2021 Audi Exhaust Flap Noise DTCs P14AC00 P14AB00

Owners of 2021 Audi vehicles may experience unusual noise emanating from the exhaust flaps or find specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the engine control module (ECM). Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2060429/1 addresses these concerns, clarifying that these issues are often sporadic and typically do not require parts replacement.

The TSB explains that these DTCs, such as P14AC00 and P14AB00, are rare. They can occur under specific ambient conditions, often linked to low voltage occurrences when the exhaust flap control motor (J883/J945) initializes. These issues are frequently discovered during routine workshop visits rather than being reported by the customer.

Symptoms

Owners of a 2021 Audi e-tron or other affected models might notice one of two primary symptoms related to this issue:

• Noise from the exhaust flap: An audible sound coming from the exhaust system's flap mechanism.
• Stored Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Even without noticeable noise, specific fault codes may be found in the engine control module (ECM) during a diagnostic check.

Fault Codes / DTCs

If your 2021 Audi is experiencing an exhaust flap issue, the following DTCs may be stored in the ECM (J623):

What the Service Bulletin Says

Technical Service Bulletin 2060429/1 outlines a diagnostic and repair procedure for the exhaust flap noise and associated DTCs. The bulletin emphasizes using the Guided Fault Finding (GFF) system to confirm that the issue is not due to a defective component, such as a damaged cable or incorrectly fitted connector.

Crucially, the TSB states that replacing parts will not resolve this issue. Once the diagnostic checks confirm no defective components, the stored DTCs can be cleared from the ECM, and the vehicle can be returned to the customer. Any warranty claims for replaced parts will be subject to review, as parts replacement is not the recommended solution.

Service technicians will use a VAS tester with the current version of ODIS (Windows 10), such as VAS 6160/VAS 6150, for diagnosis.

What to Do

If you own a 2021 Audi and are experiencing noise from the exhaust flaps or suspect related DTCs, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Inform them about the specific symptoms or any DTCs you may have observed. Reference TSB 2060429/1 to ensure they follow the correct diagnostic and repair procedure, which typically involves clearing the fault codes rather than replacing parts.

NHTSA ID: 10179048