Audi Q7 Maintenance and Repair

quattroporte12 · December 2006

Hey ive got a new 3.6 prem Q7 and ive got some questions on a couple of things...first of all the power tailgate, apparently does not close from the key phob or the button on the drivers door...only from the hatch?? This was confirmed but i just wanted to see if you could program it not to do this...or, anything like that. prob not...the other thing i wanted to ask on was that, inbetween the tach and the speedo, that screen, when i test drove another q7 it showed a digital readout of the speed (current) on the screen. but on my q7 i can not figure out how to get it to do that. i know it is a feature (my service guy gave a lame answer like, no its not, germans dont do that...whatever...) so i just wanted to see how that works...and the last question was that, do q7's that DONT have the headlight washers STILL have the little cut outs in front f the headlights...? because i was trying to wash my headlights, and nothing would happen, so im assuming that they are not purchased on my vehicle...dont konw??
thanks

xy46 · December 2006

To close the tailgate by the key fob or the button on the driver's door would be great; however, I know of no way to do this.

To get to the digital readout of the speed, use the reset button on the bottom of the windshield wiper lever. Tap it successively until the digital speedometer displays.

To get the headlight washers to function, the lights need to be on. When you wash the windshield, the lights will wash at the same time. There seems to be a delay, so after you do it once, it doesn't seem to clean again until a preset time passes? I haven't quite figured out what causes the delay.

Hope this helps. Welcome to the Q7 family!

quattroporte12 · December 2006

Thanks for the help! Yeah i love the Q7!!!! Great to finally have it, had to wait almost 4 months...:-D! Cant wait for it to snow and test out the quattro!! Has anyone else put it through the snow? Maybe some Denver people...?

cat3126 · December 2006

The delay between the windshield washers and head light washers allows washing the windshield only. The headlight washers use a large quanity of solution. My system will wash both ,day or night as long as the dtl's are on.

batareyka · December 2006

Hello everyone. I have 1 question. I have 3.6 Premium Q7 with 3 row seat. absolutely love it, but there is one problem bothers me, I have some knocking sound from the rear all the time, like there is something shaking. I am asking to check your cars if some one else have the same noise. Do not turn on your radio when checking. I went to the service and they did not fix it. May be someone has solved this problem?
Happy New Year to all.

sachsi · December 2006

Tried a base Q7 today (we had driven the 4.2 Premium before but ruled it out for cost reasons) and I looked specifically for the issues I read about on this thread:
- the extra CD player was there and yes, it says CD Player on it (the one I test-drove had the in-dash 6-cd changer);
- I felt (and could also see) a definite vibration of the steering wheel at freeway speeds over rough pavement. I couldn't tell if it was the pavement or an alignment issue. The vibration went away at lower speeds over better pavement but I didn't drive far enough to be able to tell if it was the pavement or the speed;
- the berber-like carpeting looked quite cheap for a car in this price range;
- the MMI display was red and couldn't tell if that was the interface color scheme or whether the screen was monochrome (looked like it was the latter);
- the emergency handling was rather weak when compared to that of the new MDX or the new X5 which is not what I remembered from my previous test-drive with the 4.2 (w/o air suspension). Are the suspension settings really different between 3.6 and 4.2?

We have tried out virtually all SUVs in this category and found the Q7 to be a decent option but I'm concerned with future reliability and manufacturer responsiveness given these obvious quality assurance problems.
What do you think would be a decent timeframe for these issues to be resolved? How is Audi responding to those of you that have issues with early-production cars? Should we wait for the 08 model-year or can we expect these to be resolved later in 07 (the latter would make more sense, I guess).
We have never owned an Audi before so we don't know what to expect from either Audi or the local dealership. We have a first-year production BMW and all small issues that have popped up have been promptly resolved by the local dealer.
Can you folks say the same about Audi?
Thank you!

S.

erad15 · December 2006

I too have a "rubbing/rattle" noise coming from the rear of my 4.2 Q7. I drove around with the Audi Service Tech, and found the noise came from the sides of the split second row seat rubbing against each other when driving over bumps. One of the sides is vinyl and the other is cloth. We were able to reproduce the noise with another 4.2 on the lot. Audi has authorized my dealer to work on a fix. They are first going to try and replace either the vinyl or the cloth sections.

xy46 · January 2007

I have the same thing in my 4.2 Premium. I finally road around in the back while my friend drove. The rattling noise is coming from the second row split seat. The middle section latches on a metal post, and when driving over bumps the latch and metal post rattle together causing the sound. I haven't talked with Audi service yet about a fix. I figured I would bring it up when I take it in at the 5k service.

drawrocks · January 2007

I bought my 4.2 premium June 06 I was so excited to be one of the first. Not too sure now. First of all I LOVE this car, I tried all the other luxury suvs and I was sold on the Q7. My daughter has an A4 and we have NEVER had any trouble with that. My car had issues at its first service, 5000 miles. But those were nothing compared to now. At aprox 8400 miles on NOV 28 my car started making a loud whistling noise coming from under the car on the right front side. We took the car in that day and we were told the door seal was coming loose and it was just air noise. My husband and I had doubts, we know what air sounds like- but we have to go through Audi protocol. Got the car back. That same night same noise. The noise only happens at 40 miles an hour or higher. Called the dealer now they will replace the door seal they are 99% sure thats what it is. They replaced the seal and the serv mgr drove it he heard the noise, then they said one of those many air flaps in the vent system must be stuck- they fixed that. Serv mgr drove it - still heard the noise yet louder and he now says may be the drive train. So my car is there now for days they will not give it back to me because of safety issues. Finally the Q7 specialist come and test drive it. They dont know what it is. my car sits there for 2 weeks. The specialist say give it back to me,they dont know what it is,But the dealer does not want the liability. So my car sits at the dealer for 2 weeks more no one touching it. Finally after going to Audi corporate I am given the Q7 specialist team phone# yes they have a team just for us Q7 owners. any problem you cant resolve you get them. They are very pleasant and want to appease you. thats their job. Well finally my Q7 specialist says I should take my car home since they cannot identify the problem. I get my car on Dec 21. It starts making this noise again. I have been told by Audi to drive it. that it is safe and that if it is the transmission or ? whats the worst that could happen It breaks down and leaves me somewhere. I have been told now the Q7 team wont be back til Jan 2 so nothing can even be pursued for a few more days. My serv mgr told me since I got one of the first ones I have one of the highest mileages so this could be a new problem.
Has anyone else experienced any type of sound like this? My husband and I have tried different thing to try and make the car react different to recreate the sound but it does it when it wants. It is possible it has to do with the adaptive transmission. I am the sole driver most of the time but my husband likes to drive it as well. The noise is worse after the driver has changed.

On another note- at 4500 miles my 6 cd changed froze up and quit, so at 5000 miles they were to replace it along with doing my service. There were two recalls at that time one for the drivers seat switch-which they replaced. and the camshift position sensor-which they replaced. they had my car for one week to do these things. While it was there the dealer put a dent in my car door- they fixed it but it took 2 weeks to get the part. I Love this car, but it seems the dealer has had it more than me.

erad15 · January 2007

I would advise you not to wait until your 5K service. When you report a problem on your new Audi with less than 3k miles, it gets logged on a initial quality report list, which is taken very seriously by Audi. I would at least report the problem to the dealer if you can not take it in now.

FYI, Your 4.2 Premium has 19 inch rims, and my 4.2 came with the optional 20 inch. I think these larger rims contribute to the rattle with their rougher ride. My friend has the standard 18 rims, and does not seem to have the problem.

xy46 · January 2007

I appreciate the heads up, but I already have 4,300 miles on it, so I've passed the 3k mark, although, I will call them tomorrow and report it. My Q7 has the optional 20 inch rims, too, so that may be contributing.

robknows · January 2007

We purchased our 3.6 Q7 in November and my wife absolutely loves the vehicle. My car was in the shop so I finally had an opportunity to drive her Q7 and overall I was quite impressed. Unfortunately several things that were disappointing to me and I was curious if anyone else has had similar experiences. Whenever I accelerated from a dead stop their seemed to be a slight hesitation before the car kicked in and took off, secondly when it is in regular automatic mode the gears seem to shift inefficiently. I would be in sixth gear going approximately 40 miles per hour not to efficient. Has anyone else had similar experiences? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

erad15 · January 2007

The hesitation is an "Audi-thing". My salesman told me they were taught in training that their cars have that slight delay, and it is normal. He brought this up, I had not even noticed a delay. He could not remember the exact reason for the delay, but thought it had something to do with the Quattro. The important thing is that your Q7 is not defective. Ask your salesman or tech, they should know.

chitownq7 · January 2007

Hi Sloan-I still have not heard on a fix for the dash knocking noise. Has yours been fixed? Thanks..

jeffc4 · January 2007

thanks sloan i"m a newbie here and i also have the clicking in the dash. No one at the dealership knew anything and didn't see anything wrong. i will get it fixed when i go in for 5000m check up..i have a q7 3.7 ~~premium~~ and love too..great auto and great forum.

newq7 · January 2007

What state are you in? In NY we have a "Lemon Law". You are at about the point where you can get all of your money back and hand Audi the keys. Then you can buy another Q7 - or anything else you choose.

chitownq7 · January 2007

FINALLY heard back from Audi and my dealership. They are ordering EVERY stepping motor in my dashboard and will replace them all if need be. Just waiting for all of the parts to come in to the dealership now. Hope to take my Q in this week to finally get this problem solved.

xy46 · February 2007

Had my 4.2 in approximately 2-3 weeks ago for 5k check and asked them to evaluate problem. I showed them info from this thread. They, too ordered EVERY stepping motor and will replace them all if need be; however, I haven't heard from them yet to come back in. I suspect they are having a run on these little buggers, and the wait could be long? They also tried to fix the knocking from the back/middle seat section. Worked about 1 day?, and then it was right back.

quattroporte12 · February 2007

I had my brand new Q7 smashed into about 2 weeks ago and the idiot car that hit us managed to make our whole exhaust system drop down from the car onto the ground. Audi has had it for two weeks, has all the parts they need, the bumber cover, tailpipe, etc EXCEPT the left muffler and they cant seem to konw WHEN they will get it. i was supposed to get a call last week about the ETA on the muffler...no call. called this week..."oh, well konw in about 2 weeks when it will BE SHIPPED" ?!?!?!?!? Is this normal for Audis?!?!?!?!? Is there really NO other dealer that would have this part. Youd expect a 60,000 dollar car to have its parts stocked...?!?!?!?!?!

audifan3 · February 2007

Sorry to be a little late in responding to your post on Jan 1, but depending on the state you live in, you have already qualified for a new Q7 under the lemon laws. I too, had one of the first Q7's in June and the first Q7 registered in NY State. It took too long to diagnose and replace a leakly sunroof that I ended up with a new Q7. Not a single problem ever since and I like all the little things they did since the car was first introduced. (a cord to hold up the rear comparment lid, clips to hold the seatbelt out of the way when 3rd row folded, re-designed rubber striping around door seals).

love my Q7 and have every faith in Audi.

:shades:

audifan3 · February 2007

One possible source of the rattle are these little clips that are supposed to hold something to the inside of the plastic liner of the inside of the rear hatch. I had a loaner Q7 that had this problem, and my brand new replacement Q7 also had the same problem. You will also notice it when you raise or lower the rear hatch. If you make a couple of fast left hand turns, you will be able to get it (or them) out if you pry off the access cover on the right side. Otherwise you could tell your service tech about it at your next service....

bbenjamin · February 2007

I am considering a Q7 S-Line package. Curious to know if anyone has any experience with 1) the ride - is the suspension different from the standard Q7 suspension? (I know it is on the A6 S-Line, but uncertain on the q7)2) one of the dealers told me there have been many problems with the 20" 5 spoke tires frequently blowing out (but the dealer also did not have any in stock and may have been steering me to what he has in stock). Other dealers have told me there are no issues with the 20" rims on S-Line or the other 20" alloys.

I drove a Q7 (not an Sline) w/ the 20" alloys and it seemed fine, but given the dealers comments not sure now?

xy46 · March 2007

Just an update. Took my 4.2 Premium in and they replaced all the ventilation "stepping motors" in the dash - apparently 11 in all. I was very concerned that this would be a major undertaking and might result in new rattles from having the dash tore apart. Dealer kept car for 2+ days, and I did see it in the middle of the job. Amazingly, they did it all from underneath and through the glove compartment box! When I got it back, no clicking, and no rattling from the dash. I am very pleased!

Secondly, had rattling coming from second row of seats where middle seat locks on to post of seat next to it. With 20" wheels, I suppose it's worse than with smaller wheels, but with any road bumps, the rattling was very annoying. They tried lubricants, but I kept telling them it needed padding. Finally, at my insistence, they put felt tape on post, and voila, the noise is markedly reduced!

autopilot11 · April 2007

Have had my 4.2 Premium for less than two weeks now. Beautiful car, however, today the MMI system stopped working. Tried resetting per the manual, but all I get is a loud beep. MMI can't locate any fm stations and can't identify my bluetooth phone anymore. Has anyone else had a problem similar to this?

cat3126 · April 2007

Took my 4.2 Premium in for steering wheel vertical adjustment and memory seat failure. Was told that the steering column needs to be replaced. The column is in a bind and trips out the board. Both functions go through the same board.
Service manager estimated two plus weeks for parts. He stated a loaner will be provided during the repair.
Service people were very polite and explained the problem fully.

audial · April 2007

Also have 4.2 premium and just like you, problems with MMI. Radio on/off bleeps, no navigation, no blue tooth link. Dealer says never heard of this problem. Can't fit me in for service for over a week! Won't promise loaner car. Very disturbing! Help anyone? From Birmingham AL

clarku · April 2007

xy46 - I've had my 3.6 prem for about 2 weeks and I too have noticed a rattling from the 2nd row. Can you tell me what post exactly that they added felt tape to? The rattling is driving me insane!!!!

xy46 · April 2007

I assume your second row is split into three sections like on the 4.2? If so, if you put the middle back section down (the one with the armrest in it), there is a post on the left hand side seat back that this middle section latches on to when it's upright. This is the post that they put the felt tape on. I have also read that a few people had rattling that comes from left over plastic pieces that are inside the tail gate and rattle around with turns and bumps, in case the felt on the post doesn't fix your problem. Good luck!

clarku · April 2007

Thanks xy46. I picked up some felt tape and wrapped the post and it seems to have stopped the majority of the rattling coming from the second row. Someone from Audiworld suggested that others have located the rattling source from underneath the seat where it latches to the floor. I'll take a look at that next. Audi should provide a complimentary roll of felt tape with every purchase...

xy46 · April 2007

Glad it worked. I still have a small amount of noise coming from the back since I wrapped the post, but it's way better than previously - at least 95%. If you find any other sources, please post here. And, I agree - Audi does need to find a better fix than customers having to wrap the post with their own felt tape.

s4ris4 · May 2007

I received an Audi Q7 4.2 Premium and i am in the process of warming-in the engine to make it's first 1000 miles..One day i had an emergency and had to use full throttle to overtake...The engine Malfunction Indicator went on and since then it is still illuminating, though not flashing.. I also have to tell u that during full throttle that moment i noticed that the engine stalled in high revs and couldnt go faster..Then is when the indicator illuminated., Any ideas ????

california7 · May 2007

Just read your post where you said that your Q7 was REPLACED. Wondering why. I am in California and have had an issue with the check oil pressure light coming on some mornings. Audi just called to tell me that they are replacing the ENTIRE ENGINE. Anyone care to comment? Sounds drastic and I'm wondering if there's more I should know other than to make sure its not a rebuilt engine to be installed, and to ask for the engine warranty to be rolled back to zero. The car only had 6500 miles!

iqua · May 2007

Got the same thing.. one day the car just stalled... and engine indicator was on... stopped by at the dealer on the same day and after a week it fixed.. dealer change the computer sensor. It works great now.

0audilicious0 · May 2007

I just took mine in for 5k service and reported the same issue. The service manager told me that they called AoA and were told to replace the associated gauge.

So far so good.

s4ris4 · May 2007

Problem Solved ! Engine misfire ! I am glad it was not something serious...

ssivaram · May 2007

I had this light go on after 500 miles. Took it to dealer
at once. I was told that this was because I had not closed the fuel cap completely. This happened once again; I closed the cap till it clicked several times instead of just once.
Seemed to solve the problem.

seanc2 · May 2007

Live in NY and just found out from my dealer that my q7 engine has to be replaced after 7000miles. It all started on May 12 the engine light came on then reset on its own after a few hours. Then on the 14th I started up the engine and heard a ticking noise, shut off and checked oil level ok, took it to the dealer they said I had low oil pressure need new engine. This is unbelievable. ">

california7 · May 2007

OK, this reply is for the person in New York and for anyone else who is experiencing this. Please let me know as I would like to know how many are out there. My Q7 which had on ly 6,500 miles on it, went in because a message "Check Oil Pressure" was coming on, only when the engine was first started in the morning, and not every morning, but since December 2006, probably 15 times intermittently. Audi has decided that there is a "weak spring in the oil pump" and that although that isn't a big deal, because they couldn't figure out that it was ONLY a spring and ONLY the oil pump, but because they'd already ordered a whole brand new engine because they were worried it might have been something worse, that they are going to go ahead and replace the entire engine!!! At 6,500 miles. They say that it won't affect the warranty on anything and they don't plan on extending the original warranty in any way or even starting it over on the new engine itself. Is anyone out there having to replace the ENTIRE engine and what are you being told is the problem and what are they doing with regards to the warranty, etc.? Please let me know. Also, to the New York person who posted replacing their engine at 7,000 miles, where was the ticking noise coming from? How long did it last? Was it in the engine or inside the car? Thanks.

hoosbest · May 2007

We have the same issue on our 3.6. We periodically get the engine oil pressure light (once every 2-3 weeks) and only when initially starting. The car has received the software download, but hasn't helped. No answers yet.

california7 · May 2007

I also have a 3.6 and was periodically getting that light, like you said, not every day and only on initially starting it up. I also received a "software download" that they thought would have taken care of the problem, but didn't, and then boom, its a bigger problem than they thought, they're looking into it, and then even though they say its just a "weak spring" they are replacing the ENTIRE engine? Sounds either like great service or just strange.... that's why I want to know if there are others out there. I wasn't having any problems, per se, as a result of it. Actually, the car was in for something else minor and I just happened to mention that the check oil pressure message was still occuring randomly and this is what it has evolved into. Let's stay in touch.

rbirns1 · May 2007

I also have had the oil pressure light go on a few times. Engine starts, car beeps and red oil pressure light goes on. Shut down immediately and check oil, dipstick looks fine. Start engine again with no more problem. This has happened 3 times in the past month. Should I have it checked immediately or wait until next scheduled service? Car has 6K miles, initial oil change at 5K (by dealer about 2 months ago).

0audilicious0 · May 2007

Take it in for service. If nothing else, you will have a record of the issue associated with your car just in case you have more serious problems in the future.

california7 · May 2007

I'd have it checked out. They KNOW there's something going on by now, but I don't know if they've determined what it is each and every time? I was told my light was intermittently coming on due to a software issue, and after that was supposedly done and it still happened, they kept it for two weeks and then told me they'd determined it was a "weak spring" in the oil pump (and that another Q7 owner had brought hers in with the same problem, although I don't know if they replaced her engine). So I got a call today to tell me that my engine is done being replaced (car's now been in the shop a total of about 5 wks) and is ready to be picked up. Don't know what all of this means to YOU, but I will definitely post again in a few days just to let people know what they said in the end, what they did with the warranty overall (car has 6,500 miles) and what they did to compensate me for the hassle factor (they said someone from Audi will be contacting me re that). My main concern right now is that I want to know how they are so sure that the brand new factory engine they just put it won't have a weak spring.

seanc2 · May 2007

I spoke with audi today and they told me a new engine would be installed starting Monday and I should have it back by Wed. seeing is believing. Also the ticking noise was coming from the engine. I was also told that audi is only seeing this problem with a very few of the first 3.6 engines released. How many is a very few? Keep me posted as I will keep you posted.

california7 · May 2007

OK, what's up with THAT?!!!! Its either great or very weird to see them being so jump-to-it to replace an entire engine this early on. My engine took 3 wks from the day they ordered it to when they called to say it was done. I have not picked it up yet but I am waiting to hear back from someone. The dealership said someone from Audi would be calling me to talk to me and make sure they did "something" for all the inconvenience.

Keep me posted and I'll keep you posted as to the 1)explanation of what went wrong necessitating such a huge surgery on the car and 2) how they can be assured that the new engine isn't going to have the same problem.

What did they tell you would happen to your warranty as a result of this engine replacement? I mean we should be getting an extension such that the engine warranty begins again, as it isn't even the same engine anymore, eh?

hoosbest · May 2007

Interesting. I bought my 3.6 Premium Q7 in Feb 2007 - but is was an August 06 build date. My engine oil pressure light goes out upon starting once every 2 weeks or so and then off. Stop the car and restart and everything is fine. Today I saw the light go on and the engine did seem to be making a funny sound while idling. Stopped it and restarted and fine again. Unlike many of you, if they tell me it is a new engine, I will be pursuing new car under any Lemon Law I can find. Audi had no answers for the three times they looked at this. They replaced a switch once and also verified that the software update has been completed.

california7 · May 2007

Hey there hoosbest, yes, let me know what they end up telling you. I'm very interested. I never had a funny sound in conjunction with the oil pressure light, but its coming on was, like yours, intermittent and only upon first starting it in the morning. Yet they replaced the entire engine. Let me know what they say. Thanks

hoosbest · May 2007

Car goes back in next week. They will test. Dealer says he has already replaced one engine. If that is the answer, my pursuit of a new replacement 2008 will begin. I had the entire dash removed to replace the defective stepping motors that clicked all the time, and now a new engine? I love this car- but when I bought it in Feb 2007, I didn't realize the dealer (who shipped the car) was sending a first month 3.6 production car. (aug 2006)

california7 · May 2007

Reply to hoosbest - So, what state are you in? Just curious. There seems to be a thread of a few people here on the Edmunds site who have the 3.6 with right at about 6000 miles who are having this problem and a couple whose engines have been replaced. Do you mean to say (you didn't realize that you got a first run 3.6 engine (Aug)) that you've heard something about Audi having problems with that grouping of engines? Just wondering what you've been told.

And I'm also curious - clicking of stepping motors, is that the occasional soft clicking that happens when you start up the car that sounds like its coming from the dash? If so, what does that mean and did they FIX it? I have that issue and haven't yet mentioned it.

hoosbest · May 2007

I am in North Carolina. Yes - you are correct in your post. My car has 2000 miles (we don't drive many miles) and have heard that Audi is suggesting replacing a number of engines in a certain "bin" that have periodic oil pressure failure - which could lead to engines going bad prematurely. I will find out more in a week - but our dealer has already done one replacement, and beginning to read more about it all over the place.

As for the stepping motors - it was an occasional soft or loud clicking from the dash while the venitlation was working. The sound level is dependent on which motors or how many are defective. Again - this was a problem on cars made from Aug - Nov. This is a service bulletin out for it. We had 8 of the 11 replaced - and now the car is quiet. To replace them, the entire dash has to come apart. They did fix finally get it right after two tries...but the fix did work and no rattles yet. Just between the dash and now a possible engine...I will request a replacement car. However, I do love the car.

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