2023-2025 Audi Quattro Droning Noises / Vibrations TSB 2075681/3

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2075681/3 to address customer complaints of Audi Quattro droning noises and vibrations in various 2023-2025 Audi models equipped with quattro with ultra technology (PR number GH4). This bulletin, released on May 22, 2025, and superseding previous revisions 2075681/2 and 2075681/1, provides detailed instructions for diagnosing and resolving these issues.

The TSB focuses on specific conditions where owners might experience these noises and vibrations, particularly during maneuvers that engage the four-wheel drive system. Understanding the symptoms and the recommended repair process is crucial for effective resolution.

Symptoms Owners May Notice

Owners of affected Audi Quattro vehicles may experience the following symptoms:

• Audible noises from the drivetrain, including the gearbox, drive shaft, and/or rear final drive, especially when pulling away quickly from a standstill with the wheels turned.
• Vibrations, humming, droning, or rubbing sounds that can be heard or felt in the vehicle interior or on the rear seats when the steering wheel is turned to its full lock position.

These Audi Quattro droning noises and vibrations are often most noticeable during tight cornering or when the steering is at its maximum angle.

Technical Background of the Issue

The root cause of these symptoms is identified as a slight change in the friction system of the four-wheel drive clutch. This change can occur over an extended period, particularly when the vehicle has had very low utilization of its all-wheel drive capabilities. The TSB outlines a specific procedure designed to rectify this condition and eliminate the customer complaints.

Important Warnings for the Repair Process

During the diagnostic and repair procedure, technicians must adhere to specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and prevent issues:

• Speed Limit During Test: If a speed of 11 km/h (~7 mph) is exceeded during the frictional vibration test, the test will be automatically aborted. In such cases, the test must be restarted from the beginning.
• Test Plan Selection: Technicians are explicitly instructed to Do NOT search for the test plan via "Select self test." Instead, they must expand the test plan by entering the specific reference number 2074883.
• Test Equipment Safety: The TSB includes warnings about using application programs while driving, which can distract the driver, and the safe transportation of unsecured test equipment. Test equipment must be secured properly and not placed in areas where airbags inflate.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process for the Audi Quattro droning noises involves a specialized diagnostic and test procedure using the ODIS tester. Here's a summary of the steps:

1. Reproduce Complaint: The technician must first reproduce the customer's complaint based on their description and workshop findings.
2. Prepare Vehicle and Area: Drive the vehicle to a safe, cordoned-off area suitable for driving in circles with the steering wheel at full lock. The vehicle must reach operating temperature before parking.
3. Connect ODIS Tester: Connect the ODIS tester and expand the test plan by entering the reference number 2074883. Add the suggested test program "-0022 - Function test of clutch for frictional vibration" to the test plan. Detailed instructions are provided in the "TestPlanAssignment.pdf" document.
4. Perform Test Program: Start the test "-0022 - Function test of clutch for frictional vibration." Select "-1- Target torque 150 Nm" and execute the program.
5. Drive in Circles: With the engine idling and brakes applied, turn the steering wheel to full lock. Release the brakes and slowly increase speed to a maximum of 10 km/h (6 mph). Drive in a circle until the symptoms no longer occur. This process may take several minutes.
6. Monitor for Overheating: The test mode might stop prematurely if a "Four-wheel drive overheating" message appears. If the customer complaint persists after the test stops automatically, the procedure should be repeated up to three times.
7. Check for Fault Codes: After successfully completing the test, check for the event memory entry C05DC00 4WD/AWD Clutch Temperature Too High in the all-wheel drive electronics and erase it if present. The complete diagnostic log must be provided online.

Fault Codes and OEM Messages

During diagnosis or the test procedure, technicians may encounter the following:

• DTC C05DC00: This fault code, specifically C05DC00 4WD/AWD Clutch Temperature Too High, indicates an issue related to the temperature of the all-wheel drive clutch. It should be checked and cleared after the repair procedure.
• Warning Message: The instrument cluster may display the message "Four-wheel drive overheating" if the test mode stops prematurely due to temperature monitoring.

Warranty Information

For vehicles still under warranty, claims for this repair must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2075681/3) serves as informational guidance only.

Labor Operations and Codes

Audi provides specific service and damage codes for this repair, identified under Service Number 3960 and Damage Code 0020. The labor operations include:

• Measure all-wheel drive clutch unit (four-wheel drive overheating): Labor code 3960 0399, estimated 30 Time Units (TU).
• GFF (Guided Fault Finding): Labor code 0150 0060, time based on the diagnostic protocol.
• Road test prior to the service procedure: Labor code 0121 0002, estimated 10 TU.
• Road test after the service procedure: Labor code 0121 0004, estimated 10 TU.
• Charge battery: Labor code 2706 8950, refer to SRT for associated operations.

All claims should reference TSB 2075681/3 in the claim comment.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, technicians will need:

• An ODIS tester for diagnostic and test plan execution.
• Access to the reference number 2074883 to expand the test plan.
• The specific test program "-0022 - Function test of clutch for frictional vibration."
• The "TestPlanAssignment.pdf" document for detailed instructions.
• Access to videos and QR codes (Figures 1 and 2) for visual guidance.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11018977