Audi S5 Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your Audi S5 and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Devin Cabugcal
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 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 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.

Troubleshooting Check Engine Light in an Audi S5

When faced with a Check Engine Light in your Audi S5, the first step is to understand that this warning indicates potential issues with the engine or emission control systems. Begin by using an OBD-II scanner to pull diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from the vehicle's onboard computer. This will provide specific information about the malfunctioning components, allowing you to prioritize repairs effectively. If the light is flashing, it signifies a severe problem, and you should refrain from driving the vehicle until it has been assessed by a professional. After retrieving the codes, inspect common culprits such as the oxygen sensors, EGR valve, or any temperature sensors that may be malfunctioning. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and improve your vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance checks and timely repairs are essential in keeping your Audi S5 running smoothly and avoiding the recurrence of the Check Engine Light.

What Could Cause the Check Engine Light to Illuminate in an Audi S5?

When the Check Engine light comes on in your Audi S5, it can be a source of concern, but understanding the common problems can help you diagnose the issue effectively. One frequent culprit is worn spark plugs, which can lead to misfires and reduced engine performance. Additionally, faulty sensors, such as the oxygen sensor, can disrupt the air-to-fuel ratio, causing the engine to run inefficiently. Sometimes, the issue may be as simple as a loose gas cap, which can trigger the light without indicating a serious problem. However, if the light is accompanied by symptoms like rough idling or decreased power, it may point to more significant engine issues, such as spark plug failure or other internal problems. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial, as neglecting them can lead to more extensive damage and costly repairs. By being aware of these common triggers, you can take the first steps toward diagnosing and potentially resolving the issue yourself, ensuring your Audi S5 continues to perform at its best.

Why is the Check Engine Light On in an Audi S5?

When the Check Engine Light illuminates in your Audi S5, it serves as a crucial warning that should not be ignored. While some causes, like a loose gas cap, may seem trivial, others can lead to significant engine damage if left unaddressed. For instance, issues with the oxygen sensor or spark plugs can result in poor engine performance and increased emissions, potentially leading to costly repairs down the line. Additionally, a malfunctioning mass airflow sensor or catalytic converter can severely impact your vehicle's efficiency and safety. Therefore, it is vital to diagnose the underlying issue as soon as possible. For DIY enthusiasts, utilizing an OBD-II scanner can help identify the specific trouble codes associated with the Check Engine Light, allowing you to take informed steps toward resolving the problem. Remember, timely intervention not only preserves the health of your vehicle but also ensures your safety on the road.

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