Service Campaign for Catalyst (Emissions Recall)

[pocketmaster]

FYI.... as of Dec 28th there is an Emissions Recall (26J2). Go to Audiusa.com under service. Plug in your VIN. If your vehicle falls under the recall, you will see the letter for the "Service Campaign". It will most likely say "There are no open or active recalls". However this is not considered a safety recall.....just FYI.

[Ape Factory]

What model(s)? S5 only?

[cts5]

I just got the note from Audi:

Emissions Recall 26J2 - Catalysts for certain 2008-2011 Audi's with 4.2l FSI

They'll replace the catalysts, it's a 2 day work order, free of charge... to make sure the catalysts perform and we all keep passing emissions tests.

[Sazexa]

I'm assuming it's probably from cats going bad from excessive exhaust heat, and/or getting clogged.

I'll find out more information from the dealer. Luckily, my 2009 4.2L V8 S5 is unaffected.

EDIT: Do note, I think it's is an "engine out" job, or at least requires the engine to be dropped down a bit as well. And I believe that involves the transmission. If you need something done on the bottom or rear end of the engine like a clutch, it might be an opportune time to save some money on labor fees and do it.

[11S5V8]

just searched my VIN got nothing.

[Sazexa]

I'd suggest checking with your local dealer. The website originally said I had no service needed, then after double checking with my dealer they said it did. And after triple-checking online once more, it also said I needed to have them replaced. Apparently for automatics is a 5-6 hour service. For my car, with a manual, it's quoted at 12-13 hours.

[cts5]

I'm not really excited about the Greenwich Audi service team dropping my engine to replace the cats. I'm at 95,000 miles and have never had a carbon cleaning (since 34,000 miles anyway), the car runs great, original clutch, no codes, no leaks, no squeaks, no engine problems, and they're going to drop the engine to weld in some new cats. <sarcasm> What could possibly go wrong?

Can we wait to have the service done until the car fails emissions? Or do service campaigns like this expire?

[calgarys5]

I just got my recall and called the tech - he wasn't sure (yet) as this is a new recall if they had to pull the engine. I have 117000 kilometers on mine and am debating if any other service (tensioners, clutch) should be done if they do have to drop the engine... views?

[Sazexa]

I just got my recall and called the tech - he wasn't sure (yet) as this is a new recall if they had to pull the engine. I have 117000 kilometers on mine and am debating if any other service (tensioners, clutch) should be done if they do have to drop the engine... views?

There's no known issues (according to JHM, at least) with S5 4.2L V8's and chains/tensioners. A clutch is a wise choice. I'm doing mine with my service.

[Tomieg]

Just had mine brought in for this and was denied due to an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system. Are all you guys stock? I'll admit, it's been a while since i've had anything done at the dealership and it completely slipped my mind that they're still super strict on enforcing the policy of not working on modified cars.

[Sazexa]

If it's cat back they shouldn't be able to enforce it, especially since most S5 "cat backs" are actually down-pipe back. I have a straight pipe from my cats-back and they were going to do my service for me. Then again, I know everyone at my dealership as I worked there for some time.

[Ape Factory]

Wait, it's a recall on the cats and they're denying you due to an exhaust which is AFTER the catalytic converters? I'd be making phone calls on that one. One call to the EPA and CARB may make them change their tune.

[Tom Servo]

Just had mine brought in for this and was denied due to an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system. Are all you guys stock? I'll admit, it's been a while since i've had anything done at the dealership and it completely slipped my mind that they're still super strict on enforcing the policy of not working on modified cars.

This was my first question to the service department in Columbia when I got the recall notification. I double checked with the service manager yesterday when they called to let me know the parts were in and he said that an aftermarket cat-back exhaust would not be an issue. I currently have an AWE Touring exhaust.

Aaron

[Tomieg]

If it's cat back they shouldn't be able to enforce it, especially since most S5 "cat backs" are actually down-pipe back. I have a straight pipe from my cats-back and they were going to do my service for me. Then again, I know everyone at my dealership as I worked there for some time.

I can understand both sides here. The dealer wants to "CYA" cover their ass in case I "The Customer" decide to complain after the fact. I even offered to write a written statement stating that i would not hold them accountable if any issues were to occur due to the exhaust. I guess it's just one of the qualms of having a modified car and having to deal with the dealership.

Wait, it's a recall on the cats and they're denying you due to an exhaust which is AFTER the catalytic converters? I'd be making phone calls on that one. One call to the EPA and CARB may make them change their tune.

I know...pretty ridiculous to me. I've tried arguing my case but it sounds like they're standing ground.

This was my first question to the service department in Columbia when I got the recall notification. I double checked with the service manager yesterday when they called to let me know the parts were in and he said that an aftermarket cat-back exhaust would not be an issue. I currently have an AWE Touring exhaust.

Aaron

Yeah, i'm not so fortunate to have such a flexible service rep. I just got a call saying that they will perform the work only if i put the OEM exhaust back on, which they will gladly do, at the tune of $400.

[Sazexa]

When all else fails, try a different dealership.

[brilliant_black]

I have a 2011 S5 V8.

Nothing showed up on the site for me.
Called Audi calabasas and Beverly Hills and they said nope we don't see anything...

[wxsgt]

Called the dealership when i got my letter they said nothing yet theyll let me know when they start doing them. 2 says ago i get a check engine light for the cats so i call them yesterday(my days a messed up because im an overnight worker) and was told yes they can do it now but wont be able to for a few weeks. Lastly they said it would take 1 day but AudiUSA says 2+ days. wondering if theyre going to rush it or what. They dont really seem like the want to do it.

[cts5]

I finally called the dealer that sold me the car (New Country of Greenwich CT) because they ignored my online service appointment request...

The service writer told me the same as wxsgt - "we don't have a solution for that yet" She wouldn't say why they weren't ready. This is 100% at odds with the letter from Audi that says "contact your authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule this service"

I'll be checking with another dealer to see if I get a different answer.

When I do get the service done... I'm at 95,000 miles on the original clutch and I think I should replace it now. Any ideas on what is a fair price if they're dropping the engine anyway?

[Sazexa]

I finally called the dealer that sold me the car (New Country of Greenwich CT) because they ignored my online service appointment request...

The service writer told me the same as wxsgt - "we don't have a solution for that yet" She wouldn't say why they weren't ready. This is 100% at odds with the letter from Audi that says "contact your authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule this service"

I'll be checking with another dealer to see if I get a different answer.

When I do get the service done... I'm at 95,000 miles on the original clutch and I think I should replace it now. Any ideas on what is a fair price if they're dropping the engine anyway?

Go to Audi of Wallingford, cts5. They'll treat you good. I would strongly recommend a clutch replacement if you can afford, but, OEM parts for new pressureplate, clutch disc, throw out bearing, flywheel, and bolts are expensive. ($2,500.) Perhaps do some online shopping first.

[pocketmaster]

Called the dealership when i got my letter they said nothing yet theyll let me know when they start doing them. 2 says ago i get a check engine light for the cats so i call them yesterday(my days a messed up because im an overnight worker) and was told yes they can do it now but wont be able to for a few weeks. Lastly they said it would take 1 day but AudiUSA says 2+ days. wondering if theyre going to rush it or what. They dont really seem like the want to do it.

First hand experience. I took my 2009 S5 4.2L in for the recall. When i dropped it off I had NO CEL and I perform ALL maintenance on the vehicle myself. Ive been doing diagnostics on my car for the past two years. They had the vehicle for 4 days. I picked up the vehicle and low and behold I had a CEL pop up about 20 miles from the dealership. I ran my own diagnostic with my OBDEleven and I was getting Bank 1 Sensor 2 No Communication. I returned the vehicle and at first they were not going
to pay for the O2 sensor which obviously was damaged during the procedure. I provided them the data that shows the time the )2 sensor threw the code the first time which was following the procedure. The service foreman agreed and the dealership kept the vehicle another 4 days since they had to order the O2 sensors. I just picked it up and they had replaced both downstream O2 sensors. My advice to anyone is make sure its noted if there are no codes being thrown at drop off. They tried to make me pay for the O2 replacement, but fortunately I had the knowledge to back up my argument. Also keep in mind the ECU logs the time the O2 throws the code the first time.

[Avantmaniac]

My cat converter was replaced by Audi back in October.

[Avantmaniac]

Just had mine brought in for this and was denied due to an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system. Are all you guys stock? I'll admit, it's been a while since i've had anything done at the dealership and it completely slipped my mind that they're still super strict on enforcing the policy of not working on modified cars.

That happened to me too, but I went to another dealer and they did replaced my cat converter.

[Benzo1133]

I had 2 recalls. Got both done at same time. Also have modded exhaust system. Dealer had no issues completing recalls. 2nd recall had something to do with steering system.

[new2s5]

Will they pull the engine to replace the cats? My local dealership say's no. ??

[Sazexa]

I don't think the engine gets pulled, on some models the sub frame gets removed and maybe some other stuff, but, it shouldn't be a fully engine out job.

[Avantmaniac]

Will they pull the engine to replace the cats? My local dealership say's no. ??

They didn't pull mine, it was done same day when the cat replacement received at dealer.

[Tom Servo]

Per the service manual the trans has to come out to remove the right side cat. If the VIN is through 8T-8A-023117 the trans can only be removed together with the engine. I have a very early S5 so the dealer had to drop the motor.

Aaron


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[wxsgt]

took them almost 2 weeks to do mine unfortunately

[SLU_S5]

I called as soon as I got the letter and had an appointment immediately scheduled for the following week with Audi of Rochester. I told them about my AWE touring exhaust and non-resonated downpipes and they were not concerned.

They had my car for about 2.5 days and gave me a brand new A5 sportback as a loaner (loved it). Got the car back, and I can’t tell any major difference in terms of sound or performance. I saw the bill and it appeared to be a $3800 job. There’s a vibration between 1k and 2k RPM when coming off the throttle that I have an appointment for on Monday to have them check out. Could be a heat shield out of place or a slight adjustment needed for the exhaust. I made it clear that I’m unwilling to pay for them to solve the issue as it was a direct result of the recall work.

[Tomieg]

If it's cat back they shouldn't be able to enforce it, especially since most S5 "cat backs" are actually down-pipe back. I have a straight pipe from my cats-back and they were going to do my service for me. Then again, I know everyone at my dealership as I worked there for some time.

Wait, it's a recall on the cats and they're denying you due to an exhaust which is AFTER the catalytic converters? I'd be making phone calls on that one. One call to the EPA and CARB may make them change their tune.

This was my first question to the service department in Columbia when I got the recall notification. I double checked with the service manager yesterday when they called to let me know the parts were in and he said that an aftermarket cat-back exhaust would not be an issue. I currently have an AWE Touring exhaust.

Aaron

When all else fails, try a different dealership.

I called as soon as I got the letter and had an appointment immediately scheduled for the following week with Audi of Rochester. I told them about my AWE touring exhaust and non-resonated downpipes and they were not concerned.

They had my car for about 2.5 days and gave me a brand new A5 sportback as a loaner (loved it). Got the car back, and I can’t tell any major difference in terms of sound or performance. I saw the bill and it appeared to be a $3800 job. There’s a vibration between 1k and 2k RPM when coming off the throttle that I have an appointment for on Monday to have them check out. Could be a heat shield out of place or a slight adjustment needed for the exhaust. I made it clear that I’m unwilling to pay for them to solve the issue as it was a direct result of the recall work.

So i stopped by Audi of Santa Monica and was told the same thing. They won't touch it if it's not in 100% stock form... As the service advisor relayed to me, Audi is obligated to take pics prior to and after performing the recall to ensure that everything is 100% OEM.

-Tom

[SLU_S5]

So i stopped by Audi of Santa Monica and was told the same thing. They won't touch it if it's not in 100% stock form... As the service advisor relayed to me, Audi is obligated to take pics prior to and after performing the recall to ensure that everything is 100% OEM.

-Tom

Try scheduling with a different dealer. I made it clear beforehand that they’d see my AWE exhaust and they assured me that it wasn’t a problem. They did the job, and the tech even made a comment about how it was easier for him with the exhaust and how it’s clamped.

[Tomieg]

Try scheduling with a different dealer. I made it clear beforehand that they’d see my AWE exhaust and they assured me that it wasn’t a problem. They did the job, and the tech even made a comment about how it was easier for him with the exhaust and how it’s clamped.

This is the second dealer i've been to. Maybe third tries a charm. I'm due for SMOG/emissions testing this year too. Joy.

[new2s5]

I have a Akrapovic exhaust on my S5 and didn't have any dealership problems replacing my cats.

[rasher]

I just picked mine up tonight after the dealership performed this recall and I swear my car runs much quicker.
Maybe I had cats starting to clog or something.

[Basileus]

Per the service manual the trans has to come out to remove the right side cat. If the VIN is through 8T-8A-023117 the trans can only be removed together with the engine. I have a very early S5 so the dealer had to drop the motor.

Aaron


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

Yep, I also have an early (2008) S5. My dealership (Audi of Arlington, VA) advised me to replace the clutch as well since the trans and engine would be dropped. The cat recall would save me the labor costs of dropping the engine (they apparently will still charge $500 labor to replace the clutch....plus the $$$$ for parts).

[Sazexa]

Yep, I also have an early (2008) S5. My dealership (Audi of Arlington, VA) advised me to replace the clutch as well since the trans and engine would be dropped. The cat recall would save me the labor costs of dropping the engine (they apparently will still charge $500 labor to replace the clutch....plus the $$$$ for parts).

$500 is a steal, as I believe not counting parts, a clutch replacement is about $1,500-$2,000 on it's own in labor, quoted from most Audi dealers.

[Tom Servo]

I was charged $1200 by the dealership to swap out the clutch, clutch fork , fork pivot ball, driveplate needle bearing, rear main seal, both exhaust manifold seals, and the trans tunnel heat shield. I supplied all my own parts. I had this done while the engine was out for the cat tsb.

Sent from my SM-N920I using Audizine mobile app

[JoshDub]

I was charged $1200 by the dealership to swap out the clutch, clutch fork , fork pivot ball, driveplate needle bearing, rear main seal, both exhaust manifold seals, and the trans tunnel heat shield. I supplied all my own parts. I had this done while the engine was out for the cat tsb.

Sent from my SM-N920I using Audizine mobile app

they charged you $1200 when the transmission was already out?

[Tom Servo]

they charged you $1200 when the transmission was already out?

Yeah, I cringed a little but it was a lot of other parts outside the scope of the TSB to include having to pull the drive plate and replace bearings, etc. So I just pushed through with it. Labor is expensive.

Aaron

Sent from my SM-N920I using Audizine mobile app

[cts5]

I got mine done this week after waiting 2 weeks for an appointment and the parts to arrive. It's a 2010, 96,000 miles, 6 speed.

Audi of Fairfield gave us a loaner, did the work in a day, and returned the car cleaner than when I gave it to them. No codes (knock wood), and I've got that fun new car smell when you get the cats hot for the first time.

New Country Audi of Greenwich continued to be a dealer to stay away from. I bought my car there, called to schedule this work and they said the parts weren't available (unfortunately this is a complete lie) and they'd call me when they were. They never called - I think they just don't want to be bothered. I don't expect I'll ever go back to them for anything.