2020 Audi A6 Quattro Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2020 Audi A6 Quattro: Common Causes and Solutions

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Reviewed by
Aisha
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
40% chance it's the
Emissions System
0%
60% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2020 Audi A6 Quattro has a check engine light are an emissions system component, a sensor, or a catalytic converter.
  • Emissions System: A faulty emissions system component, such as an oxygen sensor or EGR valve, can lead to increased emissions and trigger the check engine light.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2020 Audi A6 Quattro has a check engine light?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

A faulty oxygen sensor is one of the most common causes of a check engine light. Symptoms may include a decrease in fuel mileage, hesitation or misfiring from the engine, rough idling or even stalling. A faulty sensor may cause the vehicle to fail an emissions test.

Any time there is an emissions fault the check engine light will be displayed. The purpose of the check engine light is to inform the driver that an emission related fault has been found, and that there are on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes stored in the powertrain or engine control module. Additionally, since the emissions systems are so intertwined into engine control and transmission control systems, symptoms may include nearly any sort of drivability concerns. This may include harsh shifting, failure to shift, hesitation on acceleration, jerking, engine failure to start or run, loss of power, or any number of other drivability issues.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start. In some cases, no abnormal symptoms will be experienced. Other systems like the transmission or ABS can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate and lights for those systems can come on at the same time. Similar lights may say "Check Engine Soon", "Malfunction Indicator Light" or just "Check". In rare case the engine can overheat.

What steps should I take to diagnose the check engine light on my 2020 Audi A6 Quattro?

When diagnosing the check engine light on your 2020 Audi A6 Quattro, it's essential to adopt a systematic approach that prioritizes simpler solutions before delving into more complex diagnostics. Start by checking for any additional warning lights on the dashboard, as these can provide clues about specific issues. Next, inspect the gas cap; a loose or improperly sealed cap is a common trigger for the check engine light and is an easy fix. If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, utilize an OBD-II scanner to connect to your vehicle's diagnostic port. This tool will allow you to retrieve error codes that can help pinpoint the problem. Carefully read and interpret these codes, as they will guide you in understanding the underlying issue. If you find the error codes confusing or if the problem appears to be more complicated than a simple fix, it’s wise to consult a mechanic or dealership for professional assistance. By following this structured diagnostic approach, you can effectively identify and address the cause of the check engine light, ensuring your Audi A6 Quattro remains in optimal condition.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2020 Audi A6 Quattro?

When the check engine light comes on in a 2020 Audi A6 Quattro, it can indicate several common problems that are often manageable for DIY enthusiasts. One frequent culprit is a loose gas cap, which can allow fuel vapors to escape and is easily rectified by ensuring the cap is securely tightened. Another common issue is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can significantly impact engine performance and fuel efficiency; replacing this sensor can often restore optimal function. Additionally, problems with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, may also trigger the light, requiring more in-depth diagnostics and potentially replacement. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to performance issues, while spark plug or ignition coil problems can cause engine misfires, both of which are critical to address. Other potential issues include a faulty thermostat, which can affect engine temperature regulation, vacuum leaks that impact performance, and EGR valve malfunctions that can lead to emissions problems. By understanding these common issues, DIYers can take proactive steps to diagnose and resolve the underlying causes of the check engine light, ensuring their Audi A6 Quattro runs smoothly and efficiently.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2020 Audi A6 Quattro?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2020 Audi A6 Quattro, it signals a potential issue that requires immediate attention. Ignoring this warning can lead to a cascade of problems, including reduced fuel efficiency and performance degradation, which may ultimately result in costly repairs. The vehicle's sophisticated onboard diagnostics system is designed to help identify the specific issue, making it easier for DIY enthusiasts to troubleshoot. However, while some minor issues may be resolved at home, it is crucial to recognize that certain problems could pose safety risks or lead to significant engine damage if left unaddressed. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a thorough diagnostic check as soon as possible, either through an OBD-II scanner or by consulting a professional mechanic, to ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition and to prevent further complications down the road.

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2020 Audi A6 Quattro Check Engine Light Guide | RepairPal