Chassis, generic

C05DC 4WD/AWD Clutch A Temperature Too High

Check engine lightUsually off
EmissionsNot relevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modePossible

The calculated or measured temperature of clutch A has passed the protection limit, usually after long slipping in sand, snow or while towing. Audi stores C05DC00 in the AWD control unit of quattro ultra models: in TSB 2075681/1 the technician drives circles at full lock below 10 km/h for up to 15 minutes until the yellow four-wheel drive overheating lamp comes on, then erases the entry. Suppliers protect the clutch in steps. A BorgWarner patent cuts engine torque from 130 °C and stops at 110 °C; JTEKT estimates the oil temperature from transmitted torque and speed and lowers the target torque above a threshold; GKN's actuator controller also tracks clutch temperature. After cooling, AWD normally returns.

Likely causes

Long periods of wheel slip in deep snow, sand or mud
Towing or steep climbs with heavy load
Different tyre sizes or wear front to rear force constant slip
Aged or wrong clutch fluid

Symptoms

  • Yellow AWD overheating warning
  • Less drive to the secondary axle until the clutch has cooled
  • Engine power briefly reduced during wheel spin

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€0–400
Time0–1.5 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

awd clutch aawd control module

Related codes

C05DDC05DEC05EBC0093C05F9

References: static.nhtsa.gov, patents.google.com, patents.google.com, mobilityengineeringtech.com.