2021-2026 Audi Gearbox Complaints TSB 2074826/1

Owners of 2021-2026 Audi vehicles experiencing issues with their transmission may find this information helpful. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 37 24 22 2074826/1, issued on August 9, 2024, provides Audi technicians with crucial guidelines for documenting and reporting Audi gearbox complaints. This TSB ensures that all necessary information is collected for effective technical support and diagnosis. While this article focuses on 2021-2026 models, the TSB itself applies to all Audi vehicles from 2009 to 2025.

This bulletin focuses on the detailed information required for submitting technical repair requests related to gearbox problems. It emphasizes a structured approach to diagnosis, ensuring that all relevant data is captured before further action is taken. A technical repair query can only be processed if all information is available, and this article is for submitting queries, not for workshop findings or billing purposes.

Symptoms of Audi Gearbox Complaints

Owners might notice various symptoms indicating potential Audi gearbox complaints. These can include unusual noises or changes in gearshift behavior. The TSB highlights specific examples:

• Whistling Noise: A "whistling noise at speeds between 60 and 80 km/h (37 and 50 mph) in 3rd and 4th gear under light load." This noise is often most audible on the end cover of the gearbox.
• Scraping Noise (Manual Gearbox): A "scraping noise when changing 3-->4, but only in cold condition."
• One-off Jerk (Automatic Gearbox): An "One-off jerk during the automatic down shift 4-->3 in gear D when accelerating with kickdown at 70km/h (44 mph)."

Comprehensive Diagnostic Process for Technicians

To properly address Audi gearbox complaints, technicians are instructed to follow a detailed guideline for technical inquiries:

Event Memory and Guided Fault Finding

Technicians must first check for any event memory entries in the gearbox or other relevant control units, such as the engine, ESC, or data bus diagnostic interface. If such entries exist, they should work through the Guided Fault Finding process, especially if there is no reporting obligation for the specific issue.

Diagnostic Data Submission

It is mandatory to send the current diagnostic log online and ensure all gearbox measured values are made available online for review.

Transmission Fluid Inspection

Technicians must check the oil level and quality of the transmission fluid. If "swarf is visible," photos with a scale must be taken and attached to the Doc-IT system.

Leak Detection

Any leaks must be precisely located. This involves cleaning the area, applying leak detection spray, and then conducting a test drive. Relevant photos of any leaks must be taken and uploaded to Doc-IT.

Glycol Contamination Test

If glycol is suspected in the automatic transmission fluid, a glycol test can be carried out. Audi recommends using the "Glycol test from Hanna Instruments - article number HI 3859." It is crucial to use the specific instructions attached to this TSB for the test, not the instructions provided with the test kit itself.

Detailed Complaint Description

Technicians must describe the complaint and driving situation in detail. This includes specifics like load/accelerator pedal position, RPM, speed, gear (D/S/TIP/R), temperature-related conditions (cold/warm), peripheral conditions (incline, cornering), and the frequency of the issue (always/sporadic).

Noise Analysis

For precise noise analysis, technicians should use tools like the PICO-NVH tool. If noises are present, they must be located as precisely as possible, and a noise recording stating the recording location should be attached to the DISS system.

Affected Gearbox Types

This TSB's guidelines apply to a wide range of Audi gearbox types, identified by both manufacturer and workshop designations:

• VL300 / VL381: Workshop designation 01J / 0AW
• AL420 / AL600: Workshop designation 09L / 0AT / 09E
• AL651 / AL551 / AL552 / AL952: Workshop designation 0B6 / 0BK / 0D5 / 0D6
• DL501: Workshop designation 0B5
• DL382: Workshop designation OCK / OCL / OCJ
• DQ381: Workshop designation 0GC

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of specific advisories related to this Technical Service Bulletin:

• Warranty Coverage: This TSB is for informational purposes only and is explicitly stated as "not applicable to any Audi Warranty." This means any diagnostic or repair work performed based on these guidelines may not be covered under standard warranty terms.
• Glycol Test Accuracy: Internal tests have shown that using expired glycol test kits can lead to "incorrect measurements." In many cases, these tests might falsely indicate the presence of glycol even when there is none in the automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Therefore, technicians must strictly follow the instructions attached to the TSB for accurate results, not the instructions from the test kit.

NHTSA ID: 2074826/1