2022-2026 Audi Remanufactured Parts CARB Label Guide

Understanding the Audi Remanufactured Parts CARB Label Guide

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2077320/1, released on March 20, 2025, serves as a crucial guide for the proper installation of California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order Labels on Audi Genuine Remanufactured Parts. This TSB is essential for ensuring compliance with stringent emissions regulations, particularly when powertrain and/or emissions system components are replaced with remanufactured alternatives. The proper placement of the Audi remanufactured parts CARB label is vital for easy visibility and regulatory adherence.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) sets strict emissions standards for vehicles sold in California and other states that adopt these regulations. To ensure that remanufactured parts meet these standards, they often require a specific CARB Executive Order (EO) label. This label signifies that the part has been certified to comply with applicable emissions requirements, even after being rebuilt or refurbished. For vehicle owners, this means that any remanufactured component affecting emissions must carry this label to maintain the vehicle's legal compliance and environmental performance.

What This TSB Addresses

This TSB specifically addresses the "Condition" where select Audi Genuine Remanufactured Parts, particularly those related to powertrain and/or emissions systems, necessitate the installation of a CARB Executive Order Label. The bulletin emphasizes that if an Audi Genuine Remanufactured Part includes a CARB OE label, it must be installed on the radiator core support. This location is chosen to help ensure the label is easily visible for inspection purposes by regulatory bodies or during routine service. The visibility of the Audi remanufactured parts CARB label is not merely a suggestion but a critical requirement for compliance.

The document clarifies that there is no specific "Technical Background" or "Production Solution" detailed within the TSB itself, indicating that this is a procedural guide rather than a fix for a manufacturing defect. Instead, it focuses entirely on the service process for installing these labels correctly. This highlights the importance of adherence to proper service procedures, especially when dealing with components that impact vehicle emissions and regulatory compliance.

Importance of CARB Executive Order Labels

CARB Executive Order Labels are more than just stickers; they are official certifications that a part meets specific environmental standards. When a vehicle's original emissions-related component is replaced with a remanufactured one, the new part must demonstrate the same level of emissions control. The CARB EO label is the evidence of this certification. Without it, a vehicle might fail an emissions inspection, or its legality could be questioned in states with strict emissions laws.

The requirement to place the label on the radiator core support ensures that it is readily accessible and visible. This strategic placement simplifies the inspection process for technicians and regulatory officials, allowing them to quickly verify the compliance of installed remanufactured parts. For owners, understanding the significance of the Audi remanufactured parts CARB label means appreciating the role it plays in their vehicle's environmental responsibility and legal standing.

Accessing Repair and Installation Information

This TSB acts as a directive, guiding Audi dealers, independent repair facilities, and vehicle owners to the detailed installation instructions. The actual step-by-step procedures for placing the CARB Executive Order Labels are not contained within this TSB document but are referenced in external Audi service information systems.

For Audi Dealers

Audi dealers are directed to access repair instructions through ELSA 2 GO. ELSA 2 GO is Audi's comprehensive electronic service information system, providing technicians with up-to-date repair manuals, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, and technical service bulletins. Dealers must consult this system, along with any attached guidance, to ensure the correct installation of the included CARB executive order label during a repair involving remanufactured parts. This ensures that all official procedures are followed precisely.

For Independent Repair Facilities and Vehicle Owners

Independent repair facilities and vehicle owners can find the necessary installation instructions on erWin (Electronic Repair and Workshop Information). erWin is Audi's online portal that provides access to official service and repair information, similar to what dealers use, but available to the public on a subscription basis. This platform is crucial for anyone performing service outside of an authorized Audi dealership. The TSB explicitly states that installation instructions are located at https://audi-us.erwin-store.com.

To facilitate access, the TSB includes a QR code (Figure 1 in the original document) that links directly to the erWin portal. This makes it convenient for technicians and owners to quickly navigate to the required information. Accessing erWin typically involves purchasing a subscription, which can range from a single day to multiple years, depending on the user's needs. This ensures that even non-dealership personnel have access to the same official, detailed guidance for proper label placement and other repair procedures. The importance of consulting these official sources cannot be overstated for the correct handling of the Audi remanufactured parts CARB label.

Important Considerations

Warranty Information

The TSB clearly states that "This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty." This is a critical piece of information for both repair facilities and vehicle owners. It means that the procedure outlined in the TSB, which is the placement of the CARB EO label, is not a warranty-covered repair item in itself. While the remanufactured part might be covered by its own warranty, the act of applying the label is considered a standard part of the service process rather than a defect or a separate warranty claim. Owners should be aware that the cost associated with ensuring proper label placement, if not part of a larger warranty-covered repair, might not be covered under their vehicle's warranty.

Additional Information for Technicians

The TSB advises that "All part and service references provided in this TSB (2077320) are subject to change and/or removal." This emphasizes the dynamic nature of technical documentation and the need for technicians to always verify the latest information. Repair facilities are instructed to "Always check with your Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins." ETKA is Audi's electronic parts catalog, which provides comprehensive information on parts, including part numbers, diagrams, and any associated bulletins or updates. This ensures that the correct remanufactured part is ordered and that any specific installation requirements or updates are known.

Furthermore, the TSB reminds technicians to "check the Repair Manual for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during the repair." This highlights best practices in vehicle repair, where certain fasteners are designed for single use and must be replaced to ensure safety and structural integrity. Adhering to these guidelines is crucial for the overall quality and safety of any repair involving remanufactured components and the correct application of the Audi remanufactured parts CARB label.

What This Means for Audi Owners

For Audi owners, this TSB underscores the importance of using Audi Genuine Remanufactured Parts when replacements are needed for powertrain or emissions systems. It also highlights the need for any repair facility—whether an authorized dealer or an independent shop—to follow official Audi procedures for installing these parts, including the correct placement of the CARB Executive Order Label. If you have had a remanufactured emissions-related part installed, it is prudent to ensure that the appropriate CARB label is present and correctly affixed to the radiator core support. This ensures your vehicle remains compliant with environmental regulations and can pass any required emissions inspections.

Understanding the content of TSB 2077320/1 helps owners ensure that their vehicle's service history reflects compliance with environmental standards. While this TSB is informational, its implications for maintaining vehicle legality and environmental performance are significant. Always consult with a qualified Audi service technician or refer to the official erWin system for detailed information regarding any service involving remanufactured parts.

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NHTSA ID: 11016561