2021-2022 Audi Models Belt Coolant Contact TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 13 21 13 2062387/1, issued on March 9, 2021, to provide guidance for technicians regarding poly V-belts and toothed belts that have come into contact with coolant. This TSB applies to various 2021-2022 Audi models and helps determine when a belt needs replacement versus when it can remain in service.

Symptoms

This condition is typically discovered during routine diagnostic work or pre-delivery inspection (PDI), rather than from a customer complaint. Technicians may find that either the poly V-belt or the toothed belt for the valve gear drive is wet with coolant, indicating a coolant leak somewhere in the engine system. The primary concern is the potential for the coolant to affect the integrity and function of these critical belts.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners of 2021-2022 Audi models should be aware of specific guidelines regarding belt replacement after coolant exposure:

• Poly V-belt: "There is no reason to replace a poly V-belt which came into contact with coolant and was then dried again." This means that minor, temporary contact with coolant that has since dried out does not automatically necessitate replacement.
• Toothed belt (brief contact): "A toothed belt which was briefly in contact with coolant (Figure 1) and was dried again it does not need to be replaced." Similar to the poly V-belt, brief exposure is not a cause for immediate concern.
• Toothed belt (extended contact): "If a toothed belt is exposed to coolant for an extended period of time, it must be replaced." This is a critical distinction, as prolonged exposure can compromise the belt's material and lead to failure.

These guidelines aim to prevent unnecessary replacements while ensuring safety and reliability for your Audi e-tron belt coolant contact situation.

Poly V-Belt Assessment

Poly V-belts on Audi vehicles are generally robust and not highly susceptible to damage from coolant, as they are manufactured from similar materials to coolant hoses. Therefore, if a poly V-belt has merely been wet with coolant and subsequently dried, replacement is usually not required.

However, there are exceptions. In some isolated cases, a coolant leak can lead to the accumulation of dirt or the formation of a crust on the belt. This can happen due to pigments present in the coolant. Such buildup could potentially scrape or damage the poly V-belt. In these specific circumstances, replacing the belt is considered reasonable. The final decision for replacement in these isolated cases rests with the Audi Technician, who will make a judgment on a case-by-case basis after a thorough inspection.

Toothed Belt Assessment

The toothed belt, which drives the valve gear, requires a more stringent assessment regarding coolant contact. If this belt has been briefly exposed to coolant and has since dried, it typically does not need to be replaced. However, if the toothed belt has been removed for any reason, it is crucial to inspect it thoroughly for any signs of wear or damage before it is reinstalled.

Crucially, if a toothed belt has been exposed to coolant for an extended period, it must be replaced. Prolonged contact with coolant can degrade the material of the toothed belt, potentially leading to premature failure and severe engine damage. Technicians must carefully evaluate the duration and extent of coolant exposure to determine the appropriate course of action for any Audi e-tron belt coolant contact.

Warranty Status

It is important for owners to note that this Technical Service Bulletin is informational in nature. It provides guidance for technicians but is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. This means that any diagnostic work or repairs performed based on the conditions described in this TSB may not be covered under your vehicle's standard Audi warranty, depending on the specific circumstances of the coolant leak and belt damage.

Additional Information

All part and service references mentioned in this TSB, including the TSB number 2062387, are subject to change or removal. Technicians are advised to consult their Parts Department and/or ETKA (Electronic Parts Catalog) for the most current information and any relevant parts bulletins. Additionally, the Repair Manual should be referenced for details on fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during any repair procedure.

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NHTSA ID: 10189141