Launch Control Won’t Engage

[714RS3]

Hello everyone,

I am having an issue engaging launch control on my 2017 RS3. I’ve tried all the different combinations. Dynamic, press ESC once and/or ESC completely off, steering wheel completely straight, engine and transmission warm, manual and automatic sport, left foot hard on brake all the way to the floor and floor throttle. Even trying all the different combinations it just brings revs up to maybe 1k RPM’s and spins the wheels a bit or bogs instead of engaging launch.

The interesting part about this, is that when I first got the car and was showing some friends I was able to launch it 3 times easily using the standard procedure. After those 3 times I haven’t been able to get it to work. I know the previous owner of the car and he said he only launched it maybe 15 times so I highly doubt the 200 limit was reached.

The only thing I could think of is that it won’t engage due to my brake pad wear limit being reached up front. Not sure if there’s any correlation but I just wanted to see. Very strange I can’t get this working when It was so simple the first few times.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!


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[Rs31000]

You probably have but just make sure that the car is also in S mode. I had issues trying to launch my car when I first got it, found out I was still in D mode.

[714RS3]

You probably have but just make sure that the car is also in S mode. I had issues trying to launch my car when I first got it, found out I was still in D mode.

Yeah I’ve made sure it’s in S mode as well. I just hit the little down arrow under D to throw it in S. Still no luck :/ very puzzling


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[srtviperjr]

2017 I bet they hit the 200 mark for launches. Wonder where you can see that?

[jl87]

I'd start by using vcds and ensuring the launch count is actually under 200

[tegxsi]

all stock?

probably the launch count exceeded...

[714RS3]

all stock?

probably the launch count exceeded...

Yup all stock. I guess I’ll have to get one of those OBD ports and see what the count is at. Weird that it must’ve been at like 197 when I got it cuz I was able to do 3 before it stopped letting me.


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[714RS3]

Hey guys, quick update.

I just got the 034 Motorsports Stage 1 E85 tuned flashed with the TCU tune. Shifts are improved, nice parking lot free revs, and the speed is insane.

However, even with the ECU/TCU tune and the new brakes I still cannot manage to get launch control engaged. Tried every combination out there to try to engage it with warmed up oil and trans temps, traction settings, straight steering wheel, etc.

Anyone have a clue as to what else it might be? My launch counter should be gone with the tune.

Thanks!


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[kevin#34]

I would check the lunch counter, prior to investigate other possible reasons

[714RS3]

I would check the lunch counter, prior to investigate other possible reasons

I had a shop check it via VCDS. They said it was at 200 which was the max, but the TCU software I recently installed raised that amount to allow for more launches.


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[NapalmEnema]

I had a shop check it via VCDS. They said it was at 200 which was the max, but the TCU software I recently installed raised that amount to allow for more launches.


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I don't see how it would reset that, and if it is purported to do so you should follow up with the TCU software vendor to see why it will not engage. That being said, your car has been launched 200 times, maybe just enjoy it without beating on it more? Feels like they put in a max 200 launch number for a reason...

[Conflicker54]

You have to press hard the brake padal

[Skunkwerx]

I had a shop check it via VCDS. They said it was at 200 which was the max, but the TCU software I recently installed raised that amount to allow for more launches.


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If you're at 200 launches and the previous seller told you "15"... you might have way more going on with your car mechanically than you realize. I would have your shop or dealer do a full diagnostic on your car to make sure. You're already at 2 months from your original post trying to figure this out.... There are plenty of reputable Audi / VW shops in OC that can help you. You should also check with APR and see if your car ever had a tune assigned to the VIN. I don't know if Unitronic can do the same but checking this will help you further verify how "stock" your car was from the previous owner.

[TheContrarian]

You have to press hard the brake padal

Yes, anytime I have a problem with engagement, its because I'm not pressing hard enough. You really have to muscle it.

[714RS3]

Yeah guess I wasn’t pressing the brake pedal hard enough. All good now, I appreciate it


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[RHGregory3]

I believe there are some tunes that will remove the limiter, Unitronic advertises this. I would have to agree with the above posters though, def get that thing gone over - the gearbox has to be hurting unless it was replaced already, and even then - I'd rather know now.