2019-2024 Audi Noisy or Loose Drive Belt TSB 2061461/10

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061461/10 to address customer concerns regarding a noisy starter/generator drive belt or instances where the belt has come off. This bulletin, issued on July 16, 2024, supersedes a previous TSB, Group 13 number 24-24, dated March 8, 2024, and provides updated information for diagnosing and repairing the issue.

The TSB applies to various Audi models from 2019 to 2024, including the Audi A6, A4, A4 allroad, A5, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, Q5, and Q5 Sportback. Owners experiencing symptoms related to the drive belt should consult this TSB for the recommended repair procedure.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may notice one or both of the following conditions:

• A grinding, squeaking, or tweeting noise originating from the engine compartment.
• A message displayed in the driver information system (DIS) stating, "Electrical system: Malfunction! Please go to workshop", particularly if the poly V-belt has fallen off.

Workshop findings often confirm that the grinding, squeaking, or tweeting noise is coming from the poly V-belt (alternator belt), or that the poly V-belt is damaged or has fallen off the wheel roller.

Technical Background

The root cause of the noisy starter/generator drive belt or the belt coming off is identified as a deviation on the rollers of the belt tensioner. This deviation can lead to improper belt operation, causing noise or damage.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure Summary

Audi TSB 2061461/10 outlines two scenarios and their respective repair steps:

Scenario 1: Grinding, Squeaking, or Tweeting Noises

1. Start the engine and let it run at idle speed to assess the noise. Technicians can refer to an example video provided by Audi for noise identification.
2. To confirm the noise source, spray the inside of the poly V-belt with a small amount of tap water using a spray bottle. If the noise disappears after spraying, it confirms the poly V-belt and belt tensioner are the source of the problem.
3. If the noise disappears, both the poly V-belt and the belt tensioner should be replaced.

Scenario 2: Poly V-belt Damaged or Fallen Off

1. In cases where the poly V-belt is damaged or has fallen off, both the belt tensioner and the poly V-belt must be replaced.
2. After replacing the components, technicians must check for correct belt running alignment. The belt should not protrude forward or backward over the roller edge of the tensioner when the engine is running at idle speed.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

• Do not replace an already new belt tensioner: If a new belt tensioner has already been installed, it should not be replaced again, even if the poly V-belt is damaged or noisy. This prevents unnecessary part replacements.
• Replacing the belt-driven starter-generator will not fix the problem: The TSB explicitly states that replacing the belt-driven starter-generator itself will not resolve the issue related to the noisy or fallen drive belt. The focus is on the poly V-belt and belt tensioner.
• Care during removal: Technicians are advised to ensure the belt tensioner, including its retaining tab, is not damaged during removal. Damage to this component could hinder analysis and may result in charges for the damaged parts.

Required Parts

The following parts are generally required for this repair:

• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts: As needed per the repair manual (check ETKA/ELSA)
• Belt Tensioner: 1 unit
• Poly-V Belt: 1 unit

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage is under G10, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle falls outside these warranty parameters, the Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

Specific warranty codes for this service include:

• Service Number: 1373
• Damage Code (Noisy belt): 0020
• Damage Code (Belt came off): 0015

Labor operations involved include ribbed belt removal and installation (1372 1915), belt tension damper removal and installation (1373 1965), checking poly V-belt run alignment (1372 0199), and a road test (no allowance).

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11005855