DPF efficiency below threshold on Audi TDI — clogged DPF, failed regen sequence on 2.0/3.0 TDI.
Audi P2002 — DPF efficiency below threshold on Audi TDI — clogged DPF, failed regen sequence on 2.0/3.0 TDI. Typical UK independent garage cost: £180–£1800.
What actually causes P2002 on a Audi
Audi P2002 normally means the DPF has lost capacity — either soot saturation from short-trip use, ash loading from age, or a failed regen cycle. Always pull the regen history before condemning. Forced regen with VCDS clears 60% before any parts are needed.
Audi engines that log P2002
- 2.0 TDI CR (A3/A4/A6)
- 3.0 TDI V6 (Q5/Q7/A6)
- 1.6 TDI EA189
How we diagnose P2002 on a Audi
- Read DPF soot/ash load and last regen distance
- Confirm differential pressure sensor accuracy
- Attempt forced regen if conditions permit
- Quote DPF clean (ultrasonic, £180) before replacement (£900+)
The common misdiagnosis to avoid
Aftermarket DPFs that don't meet the original specification, and DPFs that have been removed or bypassed, fail the MOT visual check from 2014 onwards — only OEM or quality-aftermarket with E-mark are road-legal.
Audi P2002 repair cost in the UK
Expect £180–£1800 including parts and labour at an independent garage. Main-dealer quotes on Audi are usually higher for the same job, and the spread exists because the cheap cause and the expensive cause throw the same code — pay for the diagnosis before you pay for parts.
Bob's workshop tip
Audi P2002 + short-trip customer = lifestyle conversation. The DPF will block again if driving habits don't change.
Codes usually seen alongside P2002 on Audi
- P2463
- P244A
- P244B
Symptoms drivers report with P2002
- The 'Engine Service Now' message on the dash, often without a limp mode initially.
- Thick black soot deposits around the inside of the tailpipe (it should be clean enough to eat off).
- A heavy smell of diesel fumes inside the cabin when sitting at traffic lights.
- The car seems to perform fine but the 'DPF Full' warning keeps popping up every 50 miles.
- Excessive cooling fan noise because the car is constantly trying (and failing) to start a regeneration.
Repairs that clear P2002
- Static regen on scan tool
- Replace pressure sensor
- Injector leak-off test
- Chemical DPF clean, replace if blocked >80%
For the generic, all-makes explanation of this code — meaning, every known cause and UK cost bands — see our P2002 guide.