# Cleaning the Plenum **URL:** \ **Category:** General Discussion\ **Tags:** audi, q5\ **Created:** [June 25, 2021, 3:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659 "2021-06-25T15:06:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 16\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JohnPalmieri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8dc957/32.png) [@JohnPalmieri](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JohnPalmieri)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 3:06pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/1 "2021-06-25T15:06:46Z")
My girlfriend purchased a new 2018 Audi Q5, from this dealer. When it was in for standard maintenance they tried to tell her the “plenum needed cleaning”. They wanted $200 for this service. I advised against it. When she got it home, we found leaves covering the plenum but nothing inside the venting. Brushed them off. Thoughts? ![28897](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/d/e/de18b8b380bd07c767b694626361dbced2491ef5.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 3:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/2 "2021-06-25T15:08:08Z")
thats not the plenum. thats the cowl. the plenum is under the plastic cover with the audi symbols. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 3:23pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/3 "2021-06-25T15:23:14Z")
Why do they think it needs to be cleaned, and how do they do it? Any direct injection car needs periodic cleaning of the injection valves since the fuel can’t do that any more. This may be what they suggest, and 3 years is a reasonable time for that service. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 3:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/4 "2021-06-25T15:27:26Z")
That picture makes me think that no one is raising the hood to check the oil level or other fluids on a regular schedule . Might be a good idea for both of you to learn how to check things and tire pressure and rotation . ---
**Author:** ![weekend-warrior](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/weekend-warrior/32/26122_2.png) [@weekend-warrior](https://community.cartalk.com/u/weekend-warrior)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 3:27pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/5 "2021-06-25T15:27:29Z")
I stand corrected. I never heard that area called a plenum but… - # ISSUES DUE TO A CLOGGED PLENUM TRAY IN AUDI Posted on: May 9, 2018 ![Audi Car Logo](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/2/f/2fa38803f88c9a57694f441cd97b66f721941d1e.jpeg) It’s not always easy keeping up with all the maintenance tasks associated with driving a luxury import vehicle such as an **Audi** ; however, in order to experience your car at the performance level it was intended, such **maintenance tasks** are critical. Maintenance procedures range in cost, difficulty, and frequency, which make some procedures easier to put off than others. One task that you shouldn’t put off in your Audi is caring for the **plenum tray** located beneath the **windshield** in your car. If you have no clue what a plenum chamber is, then you’re in luck—this article will briefly go over the common problems in Audi vehicles associated with a **clogged plenum tray** , including what models encounter the issue the most, and some of the consequences of not addressing the issue. The most important thing we’ll talk about is how to prevent a clogged plenum tray in your own Audi. ## WHAT IS THE PLENUM TRAY IN YOUR AUDI? Your Audi is designed to be able to withstand various weather patterns, including heavy rains or exposure to excessive moisture. The plenum tray is a part under the hood toward the cabin with the main function of **draining the water and moisture** your car can collect. The intricate system of drainage components, including different **valves** , **hoses** , and **filters** , is ripe with areas for potential failure and, unfortunately, many Audi drivers tend to [encounter a clogged plenum tray](https://oriona2.com/service/audi/) at one point or another. ## COMMON OCCURRENCES The most common Audi model that deals with clogged plenum trays is the **Audi A4 Quattro** , across decades of engineering and design—that means that even if you drive an **older Audi A4** , you’re even more susceptible to plenum tray clogs. Since this issue is common in specific Audi vehicles over others, it’s best to [bring your car to an Audi specialist](https://oriona2.com/appointment/) who will be able to accurately diagnose, assess, prevent, and treat any problems. ## OTHER POTENTIAL ISSUES A clogged plenum chamber is known to lead to other significant performance issues in Audi vehicles, and therefore must not go overlooked in common maintenance procedures. Some of the most commonly associated problems include: ### BRAKE PROBLEMS **Water leaking** into brake components can lead to premature wear of the parts, including corrosion and rust. This can lead to expensive brake repair procedures that otherwise might not have been necessary until much later in the car’s life. ### ELECTRICAL ISSUES As we all know, electrical components and water don’t mix well. When water comes into contact with electrical parts, it can cause **wiring** to short out and **electrical currents** to seize communication with terminals. This is problematic, as it can lead to **HVAC issues** as well as other concerning problems in your Audi’s performance. ### INTERIOR DAMAGE One thing that Audi drivers especially pride themselves on is the luxury and comfort of the **interior cabin**. When the plenum drain becomes clogged, it is common for drivers to notice water seeping into the cabin, especially beneath where the HVAC blower is located. This can create **mold** and **mildew growth** inside the cabin or even extensive water damage, requiring significant repair work to fix the issue. ## HOW TO PREVENT PLENUM TRAY ISSUES The best way to prevent your Audi’s plenum trays from clogging is to continually perform inspections and maintenance. If you’re not comfortable assessing your car’s draining on your own, it is imperative that you bring your Audi to an Audi specialist to ensure the best quality of care. Keeping the plenum tray free of debris such as leaves and dirt is a good way to ensure optimal drainage at all times, especially during the autumn season when leaves fall more rapidly in greater volumes. [![Black Audi Q5 S-Line](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/original/3X/4/c/4ca2d44985ac8059c6454b8f86c9e40ceb346bfe.jpeg)](https://oriona2.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Black-Audi-Q5-S-Line.jpg) ## HOW WE CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR AUDI’S PERFORMANCE The **Audi experts** here at [Orion Automotive Services](https://oriona2.com/) help make us the **leading dealership alternative in Ann Arbor, MI** , for such European imports. We take pride in our honesty, integrity, and excellent customer service, all of which have contributed to our standout reputation in the community; however, our level of skill, expertise, and knowledge make us the **most qualified shop in Ann Arbor** to work with such sophisticated automobiles. If you think you’re experiencing drainage problems in your Audi, the problem could be related to a clogged plenum tray. Please [contact one of our helpful staff members](https://oriona2.com/contact/) to schedule an inspection right away, as the continued quality of your Audi’s performance depends on immediate, professional attention. \*\* Audi Logo image credit goes to:\* [vesilvio](https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/audi-logo-gm458093519-18948883). \*\* Black Audi Q5 S-Line image credit goes to:\* [NikWaller](https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/black-car-audi-q5-s-line-gm488224635-39406056). ## RECENT POSTS - [How to Repair Half-Shaft Boot Failure in a VW](https://oriona2.com/how-to-repair-half-shaft-boot-failure-in-a-vw/) - [Transmission Problems in Your Mercedes at Ann Arbor](https://oriona2.com/transmission-problems-in-your-mercedes-at-ann-arbor/) - [Role of the Screen Filter in Volvo Fuel Tanks of Ann Arbor](https://oriona2.com/role-of-the-screen-filter-in-volvo-fuel-tanks-of-ann-arbor/) - [Reasons for Erratic Lights in Your BMW at Ann Arbor](https://oriona2.com/reasons-for-erratic-lights-in-your-bmw-at-ann-arbor/) - [How to Handle Issues in the V12 Engine of Your Mercedes](https://oriona2.com/how-to-handle-issues-in-the-v12-engine-of-your-mercedes/) ## CATEGORIES - [Audi Repair](https://oriona2.com/category/audi-repair/) - [Auto Info](https://oriona2.com/category/auto-info/) - [BMW Repair](https://oriona2.com/category/bmw-repair/) - [Land Rover Repair](https://oriona2.com/category/land-rover-repair/) - [Mercedes Repair](https://oriona2.com/category/mercedes-repair/) - [MINI Repair](https://oriona2.com/category/mini-repair/) - [Volkswagen Repair](https://oriona2.com/category/volkswagen-repair/) - [Volvo Repair](https://oriona2.com/category/volvo-repair/) ## ARCHIVES - [May 2019](https://oriona2.com/2019/05/) - [April 2019](https://oriona2.com/2019/04/) - [March 2019](https://oriona2.com/2019/03/) - [February 2019](https://oriona2.com/2019/02/) - [January 2019](https://oriona2.com/2019/01/) - [December 2018](https://oriona2.com/2018/12/) - [November 2018](https://oriona2.com/2018/11/) - [October 2018](https://oriona2.com/2018/10/) - [September 2018](https://oriona2.com/2018/09/) - [August 2018](https://oriona2.com/2018/08/) - [July 2018](https://oriona2.com/2018/07/) - [June 2018](https://oriona2.com/2018/06/) - [May 2018](https://oriona2.com/2018/05/) - [April 2018](https://oriona2.com/2018/04/) - [March 2018](https://oriona2.com/2018/03/) ---
**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 5:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/6 "2021-06-25T17:17:07Z")
> [@weekend-warrior](#): > > across decades of engineering and design Must have taken a lot of engineering to get a clogged AC drain to affect braking. ---
**Author:** ![Scrapyard-John](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f6c823/32.png) [@Scrapyard-John](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Scrapyard-John)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 6:07pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/7 "2021-06-25T18:07:12Z")
I think plenum is kind of a generic term. Intake plenum. AC plenum, etc. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 6:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/8 "2021-06-25T18:08:44Z")
Yeah, I think the OP means the intake manifold, not the debris cover. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 6:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/9 "2021-06-25T18:16:47Z")
> [@jtsanders](#): > > I think the OP means the intake manifold, not the debris cover. ?? The plenum in this case is the intake area for the HVAC system, under the debris cover (where the leaves are in the pic), I think. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 6:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/10 "2021-06-25T18:37:59Z")
> [@VOLVO-V70](#): > > no one is raising the hood to check the oil level It doesn’t need to be opened because the car has no dipstick. Oil level is checked from the display screen inside the car. ---
**Author:** ![JohnPalmieri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8dc957/32.png) [@JohnPalmieri](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JohnPalmieri)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 7:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/11 "2021-06-25T19:34:29Z")
Actually I am quite good at checking these things including changing my own oil in my 2018 Audi Q5 (my vehicle is garaged in Savannah, hers is in NYC). The service manager referenced the leaves in his report. I brushed off the leaves and removed the covers on both sides. Everything appeared to be very clean under the covers. The vehicle is still under warranty and if this is a recurring design problem, Audi should fix it. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 7:37pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/12 "2021-06-25T19:37:28Z")
Once it’s out of warranty I might find a way to put window screening over the area, to keep out all but the smallest stuff. Works great on my house’s outdoor A/C condenser, keeps out all the cottonwood seeds. ---
**Author:** ![Beancounter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/59ef9b/32.png) [@Beancounter](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beancounter)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 8:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/13 "2021-06-25T20:14:55Z")
Mines not an Audi but looks familiar… 1. Weekly shop vac of that area before washing. 2. Annual removal of screen for vac and clearing of the drain hoses with air, then water. 3. Annual cleaning of the air box/cabin filter area. Still had to replace a cabin blower motor due to rust from accumulating stuff and moisture but that’s not bad for 10 years and over 150,000 miles. ---
**Author:** ![Barkydog](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/barkydog/32/2470_2.png) [@Barkydog](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Barkydog)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2021, 8:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/14 "2021-06-25T20:38:39Z")
Sounds like $200 well spent given given @weekend-warrior response ---
**Author:** ![oldtimer-11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e79b87/32.png) [@oldtimer-11](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldtimer-11)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2021, 4:12am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/15 "2021-06-26T04:12:27Z")
I think the main reason for the posted article is ADP, additional dealer profit. After all, $200 for brushing off a few leaves is pretty sweet. I would gladly do it for $100. ---
**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2021, 12:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cleaning-the-plenum/177659/16 "2021-06-26T12:48:28Z")
My daughter’s old car was sitting for several months before it was sold. Before we sold it, I opened the trunk and hood. There were lots of leaves in the channels, and I removed them. I should demand a couple hundred bucks for that! I even put them in a bag and not on the ground!