch
$28.99
Comments
Hello
I recently checked my oil level using my display while I was parked on my sloped driveway. I knew better. When I tried to check it later on level ground it read no information available. I have a 2011 Audi S4, is there a problem? Thanks Len
I’m having trouble locating the f22 oil pressure switch. Would you have any pictures or DIY’a available thanks!
Hi, any thoughts on timing chain? Is it a common point of failure on these engines? I've seen many a thread on forums, so would appreciate your thoughts on how common or not this is and should I be wary of older cars?
Paul Nicol
My 03 a6 with the 3.0 is at 200k miles & giving up the ghost with more maint needed than value. That being said, what years of A6 do I need to stay away from? or Q7 ? - Thanks !! and good job.
I have a 2014 Audi A-7 with the supercharged 3.0 engine. After driving for about 20 minutes it begins to over-heat. My mechanic (not an Audi mechanic) tested it and said the secondary coolant pump had a faulty valve which is stuck closed. Recall?
I have a 2015 s4 prestige and when I start it in the morning there is a noise from the driver side under the hood, can you tell me what that noise is please.
When I start my car in the morning I hear a noise on the passenger side under the hood for 2 seconds then it goes away can you tell me what is the problem please
Tony. When I start my car in the morning I hear a noise on the passenger side under the hood for 2 seconds then it goes away can you tell me what is the problem please.
Anthony Smith
The rapid ticking sound you hear on start is most likely your timing chain tensioner. It is either that your timing chain is stretched and with the tensioner fully extended or possibly that your tensioner is slow to extend. Or both.. either way, you can expect a very pricey repair unless you have a warranty. My guess would be around $6-8K
Hey guys, i have a 2013 audi s4 and i was a minute away from my house when it began over heating. I parked my car and immediately turned it off. I didn't notice any water or oil leaks. I went ahead and tightened my intake, added coolant and a bit of oil.
hi , I have a question , I am looking into buying a 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid. they are saying this is the engine from the S5, 3.0L Supercharged V6 333 Hp also paired to the Hybrid unit which is putting out 416HP. how is the reliability ? thanks !
I have a Audi s4 2013 I’ve been having a coolant leak for while a small 1 and all of a sudden my car turned off and the engine is locked and it told me stabilized control epc help
I have a 2012 A7 with a supercharger Is it typical to remove the supercharger to replace the water pump and thermostat? It’s fairly expensive just wondering.
I have a audi a4 s4 2009 3.0tfsi with 4,5,6 cylinders misfire what can be the problem for I've changed all 6 coils and sparkplugs
I have a 2014 S5 Cabriolet. 3.0 TFS It has covered just 3100 miles has full Audi service history the last oil service carried out at 22506 miles by Audi.
I have a 2014 S5 Cabriolet. 3.0 TFS It has covered just 3100 miles has full Audi service history the last oil service carried out at 22506 miles by Audi. It has suffered a catastrophic engine failure while i was driving it.
Audi declined liability out of warranty. On detailed inspection it was discovered that the rear piston left bank had disintegrated and smashed the cylinder lining. Have you heard of this? What can I do about it? Any help appreciated. Thanks Simon
I just had a mis-firing on cylinder 4 of my 3.0 S5 cabriolet, and following the advice on here had the plugs and coil packs changed, and it now runs really well. Thanks :)
I have a 2016 Audi A6 with the 3.0 supercharged motor. I can hear the supercharger noise in the cabin, we never heard this before and it seems to be getting louder. Any thoughts on the cause of this ?
i think this is a great place to find out things about your engine i am a good mechanic but have learned a bit about Audi here john
Hi guys, was wondering if the 2013 A7 and 2014 S4 have interchangeable engines (I have an A7 in need of a motor and I have a low mileage S4 motor. Both are 3.0T S/C engines)
15’ q7 3.0t. 80k miles. For a couple years been getting an intermittent smell of coolant in the cabin. ( heat/ac on and off , doesn’t seem to matter). Had at dealer, they did pressure test, couldn’t find any leaks). any suggestions appreciated.
WAY better reliability than the BMW V8's which are rotten to the very core.
Hi,
I drive a 2012 Audi Q7 3.0T (premium plus) with a little over 115K on it and just recently my check engine light came on (solid). I haven't had the time to get it checked but have ordered a scanner code through Amazon.
And there is no problems with timing chains?
2010 A6 3.0T premium plus 180K engine has a tick coming from bottom end, at idle the low oil pressure light comes on and goes away when rev are higher.
Have been in many different shops and charged a lot of $, compression is 140 i've been told to trade i
I just pulled the entire front end of my S4 off in order to clean the secondary air injection ports. Everything was fine until engine light came back on and one of the two banks still showed insufficient flow. Oh well I give up on this German turd.
You also need to add the Mechatronics malfunction that locks one out from driving by placing the car into neutral while going down the freeway. Totally awesome because I went through it too.
I have a 2011 Audi S4 supercharged and just recently, the ECP dash light came on. Mechanic said it could be my supercharger and worst case scenario is that it has to be replaced. Anyone experience a similar issue? What should I expect to pay? Any ideas?
GREAT INFORMATION - THANK YOU
SHOPPING FOR 2014 A6 3.0T 95,000 MILES PREM. +
How do we get a list of which vehicles have the extended warranty of 10 yrs 120k miles for the secondary air supply? I have a copy of the Tbs but it doesn’t state that it included all models on it or addresses there is an extended warranty on it.
Hello Tony
I’m driving S5 2013 model. When I make a quick take off, it starts to misfire after a little while idling like it has a coil problem n start to show EPC light and engine light which disappears when I switch it off and start it. Plz help
I own a 2012 Audi Q7 3.0T Premium Plus. Got some error codes and had a shop diagnosed it. Turned out the #5 cylinder appears to burn oil & fouling the spark plug. They said I'd need to rebuilt or replace the engine. What do you make of this? Thanks!
I loved reading this information.
Question Audi A6, 2010 supercharged 3.0
Idles and runs rough.
Performance is great after 2000 rpm.
No check engine light.
I'm thinking spark plugs.
May I ask you what you think?
Car has 92000 miles.
I enjoyed read your information.
I'm looking at buying a 2010 Audi A6 with the supercharged 3.0
92400 miles.
Car idles and runs rough unit about 2000 rpm.
Then it runs lake a champ!
Check engine indicator light dose not come on
I honestly think it just needs new spark plugs.
I have a 2010 A6 3.0 T, Was running great, the other day it lost power and began to slow as if braking, it suddenly ran fine for about 30 sec then no power again and slowed to a stop and now the engine won’t turn at all. Oil good, no noises, lights etc.
C5 platform was in production up to 2004 and did not have this engine. Check your data please.