2014 Audi S5 Has A Check Engine Light

Troubleshooting the Check Engine Light in Your 2014 Audi S5: Common Causes and Solutions

Find Repair Location
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 2014 Audi S5 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 2014 Audi S5 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 are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2014 Audi S5?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2014 Audi S5, it's essential to adopt a methodical diagnostic approach to efficiently identify the underlying issue. Start by checking the gas cap; a loose or damaged cap is a common culprit that can easily trigger the warning light. Next, take a moment to inspect your dashboard gauges for any additional warning lights or unusual readings, as these can offer further insights into potential problems. Utilizing an OBD-II scanner is a crucial step in this process, as it allows you to read the error codes stored in your vehicle's computer, providing specific information about the issue at hand. Additionally, examining the condition of your spark plugs is vital, as worn or faulty plugs can also lead to the check engine light illuminating. Finally, ensure that all essential fluid levels—such as oil, coolant, and transmission fluid—are adequate, as low levels can sometimes activate the warning light. By following these initial diagnostic steps, you can gather valuable information that will help you effectively troubleshoot and address the check engine light on your Audi S5.

What are the common problems that could cause the check engine light to illuminate in a 2014 Audi S5?

When the check engine light illuminates in a 2014 Audi S5, it serves as a crucial alert for drivers to investigate potential issues that could affect vehicle performance. Common problems include a faulty oxygen sensor, which is vital for monitoring emissions and fuel efficiency, and a loose or damaged gas cap that can disrupt fuel system pressure. Additionally, issues with the catalytic converter, such as inefficiency or failure, can trigger the warning light, indicating a need for immediate attention. Spark plug or ignition coil malfunctions are also frequent culprits, as they can lead to engine misfires and reduced performance. A malfunctioning mass airflow sensor can further complicate matters by disrupting the air-fuel mixture. Lastly, an engine misfire, which may arise from various factors including faulty spark plugs or fuel injectors, can also activate the check engine light. For DIY enthusiasts, understanding these common issues is essential for timely diagnostics and repairs, ensuring the vehicle remains in optimal condition.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2014 Audi S5?

When the check engine light illuminates in your 2014 Audi S5, it is crucial to act swiftly, as this warning can indicate a range of issues from minor glitches to serious engine problems. Ignoring this alert not only risks decreased fuel efficiency but can also lead to significant engine damage, which may result in costly repairs down the line. For DIY enthusiasts, while it may be tempting to delay addressing the light, doing so could compromise your vehicle's safety and performance. The underlying issues could escalate, leading to more severe complications that are harder to fix. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a thorough diagnostic check as soon as possible, whether through an OBD-II scanner or by consulting a professional, to identify the root cause of the problem. By taking prompt action, you can ensure your Audi S5 remains in optimal condition, ultimately saving time and money while enhancing your driving experience.

You’ve got options with RepairPal

Whether you need a more accurate auto repair estimate or help finding a reputable shop in your area, we’ve got you covered.