Audi A3 Diesel (2011): Problems with check engine light, lack of engine power and DPF regeneration - possible defect in the exhaust back pressure sensor

Hi, I once had a similar problem with my 2009 Audi A4 diesel. I don't know much about cars, but I also had the Check Engine light on and the DPF was heavily overloaded. At the workshop, they then discovered that the DPF was actually overloaded and had to be cleaned. It cost a whopping 1325 euros, but since then my Audi has been running like clockwork again! Your symptoms sound similar, so I would recommend having it checked at a garage. How often do you drive on the highway or at high speed? This could be helpful to regenerate the DPF properly. Hope this helps you!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for your answer and the tip! I actually don't drive on the highway that often. Most of the time I only use the car for short trips in the city. I will definitely have it checked at the garage and maybe take the opportunity to drive on the highway more often to regenerate the DPF. The price you had to pay for the cleaning is a bit shocking though - hopefully it won't be that expensive for me! Did it take a long time to replace the DPF?

(Translated from German)

Hey, no problem, we all help each other. Yes, the price can be a shocker, but it's better to get it done early and avoid even bigger problems. On my Audi, replacing the DPF took about a day. It's important that you warm up the engine properly afterwards so that the regeneration process can start. As far as your exhaust back pressure sensor is concerned, I can also contribute a little. I once had a similar problem with the sensor in my old VW Golf. The error codes turned out to be a defective sensor. It had delivered strange values, which is why the control unit thought the DPF was full, although it was not. After the sensor was replaced, everything worked perfectly again. So it could well be that your exhaust back pressure sensor is also the cause of the fault. In any case, have this checked in the workshop. Reading out and replacing the sensor wasn't that expensive in my case, something around 200 euros if I remember correctly. But of course that was on a different car and can vary depending on the model and workshop. So don't panic, it doesn't always have to be the worst case! Good luck!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for the further help and information! That reassures me a little. Replacing the DPF sounds like a major operation, but if it only takes a day, that's manageable. I will definitely make sure to warm up the engine thoroughly afterwards. Your experience with the exhaust back pressure sensor sounds very similar to my problem. Sounds like it could actually be that. I will definitely go to the garage and have it checked. 200 euros sounds a lot better than the cost of a new DPF. I'll see what the garage says and hopefully they'll have time to look at it soon. Thanks again, your explanations were super helpful!

(Translated from German)