2021-2022 Audi/VW Injector 04E-906-036-AL Return Notice

Audi and Volkswagen have issued Special Notice SM 09-2022, a Parts Circular, to manage inventory of a specific fuel injector part. This notice, dated February 1, 2022, instructs dealers to return certain versions of the Audi injector 04E-906-036-AL to ensure that only the latest developed parts are available for service and customer vehicles. The primary goal of this directive is to maintain a high standard of parts quality and availability. Dealers are urged to promptly return the specified material numbers to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) to receive credit and improve overall parts inventory levels for customers.

What's Affected: Specific Injector Versions

The Special Notice SM 09-2022 specifically targets the Audi injector 04E-906-036-AL. The key distinction lies in the presence or absence of a support element and a retaining ring. According to the notice, "Only injectors (OK) with support element and retaining ring correspond to the latest state of development." These "OK" injectors are visually identified by the presence of these components, as highlighted in green in the provided diagrams. Conversely, "Affected injectors (NOK) without support element and retaining ring are affected and must be returned." These "NOK" injectors lack these crucial components, a difference visually indicated in red in the diagrams. Dealers must ensure they are only stocking and installing the "OK" version of the Audi injector 04E-906-036-AL.

Important Return Deadlines and Warnings

To ensure proper credit and to maintain an updated parts inventory, dealers must return all affected material numbers to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) "no later than 2/21/2022". It is critical to adhere to this deadline, as the notice explicitly states: "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback." This means that any affected injectors sent back after February 21, 2022, will not be processed for credit or buyback, potentially resulting in financial loss for the dealership. Therefore, prompt action is required to comply with this Special Notice SM 09-2022.

Dealer Return Procedure

The Parts Circular outlines a specific five-step procedure for dealers to follow when returning the affected injectors:

1. File a Claim: Dealers must file a separate "Claim with Return" using their system. When selecting the item type, they should choose "Dlr Sup. Req. Return". It is essential to complete the dealer comments section with both the Special Notice Number (SM 09-2022) and the relevant Parts Circular number referenced in the document.
2. Review Delivery List: The day after filing the claim, dealers are instructed to review "Parts On Command" for the Delivery List document. If any problems or delays are encountered, the dealer should contact their facing PDC for assistance.
3. Labeling: The 40000XXXXX delivery document number must be accurately entered onto a "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label". This label is crucial for proper identification and processing of the returned parts.
4. Adhere Label: The "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label" must then be securely adhered to the package(s) containing the parts being returned.
5. Include Documentation: Finally, one copy of the Delivery Document must be included within the package alongside the returned part(s).

Re-ordering Replacement Parts

After returning the non-compliant injectors, dealers will need to re-order new materials. The notice specifies that new materials should be re-ordered "using the same part number". This ensures that the replacement parts received will be the updated version of the Audi injector 04E-906-036-AL, which includes the necessary support element and retaining ring, corresponding to the latest state of development.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10207828