Parts for your 2019 Audi Q5-Sump plug washers

2019 Audi Q5 sump plug washers — what they do and when to replace

Technical sources confirm the 2019 Audi Q5 does use a sump plug sealing washer. Audi’s factory repair information (ElsaPro Workshop Manual for Q5 FY, Rep. Gr. 17 – Engine lubrication, Draining/Filling) specifies renewing the drain plug’s sealing washer at each oil change. The Audi ETKA parts catalogue for the FY-series Q5 also lists a separate aluminium sealing ring for the oil drain plug used on the EA888 2.0 TFSI and EA839 3.0 TFSI engines (and the EA288 2.0 TDI where fitted in some markets). Together, those sources make the washer relevant and required on this model.

On the 2019 Q5, the sump plug washer is a small, crush-type ring that sits between the oil drain plug and the sump. Its job is straightforward but critical: once the plug is tightened, the soft aluminium (or copper, depending on variant) washer deforms slightly to create a gas- and oil-tight seal. That prevents slow weeps and drips that can leave spots on the driveway, attract dust and grime to the pan, or—left long enough—drop the oil level.

Because the washer is designed to deform only once, it’s a one-time-use item. Reusing it can lead to minor seepage, which many owners notice a few days after a service. For that reason, Audi’s workshop procedure calls for replacing the sealing washer with a new one whenever the engine oil is drained. Some Q5 variants use a drain plug with a captive, integrated seal, the principle is the same—the sealing element is still one-use, so the complete plug is replaced instead of just the washer.

As part of routine servicing in Australia and New Zealand, the washer should be renewed at every oil change interval (typically 12 months or around 15,000 km, depending on the service schedule applied). It’s a low-cost part that helps avoid much bigger headaches. Best practice is to clean the mating face on the sump, fit a correct-spec washer, and tighten the plug to the factory torque listed in Audi’s repair info for the specific engine. Avoid thread sealants or tape, they’re not needed when the correct washer is used and torqued properly.

• Always replace the washer (or one-use plug) at each oil change.
• Verify the correct washer size/material for the engine variant by VIN.
• Clean the sump’s sealing face before refitting.
• Tighten to the factory torque—don’t overdo it.

Popular questions about 2019 Audi Q5 sump plug washers

What size washer does a 2019 Audi Q5 use?
Most 2.0 TFSI Q5 models use an M14 drain plug with an aluminium crush washer commonly referenced as A14 × 20. Some variants (including certain 3.0 TFSI/SQ5 engines) use a drain plug with a captive sealing ring instead. The sure-fire way is to check the VIN in the parts catalogue used by workshops.

Does the washer really need replacing at every oil change?
Yes. The washer is designed to crush once and won’t reliably reseal if reused. Audi’s workshop manual instructs renewing the sealing washer (or one-use plug) whenever the oil is drained, which helps prevent weeps and keeps the sump area clean.

What torque should the drain plug be tightened to?
Torque varies by engine and plug design. The correct value is listed in Audi’s ElsaPro repair information for the Q5 FY. Workshops should use a torque wrench and follow the spec for the exact engine code to avoid under-tightening (leaks) or over-tightening (thread damage).