The APR Stage 3 DTR8868 Turbocharger System is Here

[TunedB9S4]

I meant to type PCV. The fix which involves using a Mishimoto check valve

[Arin@APR]

I don't know what that is but that's not something from our team.

[T0mt0m65]

I have this turbo upgrade and there most definitely is more lag but when the power hits it hits hard! And it’s a lot quieter too no loud swoosh like before which I liked the louder swoosh

[Akis]

Hi, can I ask what the DV ‘fix’ you mentioned.
I’m not on Facebook. 🫣
Thanks.

( Great thread by the way )

I believe it's this which involves an additional in-line check valve integrated into the factory PCV breather system: https://www.instagram.com/logicstper...p/C2lj02lATgg/

[GoCougs1234]

So I've had APR stage 3 installed for a few months and ~10,000 miles now. As I've mentioned before, power is monster but I've always had prominent hesitation, which feels like a timing or fueling problem. Thing is it's only present at ~5,000+ RPM in 1st and 2nd gear near or at WOT and most severe (and quite severe at that - like a hard fuel cutoff) at the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts. Thing is it never happens in the other gears/shifts. And even then, it's fairly intermittent. It seems to be the most prominent if it's been a number of days without WOT shifting. I have zero CELs or DTCs. I've contacted APR multiple times but they have no advice (since there are no CELs/DTCs) other than a guess that it's actually traction control kicking (however, even when I fully disable stability/traction control (to the extent that that does so) the issue is still present). I was APR stage 1 for ~40,000 miles prior. with no such issue. About a month ago when changing my plugs I discovered a loose plug (not even fully seated in threads - there was actually blowby on the plug) but alas, new plugs didn't solve the problem (the old plugs looked great). Anyone else having this issue?

• 2021 SQ5 Prestige
• 83,000 miles
• APR Stage 3 91 octane
• APR TCU stage 3
• APR intercooler and piping
• IE intake
• Stock fuel pump (only such 91 octane tune available)
• Stock plugs (which APR recommends)
• Stock everything else (coils, etc.).

[A4 Centaur]

^ You are going to have to run some logs showing boost, fueling etc.

[GoCougs1234]

^ You are going to have to run some logs showing boost, fueling etc.

I asked APR for advisement but they had none. They said if it was fueling or timing problems to that extent you'd have all sorts of CELs/DTCs. Is that not the case IYE - can there be fueling/timing problems that cause drivability issues without CELs/DTCs? It's also very odd IMO that it's NEVER happened in gears 3+ or shifts 3-4+ (and I try A LOT!).

I'm well versed with logging via OBDeleven but there's so much there I'm not sure where to begin and even what to do with it. APR has a logging guide (https://www.goapr.com/support/vcds_logging/) but there's no advisement on interpretation.

[Akis]

I asked APR for advisement but they had none. They said if it was fueling or timing problems to that extent you'd have all sorts of CELs/DTCs. Is that not the case IYE - can there be fueling/timing problems that cause drivability issues without CELs/DTCs? It's also very odd IMO that it's NEVER happened in gears 3+ or shifts 3-4+ (and I try A LOT!).

I'm well versed with logging via OBDeleven but there's so much there I'm not sure where to begin and even what to do with it. APR has a logging guide (https://www.goapr.com/support/vcds_logging/) but there's no advisement on interpretation.

This is a little disheartening to hear having just purchased the APR DTR8868 for my '17 S4 Avant. I wonder if it could it be a gearbox issue?

I believe there is quite a powerful free logging tool out there called DBF1 which may be able to help you log (https://www.youtube.com/@DEADBEEFFlash/videos), although I have not tried this tool myself yet as I'm still waiting on the OBDII <> Ethernet connector to arrive.

[GoCougs1234]

This is a little disheartening to hear having just purchased the APR DTR8868 for my '17 S4 Avant. I wonder if it could it be a gearbox issue?

I believe there is quite a powerful free logging tool out there called DBF1 which may be able to help you log (https://www.youtube.com/@DEADBEEFFlash/videos), although I have not tried this tool myself yet as I'm still waiting on the OBDII <> Ethernet connector to arrive.

Don't see how it could ever be a gearbox issue. This 100% feels like a fueling issue. However, my strong hunch is that the fault lies in my particular vehicle and not the APR stage 3 HW/tune.

Logging is all fine and good but without the interpretation and esp. absent either CELs or DTCs I'm not sure where to start.

I did more research. This Audi owner sounds like he had the same issue (albeit with a B8 S4): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIbGEbod8Bs. Turns out his battery was weak (but still strong enough to both start and run the car) and couldn't fully push the fuel pumps - fixed by a new battery. I just measured my battery and at 12.3-12.35 V (resting over night) = under 50% health (3.5 years and 83,000 miles) so it's definitely weak - but weak enough? I'm skeptical but I just put on a charger and will then do some 'roddin' to see if that fixes the issue. Even if it doesn't, time for a new battery.

[Akis]

Don't see how it could ever be a gearbox issue. This 100% feels like a fueling issue. However, my strong hunch is that the fault lies in my particular vehicle and not the APR stage 3 HW/tune.

Logging is all fine and good but without the interpretation and esp. absent either CELs or DTCs I'm not sure where to start.

I did more research. This Audi owner sounds like he had the same issue (albeit with a B8 S4): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIbGEbod8Bs. Turns out his battery was weak (but still strong enough to both start and run the car) and couldn't fully push the fuel pumps - fixed by a new battery. I just measured my battery and at 12.3-12.35 V (resting over night) = under 50% health (3.5 years and 83,000 miles) so it's definitely weak - but weak enough? I'm skeptical but I just put on a charger and will then do some 'roddin' to see if that fixes the issue. Even if it doesn't, time for a new battery.

Gotcha. Fingers crossed for you. Keep us posted!

[Arin@APR]

GoCougs1234, Could you send our support guys a video? Maybe it's hitting the rev limiter.

[GoCougs1234]

GoCougs1234, Could you send our support guys a video? Maybe it's hitting the rev limiter.

Here are some videos (I also just sent to Andrew). All instances happen well under the (new 7,200 RPM) red line.

I sent APR this a while back:

This shows moderate hesitation on the 1/2 shift when in AMAX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ghg...ALNinethousand

New videos from today:

This shows minor hesitation on 1/2 shift and major hesitation leading up to 2/3 shift when WOT in M mode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWBg...ALNinethousand

This shows the same plus what sounds like a backfire (alarming in person TBH) near the top of 2nd gear followed by a short shift (by the ECU/TCU, not me) when WOT in M mode - also note traction control light on the 2/3 shift (I've never heard of traction control causing what sounds like a backfire though): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBx8...ALNinethousand

[Arin@APR]

I spoke to Andrew. You're in good hands! We'll get it narrowed down and figured out.

[Branman1]

I spoke to Andrew. You're in good hands! We'll get it narrowed down and figured out.

Arin mine is doing this identical thing. I called yesterday and spoke with Blake. He put me on hold and came back on and said get a video because we’ve never heard of this happening. Maybe it hadn’t made it around the room yet haha. Mine is a 21 as well.


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[Branman1]

Here 3 videos I took. I suck at taking the video but my downpipe certainly allows the cuts to be more noticeable. The one video it cuts so hard I fly forward.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ts5IU1YcG...Yv3RPUTjeVLL9k

https://youtu.be/rx32shladFc?si=utGbnzuiElISBlNE

https://youtu.be/v3QPO3wInyc?si=bPzK5otkH7emBdG2


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[S4James]

Sounds like a hole in the programming somewhere. Or it could be a shared issue. Im on a 2019 S4 setup and dont have these issues (other than an n75 that was bad). One thing i might try, if you are on the 91 tune, is to fill the tank with a higher octane. Or use some booster like Boostane... Its possible your 91 is more like 89 or worse.

It would not be the first time local gas stations were selling sketchy fuel.

[Branman1]

Sounds like a hole in the programming somewhere. Or it could be a shared issue. Im on a 2019 S4 setup and dont have these issues (other than an n75 that was bad). One thing i might try, if you are on the 91 tune, is to fill the tank with a higher octane. Or use some booster like Boostane... Its possible your 91 is more like 89 or worse.

It would not be the first time local gas stations were selling sketchy fuel.

Yeah I agree it’s something in the programming somewhere. It depends on the car they used to create the software I’m guessing it was not a 21. So many box codes over the years these things are bound to happen. I have a few things I’d like to test but I’ll wait for word back from APR before diving into the diag. Last night made me kinda nervous about driving. If I needed to pull out into traffic in a hurry this thing cuts out I’m screwed. Luckily I don’t daily drive my SQ5.


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[Arin@APR]

Sounds like the same thing as the other guy. Team is now aware. We'll get to the bottom of it!

[SQ5onFIRE]

Yeah I agree it’s something in the programming somewhere. It depends on the car they used to create the software I’m guessing it was not a 21. So many box codes over the years these things are bound to happen. I have a few things I’d like to test but I’ll wait for word back from APR before diving into the diag. Last night made me kinda nervous about driving. If I needed to pull out into traffic in a hurry this thing cuts out I’m screwed. Luckily I don’t daily drive my SQ5.


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I also had the exact same issue while running on the e85 tune. The first tank was great. No issues. Dyno was 551 to the wheels. Pulled like a train. Filled up new tank got hard cuts def felt like fuel cuts and backfires with hesitation on the shift almost rev limiter style shift. Normal driving it was fine. WoT and above 5500 is where it occurred. I tried multiple gas stations and tanks no change. I did not have a e85 gauge so I figured I’d flash back to 93 fuel pump tune until I got one. The issue disappeared and there is no cut or hesitation on the 93 tune. I figured it was a fueling thing as well. Interested to hear what it is. Wasn’t going to go back to e85 until I installed the fuel it gauge. Was thinking I could blend down closer to e60 if it was a fueling issue. I’d like to run e85 all the time. The power difference is night and day between the two.

[Branman1]

Sounds like the same thing as the other guy. Team is now aware. We'll get to the bottom of it!

Yeah I believe so. I watched his videos and it’s quite similar. I appreciate you guys!


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[Branman1]

I also had the exact same issue while running on the e85 tune. The first tank was great. No issues. Dyno was 551 to the wheels. Pulled like a train. Filled up new tank got hard cuts def felt like fuel cuts and backfires with hesitation on the shift almost rev limiter style shift. Normal driving it was fine. WoT and above 5500 is where it occurred. I tried multiple gas stations and tanks no change. I did not have a e85 gauge so I figured I’d flash back to 93 fuel pump tune until I got one. The issue disappeared and there is no cut or hesitation on the 93 tune. I figured it was a fueling thing as well. Interested to hear what it is. Wasn’t going to go back to e85 until I installed the fuel it gauge. Was thinking I could blend down closer to e60 if it was a fueling issue. I’d like to run e85 all the time. The power difference is night and day between the two.

Interesting and you have a 21 as well! I was actually going to try e85 but I’ll hold off. I found a pump about 25 mins from me so I thought about giving it a shot one day just to see the difference. Sounds like all 3 of us with 21MY so far have very similar issues.

[GoCougs1234]

Here 3 videos I took. I suck at taking the video but my downpipe certainly allows the cuts to be more noticeable. The one video it cuts so hard I fly forward.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ts5IU1YcG...Yv3RPUTjeVLL9k

https://youtu.be/rx32shladFc?si=utGbnzuiElISBlNE

https://youtu.be/v3QPO3wInyc?si=bPzK5otkH7emBdG2


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Yep - sound comes through way better with an aftermarket DP!

My issue appears identical, esp. that sometimes it is rather violent. Sometimes I get it at the top of first and the 1/2 shift too, but it seems second and the 2/3 shift is usually worse. Then again, I'd say half the time everything works great.

I'm confident it will get solved soon.

[Branman1]

They contacted me and we are going to attempt to do some remote live logging tomorrow morning and hopefully get a better idea on what’s happening.

[Branman1]

Update: Logs are complete! APR is on top of it!

[Branman1]

Update: Ran a few more logs with APR and sounds like they have figured out the issue and working to correct and offer an updated file. Andrew and the crew at APR have been working on this for the last 6 hours. I’ve said it plenty of times. It’s not about the issue that comes up because shit happens. It’s about how companies handle these issues. [mention]ArinAPR [/mention] you got a great group! I’ll keep updating this but I’m sure those that are affected will be contacted with updates as well.

[Akis]

Update: Ran a few more logs with APR and sounds like they have figured out the issue and working to correct and offer an updated file. Andrew and the crew at APR have been working on this for the last 6 hours. I’ve said it plenty of times. It’s not about the issue that comes up because shit happens. It’s about how companies handle these issues. [mention]ArinAPR [/mention] you got a great group! I’ll keep updating this but I’m sure those that are affected will be contacted with updates as well.

This is really promising news, fingers crossed for all those affected. Good job APR!

[Branman1]

Update is live! The file version is 1.3.1

I’m going to load mine in a bit. Incredible job by APR to crank out an update this fast.

Not sure if this is needed for those that did not experience any issues but I’m sure the update can’t hurt especially if you have an ultralink!

[GoCougs1234]

Update is live! The file version is 1.3.1

I’m going to load mine in a bit. Incredible job by APR to crank out an update this fast.

Not sure if this is needed for those that did not experience any issues but I’m sure the update can’t hurt especially if you have an ultralink!

I just downloaded the fix (1.3.1) and it worked charm after MUCH testing - no hesitation or anything. APR says they got a vehicle in that had the issue (yours?) and went to town on it to solve it.

And just as I suspected, it wasn't APR (per se) but the vehicles. The issue was apparently only with vehicles with aftermarket intakes. APR calibrated the tune to the stock intake since APR doesn't have an intake yet for the B9/9.5 SQ5. Turns out the aftermarket intakes what with less restriction were allowing the turbo to spool quicker than planned for at WOT, resulting in overboost protection in the shorter (quickest accelerating) gears. I asked APR just before I had stage 3 installed if an aftermarket intake was kosher and fair enough APR did tell me the tune was calibrated only to the factory intake.

Great work by APR to get on it so quickly especially that strictly speaking it wasn't their fault. Very satisfied overall.

[Akis]

Really great to see this and it has painted APR in a very good light IMO. So, it sounds like the built in safety parameters were kicking in on the original tune when certain expected values were out-of-range?

This is definitely confidence inspiring and I'm really looking forward to fitting mine when it arrives!

[S4James]

and inadvertently proved the stock intake was a big restriction too.

[SQ5onFIRE]

Update is live! The file version is 1.3.1

I’m going to load mine in a bit. Incredible job by APR to crank out an update this fast.

Not sure if this is needed for those that did not experience any issues but I’m sure the update can’t hurt especially if you have an ultralink!

This is fantastic thanks time to see if it works on the e85 map.

[SQ5onFIRE]

Update is live! The file version is 1.3.1

I’m going to load mine in a bit. Incredible job by APR to crank out an update this fast.

Not sure if this is needed for those that did not experience any issues but I’m sure the update can’t hurt especially if you have an ultralink!

Ok so I just checked and I already have 1.3.1 it’s not a new flash. I checked my history and my first flash when I installed the kit was 1.3.1 so this isn’t new. You can check your history but I’m betting you have always had 1.3.1 like me.

[GoCougs1234]

It seems like it's a new rev despite the actual rev number not incrementing - lots of 1/2 and 2/3 WOT shifting today and not a single hiccup.

[Arin@APR]

I checked my history and my first flash when I installed the kit was 1.3.1 so this isn’t new.

If you checked version history with Ultralink, this is a bug in the reporting. It's pulling the latest available version number in the history report, and not what you actually flashed. We spotted this last week and will be rolling an update to the reporting agent.

[S4James]

FYI it also reports the ECU flash as "incomplete" whenever you do ECU then TCU in sequence.

[Arin@APR]

Thanks! That update fix is being pushed with the next platform we're releasing.

[Akis]

Turbo arrived today, looks very nice

IMG_2977.jpgIMG_2976.jpgIMG_2975.jpgIMG_2974.jpg

[TunedB9S4]

[QUOTE=Akis;15108993]Turbo arrived today, looks very nice

Are you going with an APR tune or perhaps going to explore an independent UK tuner like Unicorn?

[Akis]

Turbo arrived today, looks very nice

Are you going with an APR tune or perhaps going to explore an independent UK tuner like Unicorn?

Good question, still looking at options at the moment. The APR tune is definitely a safe bet but Rick at Unicorn certainly knows his stuff. Also been in touch with Logic Street Performance who confirmed they can remote tune with the DBF1

[AmateurSQ5]

Hey, guys! Could you please confirm if APR stage 3 ECU software will work fine with 034 stage 3 TCU software?