2021-2022 Audi AC Not Cooling with DTC P053000 P251500

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021-2022 Audi models may experience their vehicle's air conditioning system failing to cool the cabin. This issue can be intermittent, meaning the AC might work sometimes and not at others. When this condition occurs, technicians may find specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's thermal management control unit.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the Audi AC not cooling P053000 symptom is present, one or both of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be stored in the J1024 Thermal management control unit (address word 00C5):

| Code | Description | Module | | :--- | :---------- | | P053000 | Air conditioning system pressure sensor electrical fault | J1024 Thermal management | | P251500 | Refrigerant pressure sensor 2 electrical fault | J1024 Thermal management |

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the Audi AC not cooling P053000 and P251500 fault codes is a failure within the sensor electronics of the air conditioning pressure sensors. This electronic malfunction leads to an incorrect or lost pressure evaluation within the refrigerant circuit. The specific sensors at issue are those with base part number 4M0959603 and a build date prior to Calendar Week 31, 2021. These sensors are identified as G395 and G827 within the system.

Audi has since implemented an improved version of this sensor in production to prevent this issue in newer vehicles.

Repair Procedure Summary

If your 2021-2022 Audi exhibits the symptoms of the AC not cooling and has the associated DTCs, a technician will perform the following steps:

1. Inspect Existing Sensors: The technician will first inspect all pressure sensors in the refrigerant circuit that have the base part number 4M0959603 and were manufactured before Calendar Week 31, 2021. Depending on the specific model, there can be between one and three of these sensors (G395 / G827) located in various positions on either the low or high pressure sides of the refrigerant circuit.
2. Identify Improved Sensors: The technician will check the markings on each sensor. Improved sensors, produced after Calendar Week 31, 2021, can be identified by a green dot on the connector housing and a laser marking on the aluminum housing. Sensors with an 'E' index and these markings are the improved type and do not need replacement.
3. Replace Faulty Sensors: Any sensor with part number 4M0959603 that has a build date before Calendar Week 31, 2021, and lacks the identifying marks of the improved version, will be replaced. The replacement involves draining and refilling the refrigerant system and may require removing other components for access, depending on the vehicle model.

Required Parts

The primary part required for this repair is the improved pressure and temperature sensor:

• Part Number: 4M0959603E
• Quantity: 1-3 (depending on the vehicle model and which sensors require replacement)

Always confirm the latest part information with your Audi Parts Department or ETKA.

Important Warnings

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2068460/1) outlines a repair procedure. Warranty coverage for this repair is generally available for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage is under the G10 claim type, subject to owner verification. If your vehicle is outside of these warranty parameters, this TSB serves as informational guidance, and repair costs may apply.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021-2022 Audi and are experiencing the air conditioning system not cooling, especially if you suspect the Audi AC not cooling P053000 or P251500 fault codes, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. They can diagnose the issue, confirm the presence of the relevant DTCs, and perform the necessary inspection and replacement of the AC pressure sensors.

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Source: NHTSA ID 10226899