Regen

[bmike]

I'm looking for some education on the VW/AUDI regen process. I'v tried searching and have only found generic information. On Wednesday I took a long trip, 300 highway miles. On Thursday, just on my way home from work, I was stopped at a light, the engine temp was half way to normal. I saw and felt the engine stumble and the fans then kicked in, I thought ok this must be "it". I have a 14 mile commute each way, 2 miles side roads then 10 miles highway then 2 more miles on side roads. I got home and parked in the garage, shut it down then the fans started again and I noticed a burning smell. It was in the mid 70's that day so not too hot. So, does the regen process just keep burning until it is clean, or does it start and stop? And anything else you can add. Thanks

 

[JSWTDI09]

I'm looking for some education on the VW/AUDI regen process. I'v tried searching and have only found generic information. On Wednesday I took a long trip, 300 highway miles. On Thursday, just on my way home from work, I was stopped at a light, the engine temp was half way to normal. I saw and felt the engine stumble and the fans then kicked in, I thought ok this must be "it". I have a 14 mile commute each way, 2 miles side roads then 10 miles highway then 2 more miles on side roads. I got home and parked in the garage, shut it down then the fans started again and I noticed a burning smell. It was in the mid 70's that day so not too hot. So, does the regen process just keep burning until it is clean, or does it start and stop? And anything else you can add. Thanks

Yes, it starts and stops as necessary. Regeneration is a burning event, therefore it cannot continue without oxygen, therefore when your engine (a rather complicated air pump) stops so does the regen. Whether (and when) it restarts depends on how much was completed as well as EGT (Exhaust Gas Temperature) and other factors. Most regerations happen on the highway and are never noticed by the driver unless you pay really close attention and have a boost gauge. The only regens you usually notice are the ones that are not completed when you shut down the engine.

Try reading these threads:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=238361

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=223775

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=229303

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=228347

There is lots of info here about the various regeneration cycles (there is more than one) your car goes through. The engine in your Audi is almost exactly he same as in the 2009+ VWs. I was talking to an Audi salesman a few weeks ago and he said that the only significant difference between the Audi A3 TDI and my '09 VW Jetta is that the Audi's oilpan has an oil level sensor. Other than that, they are identical.

Have Fun!

Don