P3880high severityPowertrain
Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) Efficiency Below Threshold
on 2010 Audi A3 2.0L TDI I4 · FWD
What this code means
The diesel oxidation catalyst efficiency has dropped below the acceptable level. The DOC oxidizes CO and HC and raises exhaust temperature for DPF regeneration.
Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- DPF regeneration may be affected
- Higher CO and HC emissions
- Failed emissions test
- Exhaust smell
- DPF soot loading increasing
Common causes
- DOC catalyst degradation
- Fuel sulfur contamination
- Oil consumption contaminating DOC
- Exhaust leak before DOC
- DOC temperature sensor error
Diagnostic steps
- Compare DOC inlet and outlet temperatures during warm-up
- Check hydrocarbon conversion efficiency
- Inspect DOC for physical damage
- Test exhaust temperature sensors
- Check for exhaust leaks before DOC
Repair notes
Replace diesel oxidation catalyst. Address root cause of contamination (oil consumption, fuel quality). Check DPF system operation after DOC replacement.
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