Want to keep your exhaust flaps open all the time, without unplugging them? READ UP!

**Innovator** · 05-12-2021 01:36 PM

So I know this has been debated for quite some time. The OE exhaust flap programming is annoying and uncontrollable at best, and on top of that, they are noisy when they open and close constantly. It was really pissing me off ! If we want them to stay open, we have to unplug them from the actuators under the car, leaving them open to water intrusion, corrosion and permanent damage to the connector, and actuator both. Taping the connectors up afterwards is not a solution either.. And it's simply a pain the ass to do it, because they are hard to get at..

So I have found the way to turn them on or off, either working as Audi intended, or not, at your will. No, you don't have to buy an expensive controller either.. It's a piece of cake.

Under the left dead man pedal in the drivers footwell, is a fuse box. Pop the black plastic cap off, remove the torx bolt, and remove the foot rest cover.. Picture is attached. In the first (brown) row to the left, the 4th fuse down ( the only 7.5 amp) is specifically for the exhaust flaps and nothing else. I have removed this fuse in the picture already.. You can just unplug the fuse, and deactivate the flaps in the open position, or hook a simple single pole switch to the fuse terminals with an inline fuse and mount it within reach, if you want the option of enabling or disabling it. Simple, effective, and you can flip it on or off. No hard codes are created. Nothing else is effected that I have ascertained.

JUST MAKE SURE THE FLAPS ARE OPEN BEFORE PULLING THE FUSE!

**303 Spartan** · 05-12-2021 02:08 PM

Well, this is interesting!

**Innovator** · 05-12-2021 02:09 PM

Well it was bugging the shit out of me, so I had to get to the bottom of it!

**thadoggfatha** · 05-12-2021 02:10 PM

Will try this later on today. I wonder how cold start will sound

**Innovator** · 05-12-2021 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by thadoggfatha

Will try this later on today. I wonder how cold start will sound

Sounds damn good!

**ywang98** · 05-12-2021 05:37 PM

This is cool! Thanks!

**MoralMiscreant** · 05-12-2021 06:03 PM

I would be wary of doing this. From this post: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post14500102

Originally Posted by Arin@APR

The first code is for the exhaust valve. Is it stock or modified? Is it plugged in? Just a word on these MG1 ECUs, they don't like when the control range on the valve has been changed a bunch, or unplugged. It will cause the ECU to run on a low power / low output map to protect the engine as it thinks the exhaust path is closed off.

**Innovator** · 05-12-2021 10:55 PM

Originally Posted by MoralMiscreant

I would be wary of doing this. From this post: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post14500102

I have seen this mentioned, yet nobody has actually experienced a loss of power from what I've read, or have I missed something? Additionally, I think it's reasonable to assume that if the engine were in a low power/limp mode, there would be other fault codes to accompany it. Many people have been driving around long term, with the actuators unplugged. I personally don't notice any loss of power, but I'll keep my butt on it.

Either way, with the valves open, I don't see how any harm could be done.

**iampraneel** · 05-12-2021 11:53 PM

Are you able to list the sequence of this mod so that the end result is in open flaps.

Also for this fuse it’s label as the below in the owners manuel. Any concerns with that.

vacuum pump, hot water pump, exhaust doors, radiator sensor

**Innovator** · 05-13-2021 07:07 AM

I used ALLDATA to locate the fuse. For that particular fuse, it only lists the exhaust flaps. The only soft codes present in the ECU for the exhaust flaps not for any other function. It would seem prudent that the other items that you mentioned, had they been on that circuit would have been listed as a CODE. Brakes function normally. So the vacuum pump is not affected.. Run on pump is on after shutoff. 🤔 it seems unlikely that they'd have other important items on a fuse that could potentially sure that if the servo went bad on the exhaust flap. But to be honest, I will need to investigate that further. I traced the schematic from that fuse directly to the exhaust flaps.

Turn the car of in dynamic mode, and make sure the flaps are open.. As with everything mod related, you do this at your own risk. 😉

**iampraneel** · 05-13-2021 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by Innovator

I used ALLDATA to locate the fuse. For that particular fuse, it only lists the exhaust flaps. The only soft codes present in the ECU for the exhaust flaps not for any other function. It would seem prudent that the other items that you mentioned, had they been on that circuit would have been listed as a CODE. Brakes function normally. So the vacuum pump is not affected.. Run on pump is on after shutoff. 🤔 it seems unlikely that they'd have other important items on a fuse that could potentially sure that if the servo went bad on the exhaust flap. But to be honest, I will need to investigate that further. I traced the schematic from that fuse directly to the exhaust flaps.

Turn the car of in dynamic mode, and make sure the flaps are open.. As with everything mod related, you do this at your own risk. 😉

Thanks for details and doing the research.

**Innovator** · 05-13-2021 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by iampraneel

Thanks for details and doing the research.

My Pleasure.

**coolwater** · 05-13-2021 04:55 PM

Good info and thanks for doing the research. I’ll wait a bit to see how real world testing goes for everyone.

-cW

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Innovator** · 05-13-2021 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by coolwater

Good info and thanks for doing the research. I’ll wait a bit to see how real world testing goes for everyone.

-cW

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well, it's been a week, and I've been driving it in the real world, so... so far so good.

**coolwater** · 05-14-2021 05:00 AM

Originally Posted by Innovator

Well, it's been a week, and I've been driving it in the real world, so... so far so good.

That’s good to know

. So you are saying there is still a soft code for exhaust when pulling the fuse? No MIL on the dash though?

-cW

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Innovator** · 05-14-2021 06:01 AM

Correct

**TakiEZ** · 05-14-2021 09:12 AM

Hi Inno, not sure if you could share the pix that you shared here via email? I can’t seem to open the pics here…already PM’ed you the details. Thanks very much!

**solarrs5** · 05-14-2021 09:54 AM

your my hero !! LOL

i been doing this for my corvettes and zl1s for years first day i owned them pulled the fuse and never ever had a issue.

i hate the exhaust on our cars closed. even open still isnt that loud.

**Innovator** · 05-14-2021 12:08 PM

[QUOTE= my hero !! LOL

i been doing this for my corvettes and zl1s for years first day i owned them pulled the fuse and never ever had a issue.

i hate the exhaust on our cars closed. even open still isnt that loud.[/QUOTE]

It isn't loud but it's a hell of a lot louder. A slight drone that lower RPM but it's worth it.

**ORiOn16** · 05-15-2021 06:02 AM

How sure are you that the fuse is for the valves and only the valves?

**scott1961** · 05-15-2021 06:15 AM

Does seem like an interesting workaround but will stick with installing controller since I am changing exhaust this week and figure while they are under there might as well have them hook up a controller

**Innovator** · 05-15-2021 06:31 AM

Originally Posted by ORiOn16

How sure are you that the fuse is for the valves and only the valves?

The only soft codes that are left in the ECU are for the flaps and nothing else. So based on that I'd have to say there's nothing else connected to it because if there were anything serious connected to it it would surely leave a code. In the schematic I posted of the fuse panel it specifically says exhaust flap 1 and exhaust flap 2. Those actuators have a tendency to burn out, and controller that could blow the fuse, so it wouldn't make sense to put anything else on it of importance. My car has been fine, but when in doubt, don't do it.

**ORiOn16** · 05-15-2021 08:10 AM

Originally Posted by Innovator

The only soft codes that are left in the ECU are for the flaps and nothing else. So based on that I'd have to say there's nothing else connected to it because if there were anything serious connected to it it would surely leave a code. In the schematic I posted of the fuse panel it specifically says exhaust flap 1 and exhaust flap 2. Those actuators have a tendency to burn out, and controller that could blow the fuse, so it wouldn't make sense to put anything else on it of importance. My car has been fine, but when in doubt, don't do it.

Will definetly put a button on it. 😁👍👍

**BRH** · 05-15-2021 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by Innovator

The only soft codes that are left in the ECU are for the flaps and nothing else. So based on that I'd have to say there's nothing else connected to it because if there were anything serious connected to it it would surely leave a code. In the schematic I posted of the fuse panel it specifically says exhaust flap 1 and exhaust flap 2. Those actuators have a tendency to burn out, and controller that could blow the fuse, so it wouldn't make sense to put anything else on it of importance. My car has been fine, but when in doubt, don't do it.

This seems to be different for the 2021 RS5. According to the owner's manual, the "Exhaust doors" are controlled by two fuses (the third and the fourth) and also control or report on several other things: fuel injectors; radiator inlet; crankcase housing heating; vacuum pump; hot water pump; NOx sensor; particulate sensor; and biodiesel sensor. See below:Fuse.jpg

**scott1961** · 05-15-2021 02:24 PM

Looks like it's a good thing I didnt cancel controller

**Innovator** · 05-15-2021 04:39 PM

Originally Posted by BRH

This seems to be different for the 2021 RS5. According to the owner's manual, the "Exhaust doors" are controlled by two fuses (the third and the fourth) and also control or report on several other things: fuel injectors; radiator inlet; crankcase housing heating; vacuum pump; hot water pump; NOx sensor; particulate sensor; and biodiesel sensor. See below:Fuse.jpg

It's obviously wrong. All that on a 7.5 amp fuse? Did you see the picture I posted from Alldata? My own fuse block has no fuse in those areas except for F2 and 4. Again, that would all cause hard faults and CELS. The only fault are for the flaps, and it's a soft codes.

**BRH** · 05-15-2021 08:32 PM

Originally Posted by Innovator

It's obviously wrong. All that on a 7.5 amp fuse? Did you see the picture I posted from Alldata? My own fuse block has no fuse in those areas except for F2 and 4. Again, that would all cause hard faults and CELS. The only fault are for the flaps, and it's a soft codes.

Actually, according to the manual, all those things are on two fuses, not one - the third and fourth from the top. In any event, just thought I would point out what the 2021 Owner's Manual shows. I have no idea whether it is correct or not. But, I did pull the "cover" off the fuse box in my car (2021 Black Optic Launch Edition coupe). The fuses in my car are exactly as depicted in the owner's manual as far as layout goes.

**stwu** · 05-15-2021 08:59 PM

This only works on RS5? Would it work on S5?

**Innovator** · 05-18-2021 06:35 PM

Originally Posted by BRH

Actually, according to the manual, all those things are on two fuses, not one - the third and fourth from the top. In any event, just thought I would point out what the 2021 Owner's Manual shows. I have no idea whether it is correct or not. But, I did pull the "cover" off the fuse box in my car (2021 Black Optic Launch Edition coupe). The fuses in my car are exactly as depicted in the owner's manual as far as layout goes.

Well, as I said, the only item on that fuse is the flaps. That's it. I traced it with a meter. If there were ny other items of importance, rest assured it would throw at least a soft code

**Innovator** · 05-18-2021 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by stwu

This only works on RS5? Would it work on S5?

It should, but I don't have one to verify it. Pulling the fuse will either work or not. You'll know it. It would be smart to have a way of checking for codes though.

**ORiOn16** · 05-19-2021 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by stwu

This only works on RS5? Would it work on S5?

It does.

**IamRacer X** · 05-21-2021 03:26 AM

On a different note... Ive pulled the Soundkator fuse a few weeks after buying my RS. It annoyed me that it sounded so fake and reverberated. No issues with removing that fuse. but the car is even more quiet after. But I would rather have quiet than fake noises broadcasted into the car.

**Innovator** · 05-21-2021 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by IamRacer X

On a different note... Ive pulled the Soundkator fuse a few weeks after buying my RS. It annoyed me that it sounded so fake and reverberated. No issues with removing that fuse. but the car is even more quiet after. But I would rather have quiet than fake noises broadcasted into the car.

I leave it plugged in I just turn the volume down with my scan tool.

**DCB1951** · 05-21-2021 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Innovator

I leave it plugged in I just turn the volume down with my scan tool.

Same.

**scott1961** · 05-21-2021 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by Innovator

I leave it plugged in I just turn the volume down with my scan tool.

Can this be done with OBD Eleven? If so what module?

**DCB1951** · 05-21-2021 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by scott1961

Can this be done with OBD Eleven? If so what module?

Yes - A9.

2021-05-21_17-53-40-481.jpg

**303 Spartan** · 05-24-2021 02:46 PM

So what’s the final verdict on this? Is it safe to say we can pull this fuse and keep the exhaust flaps open all the time with no adverse effects, aside from a soft code?

I just had the APR v1.4 tune flashed, so I’m not concerned about power loss.