4.0TSFI Throttle Lag Solved

[nobbyv]

I don't post on here as much, but wanted to try and spread the word: those of you with S6s (particularly 2013s, but also some 2014s) may have observed a pronounced throttle lag, most noticeable when trying to accelerate from a rolling stop (i.e., slow for a red light, turns green before you stop). This issue has become increasingly annoying to me over the past year, and numerous complaints to my dealer (as well as trying things on my own like replacing the brake sensor switch) hadn't helped.

I had my 15k service the other day, and on the way to the dealer the car threw the EPC light. I shut it off, turned it back on, and it was gone, but I mentioned it to the dealer when I arrived (along with reiterating my complaint about the lag issue).

My SA called me later that day and told me there was a TSB for a software update to the ECM to address the EPC light which would also correct my lag issue. I was doubtful of the second claim, as I hadn't heard anything about it in any of the forums. However, to my surprise, it WORKS: the throttle lag is now completely gone. Word is that your car must throw the EPC light (thereby causing a DTC to register) before AoA will pay for this update, but I think those that are persistent may get it done even without throwing the code.

I'm posting this here because if you're experiencing this, you know how frustrating it is to have a car that is 99% perfect, but with one nagging issue that completely ruins the driving experience. Good luck.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...nK!-2015685618

Service Bulletin No.: TSB-01-13-36
Component(s): ENGINE , FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE NHTSA ID Number: 10054273

Manufacturer: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
AUDI: SOME VEHICLES ENGINE WARNING LIGHT SPORADICALLY ILLUMINATES, WOULD HAVE REDUCED PERFORMANCE WITHOUT LOSS OF POWER/STALLING OR NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT DUE TO LOW SYSTEM VOLTAGE, AND NOT ENOUGH ON/OFF RATIO TO KEEP FUEL METERING VALVE CONSTANT IN ALL AREAS, THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE NEED TO BE UPDATED. MODEL 2013-2014 S6, S7, A8, S8. *PE

Note: my dealer also referred to this as TSB 2035235/2.

[Fourplay]

TSBs should be free of charge under warranty. Just bring the number up if you're also having this issue and it should be done for free.

[nobbyv]

TSBs should be free of charge under warranty. Just bring the number up if you're also having this issue and it should be done for free.

TSBs are only free of charge if you meet the specific criteria. My point is that there are many people who are complaining about this lag that have NOT thrown the EPC light, which apparently is a condition of the TSB (on the full version that Audi uses).

[Packy]

I'm posting this here because if you're experiencing this, you know how frustrating it is to have a car that is 99% perfect, but with one nagging issue that completely ruins the driving experience. Good luck.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/...nK!-2015685618


Note: my dealer also referred to this as TSB 2035235/2.

2 nagging issues, the heads up display rattle!! Well, those and the fact nobody will stop light drag me. Cowards!!

[Pip]

2 nagging issues, the heads up display rattle!! Well, those and the fact nobody will stop light drag me. Cowards!!

Mine too !!! Cheap plastic covering the HUD projector ! *Faints !

[dannybear]

The rattle on the head up display has a dealer fix. Mine was fixed last time it was in. I also have a rattle from the rear auto blind when its down and I play music load. They have ordered parts to fix this. The centre speaker cover rattles on coarse roads but they don't have a fix for that yet.
I too have the ongoing problem of no one prepared to give me a go at the lights - hard to fix that one

[dannybear]

I used these referenced TSB's but they said they were not for my car. Maybe different codes for different countries. The good news is they did 2 updates (one steering response the other engine/transmission) and I think they got it. Need to do more driving to be sure but it feels a lot better including they way it takes off from a stop now.

[maxhawk]

The rattle on the head up display has a dealer fix. Mine was fixed last time it was in. I also have a rattle from the rear auto blind when its down and I play music load. They have ordered parts to fix this.

Would love to know what parts they're replacing. The last time I complained about it, the dealer said sorry they can't fix it. I've since started going to a differenct dealer for service, but it's a 20 mile drive instead of 5 -- not normally a big deal except I usually have to go during rush hour and in the opposite direction of work.

[nosirrahx]

heads up display rattle!!

My 5K is coming up and this is my only complaint, glad to see that I am not alone here. Going to make sure ahead of time that they are ready to fix this.

FYI, mine only makes noise at specific temperatures and then only at certain speeds, usually 30-45ish. I had no faith at all that I would be able to reproduce this at the time of my 5K so I am glad to see that it is known and documented.

[Xtek]

To be clear this TSB will only apply if you've seen your EPC light come on and a fault code was thrown. Otherwise they won't apply it.

Of course you could try saying you saw it and cleared the fault code and they might be willing to allow it.

[TunTap]

I took the car in and tried convincing the service dept. into applying the tsb, they said the same thing - they won't do it unless there is a code. I hate the throttle lag on these cars, especially paired with a wandering gearbox that S-tronic is unless you're already moving at full throttle.

[dannybear]

After almost having another accident due to the throttle lag I took my new s6 to the dealer again AND told them its in because I almost had an accident and I am scared. They had available and done two updates, one to adjust steering weight and the other listed for engine/transmission. The change is significant. In the past (not in sports mode) you could really feel the clutch packs engage from a dead stop similar to a beginner driving a manual as such I would often take off in sports mode. Now it feels more like a typical auto. However the biggest thing is it feels like its more responsive after slowing down but not stopping and I think the throttle lag is gone. Need to do some more km's to be sure. Still have the expected reduced power until the revs pick up but haven't been able to repeat the zero response I used to get.

[TunTap]

After almost having another accident due to the throttle lag I took my new s6 to the dealer again AND told them its in because I almost had an accident and I am scared. They had available and done two updates, one to adjust steering weight and the other listed for engine/transmission. The change is significant. In the past (not in sports mode) you could really feel the clutch packs engage from a dead stop similar to a beginner driving a manual as such I would often take off in sports mode. Now it feels more like a typical auto. However the biggest thing is it feels like its more responsive after slowing down but not stopping and I think the throttle lag is gone. Need to do some more km's to be sure. Still have the expected reduced power until the revs pick up but haven't been able to repeat the zero response I used to get.

Could you share which updates they performed? Should be on the repair order. I've been in the same situation trying to make a left hand turn and nothing happening.

[Xtek]

After almost having another accident due to the throttle lag I took my new s6 to the dealer again AND told them its in because I almost had an accident and I am scared. They had available and done two updates, one to adjust steering weight and the other listed for engine/transmission. The change is significant. In the past (not in sports mode) you could really feel the clutch packs engage from a dead stop similar to a beginner driving a manual as such I would often take off in sports mode. Now it feels more like a typical auto. However the biggest thing is it feels like its more responsive after slowing down but not stopping and I think the throttle lag is gone. Need to do some more km's to be sure. Still have the expected reduced power until the revs pick up but haven't been able to repeat the zero response I used to get.

Those sound like older TSBs, not the throttle EPC one.

[turbonator S6]

I brought my car in last Thursday and after driving it all this weekend I can confirm that the lag is essentially gone. They said the TSB doesn't apply to my VIN but they called Audi TAC (Technical Assistance Center?) and was told to apply software update 24702599. This update, plus the other one that fixed the harsh downshifts in sport mode, have now made this car perfect.

[Xtek]

I brought my car in last Thursday and after driving it all this weekend I can confirm that the lag is essentially gone. They said the TSB doesn't apply to my VIN but they called Audi TAC (Technical Assistance Center?) and was told to apply software update 24702599. This update, plus the other one that fixed the harsh downshifts in sport mode, have now made this car perfect.

That was a different one that should have solved harsh downshifts. Though the original OP TSB doesn't really apply.

[NickS]

It would be nice when everyone talks about these issues if you would also post your cars build date. It's easier to keep track of cars based on build dates then it is to say it's based on your VIN. Most don't know their VIN but most would remember their build date. And most TSB's that are based on VIN numbers usually coincide with build dates.

Just my $.02

[agent47]

I brought my car in last Thursday and after driving it all this weekend I can confirm that the lag is essentially gone. They said the TSB doesn't apply to my VIN but they called Audi TAC (Technical Assistance Center?) and was told to apply software update 24702599. This update, plus the other one that fixed the harsh downshifts in sport mode, have now made this car perfect.

I have been having rough downshifts too but its on my A6. I guess I will have to get it flashed back to stock and take it in.

[07S6]

I have been having rough downshifts too but its on my A6. I guess I will have to get it flashed back to stock and take it in.

Not to thread jack...but i've noticed my downshift to 3rd upon acceleration feels a bit harsh it lurches forward ..almost like the feeling you get when you downshift 2 gears.
It may be normal but it's just not a smooth transition when you're giving it some gas and picking up speed.. Is that what you're describing?

[agent47]

Not to thread jack...but i've noticed my downshift to 3rd upon acceleration feels a bit harsh it lurches forward ..almost like the feeling you get when you downshift 2 gears.
It may be normal but it's just not a smooth transition when you're giving it some gas and picking up speed.. Is that what you're describing?

You nailed it. Thats what happens on my A6. Last evening on my drive back home, I was driving like a dbag coz of the shitload of traffic. Swiping down into the right lane and nailing the gas, hitting triple digits often. But the downshifts were noticeably rough.

[dannybear]

I rang the dealer to try determine the two updates codes that were done on my car as it appears to have fixed the throttle lag. One update was an older recall for the steering weight (I asked for a tsb number and was told recall 48k8)? I was told the engine/transmission shift update was not a recall and had no code but they contacted and connected my car to Audi h/office and addressed my concern of the throttle lag and 2 near accidents. Sorry but that's all I got and I don't have the paperwork until they close my job sheet at the end of the month (waiting for a special key from Germany so they can fix the squeeling brakes).e/transmission shift update was not a recall and had no code but they contacted and connected my car to Audi h/office and addressed my concern of the throttle lag and 2 near accidents. Sorry but that's all I got and I don't have the paperwork until they close my job sheet at the end of the month (waiting for a special key from Germany so they can fix the squeeling brakes).

[tarunck]

Thanks to maherladki's attached bill with the TSB number(from audiworld). I asked my service manager to look into this throttle lag issue as at times my car takes its sweet 1 sec to respond when i kick the accelerator. He not only did TSB 2035235/2 but also bunch of others. TSB2039267/1, TSB2036392/3
I am 100% sure now, the throttle lag is gone and the transmission shifts much more faster to lower gears even in Auto mode. The car now is more fun to drive.
I am not sure if there is any update done for the steering too as it now weights right at high speeds.

[eyeloveteeth]

Thanks to maherladki's attached bill with the TSB number(from audiworld). I asked my service manager to look into this throttle lag issue as at times my car takes its sweet 1 sec to respond when i kick the accelerator. He not only did TSB 2035235/2 but also bunch of others. TSB2039267/1, TSB2036392/3
I am 100% sure now, the throttle lag is gone and the transmission shifts much more faster to lower gears even in Auto mode. The car now is more fun to drive.
I am not sure if there is any update done for the steering too as it now weights right at high speeds.

interesting, i'm 650 miles in now, and i've thought it odd that sometimes i feel like the steering seems overboosted. maybe i need to ask them about this.

I've also noticed the lag, but always attributed to just turbo lag and non-aggressive shift pattern from 1st to 2nd. Thanks for the heads up!

[tarunck]

interesting, i'm 650 miles in now, and i've thought it odd that sometimes i feel like the steering seems overboosted. maybe i need to ask them about this.

I've also noticed the lag, but always attributed to just turbo lag and non-aggressive shift pattern from 1st to 2nd. Thanks for the heads up!

Its definitely not turbo lag as i can see a lot of difference now. The throttle response is more instantaneous and also the transmission shifts are butter smooth even in Dynamic and all the harshness(4-3, 3-2) is gone.
I agree with the overboost for the steering and I wouldn't say its day and night difference but its good and get bit more tight with speed. I still doubt if there is any specific update done for the steering or if its just my feeling.
I think these updates are valid only to 2013 and early 2014 models. But you can check with your service guy.