What causes the Audi e-tron AC compressor noise?

The noise is typically caused by vibrations from the AC compressor transferring into the cabin. This can be due to direct contact between refrigerant lines, a refrigerant line contacting the front hood's Bowden cable clip, a poorly seated compressor isolator, or interference at the service port mounting block.

How is the AC compressor noise in my Audi e-tron fixed?

The repair involves separating any contacting refrigerant lines and securing them, correcting the seating of the compressor isolator spring, and adjusting the service port mounting block to create proper clearance. These steps are detailed in Audi TSB 2063467/5.

Is this repair covered under warranty?

Yes, if your 2021-2024 Audi e-tron is within the 48-month or 50,000-mile warranty period, or if it is a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle, the repair for the AC compressor noise is generally covered. If your vehicle is outside of warranty, the TSB serves as informational guidance.

2021-2024 Audi e-tron AC Compressor Noise TSB

Owners of certain 2021-2024 Audi e-tron models may notice a distinct noise emanating from the cabin when the air conditioning system is active. This noise, specifically linked to the AC compressor's operation, ceases when the air conditioning is turned off. Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2063467/5 outlines the potential causes and the necessary repair procedures to resolve this Audi e-tron AC compressor noise.

Symptoms

Customers report a noise heard inside the vehicle's cabin when the air conditioning system is running. This noise is particularly noticeable when the AC compressor is active. The sound disappears immediately when the air conditioning system is switched off.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Workshop findings confirm that the Audi e-tron AC compressor noise is easily reproducible and does not originate from within the cabin itself. The TSB identifies several potential sources for this vibration-induced noise:

Contacting Refrigerant Lines: Direct contact between adjacent refrigerant lines, or between a refrigerant line and the Bowden cable clip for the front hood release, can transfer vibrations from the AC compressor into the cabin. Figure 1 illustrates refrigerant lines that may be in contact, while Figure 2 shows the location of the Bowden cable clip. Further images (Figure 3 and Figure 4) highlight specific contact points between refrigerant lines.
Poorly Seated Compressor Isolator: In some instances, the compressor isolator spring may not be correctly indexed within its rubber mounting, leading to an improperly seated compressor isolator assembly. Figure 9 depicts a poorly seated isolator with a visible gap between the rubber isolator and the mounting bracket.
Service Port Mounting Interference: An additional point of contact can occur at the service port mounting block, where it may interfere with an adjacent line. Figure 11 shows this interference.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the Audi e-tron AC compressor noise involves inspecting and correcting these contact points and component alignments. Technicians will perform the following steps:

Separate Refrigerant Lines: Any refrigerant lines found to be in direct contact must be separated. If necessary, they should be secured in a separated position using a hose holder, clip, or tie-wrap. Figure 5 shows the area in the motor bay where contacting lines are typically located, and Figure 6 illustrates properly separated refrigerant lines.
Address Bowden Cable Clip Contact: If a refrigerant line is contacting the Bowden cable clip for the front hood release, these components must be separated and secured. The retaining clip for the refrigerant line allows it to slide, so it should be positioned to keep the line away from the Bowden cable clip. Figure 7 highlights this contact point.
Correct Compressor Isolator Seating: The compressor isolator spring and/or rubber mount may need to be twisted to ensure proper indexing. This allows the isolator assembly to lie flat against its bracket. Figure 10 shows a correctly seated compressor isolator/spring assembly, which eliminates the gap seen in Figure 9.
Adjust Service Port Mounting: If the service port mounting block is interfering with an adjacent line, it should be pushed in the direction indicated in Figure 12 to create a permanent clearance.

Warranty Information

This TSB outlines specific warranty claim types and labor operations for addressing the Audi e-tron AC compressor noise.

Claim Type: The repair is covered under warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, requiring owner verification.
Out-of-Warranty Vehicles: If the vehicle is outside its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.
Service Number: 8744
Damage Code: 0020
Labor Operations:
- Front storage compartment remove and reinstall: Labor Operation 7007 1900.
- Separate contacting refrigerant lines and secure if necessary: Labor Operation 8744 1399, with an allowance of 40 Technical Units (TU).
Diagnostic Time: GFF, with no allowance (0 TU).
Road Test: No allowance (0 TU) is provided for road tests before or after the service procedure.
Claim Comment: All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual, as per TSB 2063467/5.

What Owners Should Know

Audi is not notifying consumers directly about this Technical Service Bulletin. If you experience the described Audi e-tron AC compressor noise, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership. They can diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repairs under warranty if your vehicle qualifies.

NHTSA ID: 10241431