2022-2024 Audi Speaker Rattles and Audio Interference TSB

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 91 23 94 2018187/13), issued by Audi on May 8, 2023, provides guidance for diagnosing and resolving sound system issues such as speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference in various 2003-2024 Audi vehicles. This TSB supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 91 number 21-34, dated September 22, 2021, updating the applicable models and model years to include newer vehicles. Owners experiencing an Audi e-tron speaker rattles issue or similar sound problems should be aware of this bulletin.

Symptoms

Owners may notice one or more of the following sound system interferences coming from the speakers:

• "cracking"
• "grinding"
• "rattling"
• "humming"
• "whining"
• Other similar interference

These noises can significantly degrade the audio experience and indicate an underlying issue with the sound system or surrounding components.

Technical Background

Audi has identified two primary causes for these speaker-related noises:

• Vibrating Components: Parts of the speakers themselves, such as brackets, cables, or covers, or adjacent interior fittings like door covers, rear shelves, facings, or other covers, can vibrate at specific frequencies. These vibrations produce the audible noises reported by customers.
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): The radio tuner or other control modules within the vehicle's sound system can be affected by electromagnetic interference. This interference often originates from aftermarket electronic devices connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure

When addressing an Audi e-tron speaker rattles complaint, technicians follow a structured diagnostic process:

1. Check for Loose Objects: The first step is to rule out simple causes. Technicians will confirm that the interference is not caused by loose items within the vehicle, such as keys, CD covers, pens, or sunglasses, which can easily create rattling sounds.
2. Isolate Speaker Vibration: Technicians will then attempt to determine if the noise is mechanical. They will push against the trim surrounding the speaker and the speaker's mounting to see if the interference disappears. If the noise persists, it suggests the issue is not merely a loose trim piece.
3. Speaker Isolation Test: The speaker is then removed from its mounting and listened to in isolation. This step helps differentiate between a speaker fault and an issue with its mounting or surrounding environment.
   • If interference is not heard when the speaker is isolated: The problem likely lies with the cabin fittings. Technicians will inspect for any loose parts within the cabin and will apply or replace underlay material as necessary to prevent vibrations.
   • If interference is heard when the speaker is isolated: The issue points to electromagnetic interference. Technicians will check for any aftermarket electrical devices connected to the vehicle, including those plugged into a 12V power socket. They will disconnect power to these devices one by one to identify the source of the interference. If disconnecting a device resolves the noise, the customer will be informed that the device is interfering with the radio tuner or other sound system components.

This methodical approach ensures that the root cause of the speaker noise, whether mechanical vibration or electrical interference, is accurately identified and addressed.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only and is not applicable to any Audi warranty. This means that any diagnostic or repair work performed under the guidance of this TSB may not be covered by your vehicle's warranty, depending on the specific circumstances and your vehicle's warranty terms. Always consult with your Audi service center for clarification on potential costs.

What Owners Should Do

If you are experiencing speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference in your 2022-2024 Audi, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Describe the symptoms clearly to the technician. While this TSB provides diagnostic steps, the actual repair may involve identifying and securing loose components or advising on the use of aftermarket electronic devices.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10236376