2018 Audi TTS Quattro Has A Check Engine Light

Common Causes of the Check Engine Light in Your 2018 Audi TTS Quattro and How to Resolve Them

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Reviewed by
Bo Fader
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 2018 Audi TTS 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 2018 Audi TTS 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 are the initial diagnostic steps to take for a check engine light on a 2018 Audi TTS Quattro?

When faced with a check engine light on your 2018 Audi TTS Quattro, the first step is to understand that this warning can signify a range of issues, from minor to severe. Begin by using an OBD-II code scanner to retrieve the trouble codes from your vehicle's onboard diagnostic system; this will provide insight into the specific problem triggering the light. Common culprits include emissions system failures, faulty sensors, or worn spark plugs, so pay attention to the codes you receive. After identifying the issue, consider performing basic maintenance tasks, such as replacing spark plugs or checking fluid levels, which can often resolve minor problems. If the issue persists, further investigation may be necessary, potentially involving more complex diagnostics. Once you have addressed the underlying problem, remember to reset the check engine light using your code scanner to clear any stored trouble codes. By following this structured approach, you can effectively diagnose and resolve the check engine light issue, ensuring your Audi TTS Quattro runs smoothly.

What common issues trigger the check engine light in a 2018 Audi TTS Quattro?

When diagnosing the check engine light in a 2018 Audi TTS Quattro, it's essential to understand the common issues that may be at play. One prevalent cause is a faulty oxygen sensor, which can disrupt the vehicle's air-fuel mixture and lead to inefficient engine performance. Similarly, catalytic converter failures can trigger the light, indicating that exhaust gases are not being processed correctly. Engine misfires, often due to worn or damaged spark plugs, can also illuminate the check engine light, signaling a need for immediate attention. Additionally, problems with the ignition cylinder can result in irregular engine operation, further complicating the issue. It's also worth noting that the exhaust gas oxygen sensor, or Lambda probe, can cause misfires during sudden acceleration or low-speed driving, contributing to the warning light. Lastly, a simple yet often overlooked issue is a loose gas tank cap, which can easily be resolved by ensuring it is securely fastened. By being aware of these common problems, DIY enthusiasts can take proactive steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the check engine light issue in their Audi TTS Quattro.

How urgent is it to address the check engine light in a 2018 Audi TTS Quattro?

When it comes to the check engine light in a 2018 Audi TTS Quattro, understanding the urgency of the situation is crucial for any DIY enthusiast. A flashing check engine light is a clear signal of a severe issue that demands immediate action; ignoring it could lead to significant engine damage or safety hazards. Conversely, a steady light, while less urgent, still warrants prompt attention to prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs. Common triggers for the check engine light can range from simple fixes, like a loose gas cap, to more complex problems such as engine malfunctions. To effectively diagnose the issue, utilizing a compatible diagnostic scanner is essential, as it can provide insights into the specific error codes affecting your vehicle. By addressing the check engine light promptly, you not only ensure the optimal performance of your Audi TTS Quattro but also safeguard against potential safety risks and expensive repairs down the line.

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