vinkodex.B9 platform: cold start chain rattle on the 2.0 TFSI
It does not show up on every car. Check before you buy.
critical
severity
not available
mileage
3
sources
3 sources next to the write-up.
The fault
How you spot it
After standing for a longer period, on a cold start you hear a rattling, knocking noise from the timing chain for a few seconds. The cause is oil pressure draining away overnight: the chain tensioner can only tension properly once the oil pressure has built up. A slack chain causes misfires and loss of power, and if it jumps a tooth the engine is badly damaged.
It shows up on early (2016 to 2017) A4 B9 cars and on the A5 F5 2.0 TFSI alike: the same engine, the same platform.
The test drive does not show this, because a warmed up engine is quiet. The only reliable check is starting the cold, standing car: that is why you have to insist that the seller does not warm it up beforehand.
Which model
Who it affects
The card opens the generation, the engine or the transmission.
Generations and models
2 generations.
Audi
B9
A4
Thomas doerfer / CC BY-SA 3.0
Audi A4 B9
2016–2018
Audi
F5
A5
© M 93 / CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Audi A5 F5
2016–2024
vinkodex.Checklist
B9 platform: cold start chain rattle on the 2.0 TFSI
What you would check for this fault. Take it to the car.
Before you buy
Checklist
What you tick stays on this device only.
Sources
How we know
What BreaksAudi A4 B9 — All Engines, Problems & Buying Guide (2015–2026)Audi A4 B9: 116 common defects and weaknesses. 18 engines (CYRB, DKZA, DMSA, CZDA, …), 122–470 hp. Reviews, durability and buying advice 2015–2026.
Volkswagen Tuning - VW and Audi Performance & Tuning GuidesThe 6 Most Common Audi A4 B9 Engine Problems - Audi TuningHow reliable is the Audi A4 B9? Common problems found in the B9 Audi A4 include thermostat housing, engine mounts, control arms, and more.
Euro Auto ProCommon Problems of Audi A5 F5 2.0 TFSI: A Comprehensive GuideThe Audi A5 F5 2.0 TFSI, part of the second-generation A5 series, was introduced in 2016 and quickly gained popularity for its sophisticated design, impressive performance, and advanced technology. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, this coupe, convertible, or Sportback perfectly balances power, efficiency, and luxury. While the Audi A5 F5 2.0 TFSI is a well-built and reliable vehicle, it
Information, not an expert opinion
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.
- A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
- A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
- You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.