APR v2.2 occasionally going into limp mode

[NWS4Guy]

So APR tuned this off because it was making just a bit more noise from an aftermarket exhaust during the startup routine when the engine is completely cold. Yep, that's a really good reason to do it.

I vote for APR to put it back in as default and let people getting their flash pick it as an option if they get their flash. I guarantee you somewhere deep down in that Audi ECU there's a diagnostic routine somewhere wanting to see this routine run its course when the engine is completely cold. If those cats don't heat up quickly enough the back O2 sensors could theoretically read more hydrocarbons than expected during the first few minutes of running a cold engine and could over time start to complain about something or another, unless of course there is no additional check to see how soon the back O2 sensors start seeing a proper reading or APR is also defeating that additional check... which is possible because many catless exhaust people should be running around with ECU based CEL defeats for that rather than rigged O2 spacers on the bungs or other junky ways of doing things.

Why, because you "feel" like that is correct? You have zero to prove that doing this is bad, yet any tuner with the ability to do it has at least a minimal amount of information on how the system works compared to you. As for your speculations on the cats not getting hot fast enough, fast idle for a few seconds won't do shit for that - it's what the secondary air system is for, but I am sure you already knew that and this was all a test. You suggest on one hand that they don't have enough knowledge to understand what settings the ECU is checking and expecting, while given them enough credit to be able to disable things like the O2 sensor check - which is it, are they inept or not? Or is it just you?

From the sounds of this, it sounds like the code could well be the Secondary Air CEL if it's happening only in the cold. I should know, I had the same issue, though it didn't coincidentally happen after a new tune.

[SwankPeRFection]

I think I'm starting to understand why Audi is getting so picky over aftermarket flashes for their cars. Seems that they aren't as clear cut and robust as other platforms are. Not once, ever, have I ever had another car that I got flashed which developed CEL issues afterwards that had to be chased.

APR had v2.0 throw CELs for a DSG issue and v2.0 throw CELs for something triggered by colder weather like for the OP. I don't think customers should have to deal with that kind of unknown scenario. The fact that a customer had to find the v2.0 DSG issue kinda shows that APR might not have done enough internal testing to catch it.

But this is all my viewpoint and those of you on their pogo stick won't agree, so whatever.

[AQuattro]

Seems that they aren't as clear cut and robust as other platforms are. Not once, ever, have I ever had another car that I got flashed which developed CEL issues afterwards that had to be chased.

A lot of tuners just remove CEL triggers.

[SwankPeRFection]

I think Audi should offer an SQ5 HP/TQ number upgrade flash to the base S4 for $500 add-on tune option. Would be an easy way for them to make some additional cash and also show the enthusiast they're at least trying to cater to some of us rather than the corporate pukes they seem to be designing these cars for now.

[PaperishPlastic]

I think Audi should offer an SQ5 HP/TQ number upgrade flash to the base S4 for $500 add-on tune option. Would be an easy way for them to make some additional cash and also show the enthusiast they're at least trying to cater to some of us rather than the corporate pukes they seem to be designing these cars for now.

that sounds like a winning situation for us but might really hurt their on dealer lot car sales. If I were to order another car I would pay $500 for any power upgrade option they may have. If they have a power upgrade option and I was not ordering a car I would rule out every single car on the lot that didn't include this option, and I think most enthusiasts will do the same thing.

[SwankPeRFection]

that sounds like a winning situation for us but might really hurt their on dealer lot car sales. If I were to order another car I would pay $500 for any power upgrade option they may have. If they have a power upgrade option and I was not ordering a car I would rule out every single car on the lot that didn't include this option, and I think most enthusiasts will do the same thing.

Who says that the dealer won't be able to just flash it via the SVM network tool if you pay them for the package? I never said that....

Keep in mind that this new flash is nothing more than just another ECU image for a specific tune. Technically speaking, if the software existed (hint hint!!!) I could go image my buddy's SQ5 ECU and blow the image onto mine. Now granted, there are variable to consider, but calibration for calibration and the engine being the same, there's nothing technically limiting this short of the proper software/hardware tools to make this happen. It would be super simple to set up and since the calibration is already in use by a mass produced vehicle already in the Audi lineup, Audi has already done the necessary testing... (granted load points, etc. would be slightly different due to trans, weight of vehicle, etc. but you get my point.) It would be easy to do and it may even satisfy those folks looking for just a Stage 1 kind of flash and nothing more from their car. They'll have a bit more power than stock, they won't have to flash via aftermarket and get TD1 for no good reason, and Audi and the owner won't have to worry as much about crap.