sound44

I've had my Q5(2009) for about 3 months now, and I've had some issues that I'm REALLY starting to get worried about as its not getting worse(so that I can take it in) but not going away either. There are basically two issues. Any guesses as to what it might be(what I can do) would be great. Unfortunately, I took it in to the dealer once and it apparently behaved so any feedback from you guys would be great.

1. Rough Idle - Once every 5-10 starts, the car starts up but sort of sputters and its a very rough idle.. After driving for a bit, it seems to return to normal. I've also noticed once the exhaust putting out a slight burning smell and I was able to see the exhaust(it looked like smoke), it was a hot day so I'm pretty sure that wasn't normal.

2. I didnt' report this issue to the tech, but I'm starting to get fed up with a really persistent whining noise. Its not obnoxiously loud, but its just a steady whine that seems to eminate from the left side of the vehicle. It almost sounds like my dad's old ford's power steering, except its not nearly as loud and as I mentioned, its persistent.

Any light you guys can shed on this would be greatly appreciated, I'm really starting to think I got a lemon of sorts. I just wish it would either "break" or "fix" itself...

FitzLA

I have the rough idle too, usually only when I start it first time in the morning.

As for the "whining" noise, do you still have your cross bars on top? That does tend to make a whining noise

sound44

Fitz, thanks for the reply!

I'm REALLY glad to hear I'm not the only one with the rough idle issue. From your response, I'm guessing you are just gonna "live with it"? I suppose thats what I'm going to do, I'm just worried that there might be something wrong that won't show up for a while. I'm currently leasing, but I had planned on buying it at lease end.

In regards to the whine, its actually there when your driving just a few miles an hour(parking lot etc), it actually might be there at idle even but I can't quite remember. It's sort of faint, but it justs keeps going. Unlike my dads truck, it doesn't get worse when you turn the wheel so I don't think its actually the power steering, but it definitely sounds like a very soft version of the power steering whine in older ford trucks.

The G Man

There is a ecu update for the 09 Q5 for misfiring, that may be the cause of your rough idle. Ask the dealer to check the update to see if it applies to your VIN.

sound44

G Man, thanks for the post, knowing that there is an update out there helps even more!

GoinAudiMyMind

I've experienced rough idle x 2 followed by MIL (engine light) illumination each time. Each time diagnostics indicated a misfire and was reset by Audi service. Also told to use "top tier" gas to avoid future issues but nothing regarding ECU update. One would think misfire = ECU issue...but who knows.

FitzLA

When did the update come out?

I actually don't think I am gonna live with it. My check engine light came on yesterday after a very rough idle at startup, so I hope this will take care of it.

The G Man

As far as I know, the update came out on May 09 but it is only valid for Q5 with production date before that, it only applies to the 3.2L engine.

zackweed

Hey, I've noticed that too... see my reply to another post in remote starters thead...

Did anyone do the update? Did it actually help?

The G Man

I did it on my A6 with the same engine, too soon to tell since it was only a week ago but there are others in the A6 forum who had it updated since July and still no rough idle.