2021-2023 Audi A5 Refrigerant Line Part Number Update

Audi has released Special Notice SM 02-2023, an important communication primarily for parts managers and inventory personnel. This notice, issued on January 31, 2023, addresses a change in the part number for a specific refrigerant line affecting 2021-2023 Audi A5 models. The primary goal of this communication is to ensure that dealerships manage their inventory effectively by returning outdated parts and stocking the correct, updated components for future service needs.

This Special Notice SM 02-2023 helps maintain the quality and accuracy of parts available for the Audi A5 refrigerant line system. By streamlining the parts inventory, Audi ensures that any necessary repairs or replacements will use the most current and correct components, contributing to the overall reliability and performance of the vehicle's air conditioning system.

What's Being Updated

This notice specifically concerns the refrigerant line for the 2021-2023 Audi A5. The original part number, 8W0-816-721-AT, is being superseded by a new part number, 8W0-816-721-BE. This type of update is common in the automotive industry, often occurring due to minor design improvements, manufacturing changes, or supplier adjustments. The new part number ensures that any future installations of the Audi A5 refrigerant line will utilize the most current specification.

Important Deadlines and Warnings

Dealerships are instructed to return their inventory of the older 8W0-816-721-AT refrigerant line parts to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) no later than February 21, 2023. This deadline is crucial for dealers to receive credit for the returned items. Audi explicitly states that "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback." This emphasizes the importance of adhering to the specified timeline for inventory management and financial reconciliation.

Dealer Return Procedure Summary

To ensure a smooth return process and receive proper credit, dealers must follow a specific five-step procedure outlined in Special Notice SM 02-2023:

1. File a Claim: Dealers need to file a separate "Claim with Return" using the "Dir Sup. Req. Return" item type. They must include the Special Notice Number and Parts Circular number in their dealer comments.
2. Review Delivery List: The following day, dealers should review "Parts On Command" for the Delivery List document. Any problems or delays should be communicated to their facing PDC.
3. Enter Delivery Document Number: The 40000XXXXX delivery document number must be entered on a "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN" label.
4. Adhere Return Label: The "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN" label must be securely adhered to the package(s) containing the returned parts.
5. Include Delivery Document: A copy of the Delivery Document must be included with the returned part(s).

Following these steps ensures that the return is processed correctly, allowing dealers to receive credit and manage their inventory efficiently. Dealers are also advised to re-order new materials using the updated 8W0-816-721-BE part number for all future needs related to the Audi A5 refrigerant line.

What This Means for Audi A5 Owners

For owners of 2021-2023 Audi A5 vehicles, this Special Notice SM 02-2023 is primarily an internal communication for dealerships. It does not indicate a defect or a recall requiring immediate action on your part. Instead, it's a proactive measure by Audi to ensure that the correct and most up-to-date parts are available for service and repair. If your Audi A5 refrigerant line ever requires replacement, this notice guarantees that your dealership will install the latest version of the part, 8W0-816-721-BE. This helps maintain the integrity and efficiency of your vehicle's air conditioning system with the most current components available.

Source: NHTSA ID 10230989