Technical Service Bulletin
01 MIL on in sub-freezing conditions (DTC P0087); engine cranks but does not start
01 14 55 2036169/1 January 8, 2014.
Model(s)

Year

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

A3, A6, A7,
A8, Q5, Q7

2009 - 2015

All

TDI clean diesel engines

Condition
• MIL on.
• The following DTC may be stored in the engine control module (ECM), J623 (address word 01):
• DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure - Too Low)
• Drivability concerns such as hard starting/no starting are present.
• Outside temperature is sub-freezing.
• In tank, fuel pump may be making a straining noise.

Technical Background
Diesel fuel requires additive blending or “winterization” to be useable at low temperatures. At temperatures below
20° F (-7° C), No. 2 Diesel with insufficient winterization blending may lose its fluidity due to wax separation. This
may clog the fuel filter or in-tank filter, preventing the engine from operating properly.
No. 2 Diesel is blended by refineries to various levels of winterization (minimum useable temperature) based on
th
month, geographical location, and the 10 percentile minimum ambient air temperature for the given region.
Although rare, during sudden periods of extreme low temperatures (record lows), fuel stations may not be
adequately prepared with No. 2 Diesel fuel with sufficient winterization to resist wax formation or “gelling”.
Tips for optimal operation include:
• When traveling from a warmer location to a colder location during sub-freezing conditions, try to refill the tank
locally in the cold destination area.
• Refuel using major name brand fuel stations with high turnover rates.
• Garage vehicle overnight during extreme cold conditions if possible.
• Utilize engine preheater (when equipped – A3 TDI only).
• Do not utilize any fuel additive on any common rail diesel engine.

Production Solution
None; this issue is related to the diesel fuel and not a technical problem with the vehicle.

© 2014 Audi of America, Inc.

Page 1 of 2

All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin
Service
1. If fuel gelling is suspected based on ambient temperature and vehicle condition, allow vehicle to warm to shop
temperature before further diagnosis. If the vehicle starts and operates to specifications once it is warm, this
TSB can be applied.
2. Inspect fuel level. If the fuel level is at ½ tank or less, top off with local No. 2 Diesel from a brand name station
with high turnover.
3. If fuel level is greater than ½ tank, drain fuel tank contents and fully fill with local No. 2 Diesel from a brand
name station with high turnover.
4. Replace fuel filter, drain water separator (if applicable).
5. Verify normal operation and release vehicle.

Warranty
Claim Type:

1SP

Service Number:

2010

Damage Code:

0017

Labor Operations: Drain fuel tank

Diagnostic Time:

See Elsa

See Elsa

Replace fuel filter

See Elsa

See Elsa

GFF

0150 0000

Max 30 TU

Road test prior to service procedure

No allowance

0 TU

Road test after service procedure

See Elsa

20 TU

Technical diagnosis at dealer’s discretion
(Refer to Section 2.2.1.2 and Audi Warranty Online for DADP allowance details)
Claim Comment:

As per TSB #2036169/1

All warranty claims submitted for payment must be in accordance with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures
Manual. Claims are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

Additional Information
All parts and service references provided in this TSB (2036169) are subject to change and/or removal. Always
check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.

© 2014 Audi of America, Inc.

Page 2 of 2

All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.