Audi A3 1.4 TFSI 2014 EPC Light. Won't Rev Over 4000 RPM

[sagatr]

I have 2014 A3 (8V) 1.4 TFSI 122PS. Engine Code CXSA. I am getting EPC light during cold start. If I switch ignition off and on again EPC light will disappear. This can happen couple of hours later in the day where the light will come on. Ignition on and off will get rid of the light. When driving the car everything appears to be OK. However sometime I get some hesitation. While the car is stationary if I put the gas pedal all the way down my engine RPM gauge does not go over 4000 rpm. Looks like my performance is restricted.

I have done a scan using VCDS and got some fault codes. Any help on where I should start to troubleshoot this issue will be appreciated.

Chassis Type: 8V-AU37 (5Q0)
Scan: 01 02 03 08 09 10 15 16 17 19 42 44 52 5F BB BC

Mileage: 104429km-64889miles

01-Engine -- Status: Malfunction 0010
02-Auto Trans -- Status: OK 0000
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
10-Park/Steer Assist -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
5F-Information Electr. -- Status: OK 0000
BB-Door Rear Drv -- Status: OK 0000
BC-Door Rear Pass -- Status: OK 0000
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 01: Engine (J623-CXSA)       Labels:. 04E-907-309-V1.clb
   Part No SW: 04E 906 016 DF    HW: 04E 907 309 A
   Component: R4 1.4l TFS   H08 9024
   Revision: WAH08---
   Coding: 02250032232401082000
   Shop #: WSC 49875 001 1048576
   ASAM Dataset: EV_ECM14TFS01104E906016DF 002007
   ROD: EV_ECM14TFS01104E906016DF.rod
   VCID: 69D908A38879EB072E-803C

1 Fault Found:
19404 - Turbo/Super Charger Boost System
          P2263 00 [167] - Performance
          MIL ON - Not Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00000001
                    Fault Priority: 2
                    Fault Frequency: 7
                    Mileage: 104330 km
                    Date: 2024.02.28
                    Time: 09:34:44

                    Engine speed: 1213.00 /min
                    Normed load value: 11.4 %
                    Vehicle speed: 0 km/h
                    Coolant temperature: 5 °C
                    Intake air temperature: 5 °C
                    Ambient air pressure: 1000 mbar
                    Voltage terminal 30: 11.544 V
                    Unlearning counter according OBD: 40
                    Charge pressure actuator: specified position: 140.00 %
                    Bypass valve f high press turboch turbine inlet: actual value: 103.94 %
                    Charge pressure actuator: adaptation for lower stop: 4371.0 mV
                    Bypass valve for high press turbocharger turbine inlet: status-Bits 0-7: 0
                    Bypass valve for high press turbocharger turbine inlet: status-Bits 0-7: 0
                    Bypass valve for high press turbocharger turbine inlet: status-Bits 0-7: 55
                    Bypass valve for high press turbocharger turbine inlet: status-Bits 0-7: 0
                    Bypass valve for high press turboch turbine inlet: uncond volt: 4503.0 mV
                    Charge air pressure: actual value: 1004.30 hPa

Readiness: 0000 0000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 02: Auto Trans (J743)       Labels: 0CW-927-769.clb
   Part No SW: 0CW 300 044 T    HW: 0AM 927 769 G
   Component: GSG DQ200-MQB H43 4530
   Revision: 00043014    Serial number: 5ZV01407192286
   Coding: 0014
   Shop #: WSC 04940 001 00001
   ASAM Dataset: EV_TCMDQ200021 001001
   ROD: EV_TCMDQ200021_VW31.rod
   VCID: 4999E823E8B90B070E-801C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 03: ABS Brakes (J104)       Labels: 5Q0-907-379-IPB-V1.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 907 379 AA    HW: 5Q0 907 379 G
   Component: ESC           H31 0457
   Revision: 00000000    Serial number: 61823000000419
   Coding: 12F18AA22423126F017B060241CB294851244880608294F2022100080508
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_Brake1UDSContiMK100IPB 033001
   ROD: EV_Brake1UDSContiMK100IPB_033_VW37.rod
   VCID: 7BF542EBF2E56997CC-802E

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 08: Auto HVAC (E87)       Labels:| 8V0-820-043.clb
   Part No SW: 8V0 820 043 A    HW: 8V0 820 043 A
   Component: AC Automat    H13 0031
   Revision: 20023000    Serial number: 00000000114648
   Coding: 03100004000000011000000000001100
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_AirCondiFrontVaAU37X 008016
   ROD: EV_AirCondiFrontVaAU37X.rod
   VCID: 306FA5C76B235ACF29-8064

   Relative humidity sensor in fresh air intake duct:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 4H0 907 658     HW: 4H0 907 658
   Component: AQ_Hum_Sensor  H03 0003
   Serial number: BEC809B6000000000001

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519)       Labels:| 5Q0-937-08X-MV1.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 937 084 T    HW: 5Q0 937 084 T
   Component: BCM MQBAB M+  H14 0112
   Serial number: 00011317801302
   Coding: 07001846C24102FD03844004B31407A80000000000000000000000000000
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_BCMCONTI 011001
   ROD: EV_BCMBOSCH_011.rod
   VCID: 4999E823E8B90B070E-801C

   Control Unit For Wiper Motor:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8V2 955 119 A    HW: 8V2 955 119   Labels: 5QX-955-119-V1.CLB
   Component: WWS370 130628  041 0580
   Serial number:         130702182903
   Coding: 0A47F7

   Rain Light Recognition Sensor:
   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8U0 955 559 B    HW: 8U0 955 559 B  Labels: 8U0-955-559.CLB
   Component: G397_RLFS  H06 0002
   Serial number: 21519280        
   Coding: 00006C

   Light switch:
   Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8V0 941 531 Q    HW: 8V0 941 531 Q
   Component: E1 - LDS MQB  H05 0032
   Serial number: 06 05 2013  00000354

   Sensor For Anti Theft Alarm System:
   Subsystem 4 - Part No SW: 8V0 951 177     HW: 5Q0 951 172
   Component: Sensor, DWA  005 0313
   Serial number: 000000000ZY131560JN8

   Alarm horn:
   Subsystem 5 - Part No SW: 5Q0 951 605     HW: 5Q0 951 605
   Component: Sirene, DWA  004 0311
   Serial number: 00000000000057322963

2 Faults Found:
197644 - Control Circuit for Fuel Tank Flap
          B1263 01 [008] - Electrical Failure
          Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00000001
                    Fault Priority: 4
                    Fault Frequency: 6
                    Reset counter: 12
                    Mileage: 104345 km
                    Date: 2024.03.01
                    Time: 09:53:04

204290 - Remote key 1
          B1479 18 [008] - Current Too Low
          Intermittent - Confirmed - Tested Since Memory Clear
             Freeze Frame:
                    Fault Status: 00000001
                    Fault Priority: 4
                    Fault Frequency: 1
                    Reset counter: 9
                    Mileage: 104345 km
                    Date: 2024.03.01
                    Time: 10:16:06


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 10: Park/Steer Assist (J791)       Labels:| 5Q0-919-283.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 919 283 B    HW: 5Q0 919 283
   Component: PARKHILFE 4K  H09 0033
   Revision: --------    Serial number: 60831319101052
   Coding: 0000040011
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_EPHVA14AU3700000 002018
   ROD: EV_EPHVA14AU3700000_002_VW37.rod
   VCID: 387F9DE78353828F61-806C

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 15: Airbags (J234)       Labels:| 5Q0-959-655.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 959 655 N    HW: 5Q0 959 655 N
   Component: AirbagVW20    011 0361
   Serial number: 003M2R02B8MB
   Coding: 98CCC0000C0000005C5400CA00C800000065
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_AirbaVW20SMEVW37X 002126
   ROD: EV_AirbaVW20SMEVW37X.rod
   VCID: 4B95D22BE2C519173C-801E

   Side Sensor Driver Front:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 002 806 13
   Component: SideSensor_Df  001 0887
   Serial number: 357670000004F1805D0V
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Side Sensor Passenger Front:
   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 002 806 13
   Component: SideSensor_Pf  001 0887
   Serial number: 35867000000580805D0P
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Side Sensor Driver Rear:
   Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 401 107 13
   Component: SideSensor_Dr  001 6149
   Serial number: 3516502C31142C7570C2
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Side Sensor Passenger Rear:
   Subsystem 4 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 401 107 13
   Component: SideSensor_Pr  001 6149
   Serial number: 3526502B1105EDD2C03C
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Front Sensor Driver:
   Subsystem 5 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 401 206 13
   Component: FrontSensor_D  001 6149
   Serial number: 3556502B310CBDF140FQ
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Pedestrian Protection Driver:
   Subsystem 6 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 402 906 13
   Component: PedP_Sensor_D  001 6149
   Serial number: 2286502A9106FA231185
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Pedestrian Protection Passenger:
   Subsystem 7 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 402 906 13
   Component: PedP_Sensor_P  001 6149
   Serial number: 2296502A9106FA22818C
   Coding: 2D2D2D

   Pedestrian Protection Center:
   Subsystem 8 - Part No SW: -----------    HW: 480 402 906 13
   Component: PedP_Sensor_C  001 6149
   Serial number: 2306502A5106FA4291D8
   Coding: 2D2D2D

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 16: Steering wheel (J527)       Labels:. 5Q0-953-549.clb
   Part No SW: 8V0 953 521 B    HW: 5Q0 953 549 A
   Component: Lenks. Modul  007 0070
   Revision: --------    Serial number: 10071308491200
   Coding: A418
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_SMLSKLOMQB 009001
   ROD: EV_SMLSKLOMQB_009_VW37.rod
   VCID: 397998E3B8599B879E-806C

No ASAM data for: "EV_SMLSKLOMQB" (AU37)
No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 17: Instruments (J285)       Labels:| 5G0-920-XXX-17.clb-SRI3
   Part No SW: 8V0 920 970 M    HW: 8V0 920 970 M
   Component: KOMBI         H03 2211
   Coding: 27A40908228046000100E800000000
   Shop #: WSC 22846 002 1048576
   ASAM Dataset: EV_DashBoardVDDMQBAB 008031
   ROD: EV_DashBoardVDDMQBAB_008_VW37.rod
   VCID: 4683E31FF9A7E47FE3-8012

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 19: CAN Gateway (J533)       Labels:| 5Q0-907-530-V1.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 907 530 L    HW: 5Q0 907 530 E
   Component: GW MQB Mid    124 1144
   Revision: --------    Serial number: 0000769168
   Coding: 030100042B0864005B0002481C0B00000001000000000000000000000000
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_GatewLear 009013
   ROD: EV_GatewLear_009.rod
   VCID: 3A7B87EFBD5F909F97-806E

   Alternator:

   Multi Function Steering Wheel Control Module:
   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8U0 951 528 C    HW: 8U0 951 528 C
   Component: E221 - MFL  H02 0014
   Serial number: 05 07 2013  E0194535

   Battery Monitoring Control Module:
   Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 5Q0 915 181 D    HW: 5Q0 915 181 D
   Component: J367-BDM  H08 0192
   Serial number: 00000000004051682798

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 42: Door Elect, Driver (J386)       Labels:| 5QX-959-X93-42.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 959 593 A    HW: 5Q0 959 593
   Component: TSG FS        012 0006
   Serial number: 27061301100753
   Coding: 00108E204001040000001002
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_DCUDriveSideEWMAXKLO 006003
   ROD: EV_DCUDriveSideEWMAXCONT.rod
   VCID: 3F8DF6FBA67DB5B7A0-806A

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 44: Steering Assist (J500)       Labels:| 5Q0-909-144.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 909 144 L    HW: 5Q0 909 144 L
   Component: EPS_MQB_ZFLS  119 1021
   Coding: 81
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_SteerAssisMQB 008022
   ROD: EV_SteerAssisMQB_008.rod
   VCID: 3D718CF3AC71A7A7B2-8068

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 52: Door Elect, Pass. (J387)       Labels:| 5QX-959-X92-52.clb
   Part No SW: 5Q0 959 592 A    HW: 5Q0 959 592
   Component: TSG BFS       012 0006
   Serial number: 23061302091216
   Coding: 001086204001040000001002
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_DCUPasseSideEWMAXKLO 006003
   ROD: EV_DCUPasseSideEWMAXCONT.rod
   VCID: 3E738BFFA177BCBFAB-806A

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 5F: Information Electr. (J794)       Labels:* None
   Part No SW: 8V0 035 874 A    HW: 8V0 035 874
   Component: MU-S-ND-ER    040 0370
   Serial number: A7F00907130503
   Coding: 01730301FF00000021111101000A00002F0004460100010006
   Shop #: WSC 22846 002 1048576
   ASAM Dataset: EV_MUStd4CPASE 002018
   ROD: EV_MUStd4CPASE_VW37.rod
   VCID: 3A7B87EFBD5F909F97-806E

   Data medium:
   Subsystem 1 - Part No SW: 8V0 919 866 D    HW: -----------
   Component:  ECE 2016  --- 0054
   Serial number: --------------------

   Display unit 1 for multimedia system:
   Subsystem 2 - Part No SW: 8V0 919 603 A    HW: 8V0 919 603 A
   Component: DU Std  H48 0013
   Serial number: AUZ8Z9DG601FJS  

   Multimedia Operating Unit:
   Subsystem 3 - Part No SW: 8V0 919 614 B    HW: 8V0 919 614 B
   Component: ControlUnit_B  H33 0037
   Serial number: C1000001071300010115

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address BB: Door Rear Drv (J388)       Labels:* None
   Part No SW: 5Q0 959 595 A    HW: 5Q0 959 595
   Component: TSG HFS       010 0006
   Serial number: 29061302090420
   Coding: 000086204001040000001002
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_DCURearDriveMAXKLO 006003
   ROD: EV_DCURearDriveMAXCONT.rod
   VCID: 4189F003D089C347D6-8014

No fault code found.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address BC: Door Rear Pass (J389)       Labels:* None
   Part No SW: 5Q0 959 595 A    HW: 5Q0 959 595
   Component: TSG HBFS      010 0006
   Serial number: 29061303110419
   Coding: 000086204001040000001002
   Shop #: WSC 06314 790 00021
   ASAM Dataset: EV_DCURearPasseMAXKLO 006003
   ROD: EV_DCURearPasseMAXCONT.rod
   VCID: 4189F003D089C347D6-8014

No fault code found.

End-------------------------(Elapsed Time: 04:08)--------------------------

 

[northpole]

it's called limp mode...from the fault you put up it's the VNT mechanism on the turbo that needs cleaning it is to dirty at the moment to allow smooth operation. this results in the car going into limpmode.

 

[sagatr]

Thanks for the reply. Do you think I can clean the turbo without disassembly using turbo cleaning spray? Do I need to spray into air intake side as shown by the green arrow in the photo?

 

[northpole]

that side where the green arrow is un that picture you posted just note: that is the exhaust side.

 

[alpesh26]

I have 2014 A3 (8V) 1.4 TFSI 122PS. Engine Code CXSA. I am getting EPC light during cold start. If I switch ignition off and on again EPC light will disappear. This can happen couple of hours later in the day where the light will come on. Ignition on and off will get rid of the light. When driving the car everything appears to be OK. However sometime I get some hesitation. While the car is stationary if I put the gas pedal all the way down my engine RPM gauge does not go over 4000 rpm. Looks like my performance is restricted.

I have done a scan using VCDS and got some fault codes. Any help on where I should start to troubleshoot this issue will be appreciated.

The 8V has a soft limiter on the engine. I can't rev my S3 over 4k rpm when stationary either. It's not a fault with the car.

The hesitation and EPC light are faults though

 

[sagatr]

To spray through the exhaust side seems like I need to disassemble lot of stuff. Is it possible to spray into Intake manifold hose that goes from the air filter as shown on the image below.

 

[northpole]

No it has to go into the hotside of the turbo. If you put it on the cold side it won't clean it.

 

[sagatr]

I have looked at my car today to see how difficult it it is to access the exhaust side of the turbo. It is blocked by a heat shield. What is the part that is connected to exhaust side of turbo? To make sure I am cleaning the right thing I have attached some photos. Is this what I need to clean?

I have been looking for a guide or video for a A3 turbo removal but not luck so far. Any links to such info?

 

[northpole]

mate you'll need to take the heat shield off and the downpipe. The part that needs cleaning is the part that you just showed in the 2nd picture. I just noticed that it doesn't have a VNT mechanism, but the wastegate is electronically controled by that metal rod ( and the motor situated on the cold side) so it might be that the waste gate is sticky. But however you look at it the lot needs to be cleaned. So you'll need to remove the bits that are in the way to get to it.

 

[sagatr]

Thank you all for your advice. This job may be beyond my abilities. Can anyone recommend an Audi specialist in London that can do this job for me. The main dealer quoted me £1300 for a new turbo and 1320 for six hours labour. If any forum member will do a turbo cleaning service then I will be interested.

 

[northpole]

just use google and look for an independent VAG specialist in your area...

 

[sagatr]

I have looked at the car today and found that the actuator arm does not move freely and does not go all the way back into the actuator housing. If I push the rod it goes all the way in. Around 2-3mm sticking out. I used VCDS and tried "First adaption of charge pressure actuator" and watched the actuator arm move in and out. It sound like metallic grinding sound. Definitely not smooth. Now I have EPC and Engine management light on dash which will not go off. Does this mean I have a faulty actuator or is the rod joint seized? The following image is what my actuator looks like.

 

[northpole]

As I said before clean the hot side of the turbo first. The actuator operates the relieve valve and that operation should be smooth. You can test it by disconnecting it than operate ot with vcds. If it comes back clear when disconnected it means the relieve valve is sticky. If it doesn't have smooth operation, you'll need to replace the actuator assembly.

It is that simple to pinpoint the problem but 9 out of 10 times a cleanup of the relieve valve is all that is needed to sortout the problem.

 

[sagatr]

Today I have replaced the old actuator, and my issues are finally solved. To help others who may have similar issues this is what I have done.


The old actuator had the part number 04E 145 725 Q and the new one 04E 145 725 AK. They look slightly different as the old one has a nut on the end of the rod.

The actuator is located on back of the engine and is very difficult to access without taking things off. I used a mirror to see what I am doing. If you have small hands like me then you can just about access it without taking anything off. The most difficult part was to take the circlip off. I used a flat headed screwdriver to pry it off. The clip went flying off and could not be found. Luckily the new actuator comes with two clips.

The actuator is secured using two 8mm bolts. Again, it is impossible to see the bolts looking down from top of the engine. I used a mirror to see the bolts. To take the bolts off you need a tiny ratchet like the one in the photo below as there is no clearance to move anything bigger. Once the bolts are loosened you can take them off using hand. As you can't see anything most of the job was done just by feeling the bolts.

Once the old actuator was off. I cleaned the turbo wastegate flapper linkage using 2000 grit sandpaper to take the old rust off. Then using used electrical contact cleaner to remove the old rust and grease. To make the linkage smooth and prevent future rust and seizure I used high temperature ceramic brake grease rated for 1200 degrees celsius on the linkage.

When you try to install the new actuator, you will notice the metal arm does not reach the wastegate linkage. To extend it you need connect the actuator power connector and put the ignition on but keep the engine off. You will notice the arm fully extends. Now you can push hole into the linkage and finally put the 8mm bolts in using your fingers before fully tightening using the ratchet.

The final step is using use VCDS and choosing "First adaption of charge pressure actuator". You will see actuator arm move in and out. This will calibrate the actuator.

When I switched the engine on for the first time. The EPS light and Engine management light both disappeared. I drove around to test everything and noticed the car is much more responsive. The hesitation is gone. When you fully put your foot down you can feel the turbo kick in.

So to summarise if you have the following fault codes and issues:

- 19404 - Turbo/Super Charger Boost System
- P2263 00 [167] - Performance

- EPC light / Engine Management light.
- Hesitation while driving
- Automatic start/stop system fault function unavailable while turning the engine on.

You may have a faulty turbo actuator. All of the above faults were gone soon as I replaced the actuator.

Thanks to everyone on this thread for their advise, to help me resolve this issue.