2021-2026 Audi Noise and Vibration Diagnosis TSB

Symptoms

Owners of 2021-2026 Audi vehicles may experience various noise or vibration complaints. These can include a range of sounds and sensations that are often difficult for technicians to pinpoint without specialized equipment. Common owner complaints addressed by this bulletin include:

• "noises, vibrations -> buzzing"
• "noises, vibrations -> wind noise"
• "noises, vibrations -> crunching/groaning/crackling"
• "noises, vibrations -> thumping"
• "noises, vibrations -> shattering"
• "noises, vibrations -> shaking"
• General "noise" or "vibration" issues

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2070568/5 includes critical safety warnings for technicians performing diagnostic work, especially during test drives with measurement equipment. Owners should be aware of these precautions:

• "Using application programs when driving can be distracting. If the driver is distracted, this can lead to accidents and injuries."
• "Observe the road traffic regulations in your country. They have priority over any driving instructions."
• "Always perform a road test with a second person who operates the test equipment."
• "Make sure that test equipment in the vehicle does not distract the driver."
• "Danger due to the transport of unsecured test equipment. If test equipment is transported unsecured or in the range of airbags, this could cause injuries in certain maneuvers or in the event of an accident."
• "Make sure that the test equipment is secured properly."
• "Do not transport test equipment in areas in which airbags inflate."
• "If possible, use test equipment on the rear seat bench. If there is no rear seat bench, the test equipment must only be readable by the passenger and must be secured so that it can only be operated by the passenger. Move the passenger seat as far back as possible."
• "Danger from the transportation of unsecured testing and measuring devices. If testing and measuring devices are transported in an unsecured manner or get close to the airbags, it may lead to injuries in the event of an accident or certain driving maneuvers."

Technical Background

TSB 2070568/5 provides comprehensive information and techniques for analyzing vehicle noises and vibrations. It focuses on the detailed measurement instructions and proper use of the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool, which is designed to help technicians accurately diagnose the root cause of an Audi noise vibration diagnosis.

Diagnostic Procedure Summary

To effectively diagnose noise and vibration complaints, technicians utilize the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool. This process involves using acceleration sensors and microphones to detect noise sources. Key information such as engine speed and vehicle speed is recorded via the VAS 6154 OBD adapter for subsequent analysis.

For Audi e-tron vehicles, it is crucial to have the newest PICO software version installed. When connecting the VAS 6154 on-board diagnosis adapter, the "EV" setting must be selected within the PICO software to ensure accurate vehicle speed signal recording. If connection issues arise with electric vehicles, technicians are advised to check their measurement sequence on another vehicle or ensure all other diagnostic programs like ODIS are closed.

Detailed guidelines and measurement position documents are attached to the TSB, covering various Audi models including the e-tron GT, Q8 e-tron, A5 (FU), Q5 (GU), Q6 e-tron, and A6 e-tron. These attachments provide specific instructions for standard powertrain measurements and acoustic analysis. Software and support information, including the password Quattr#8 for vas.picoauto.com, is also provided.

Required Tools and Software

Technicians need specific tools and software to perform the diagnostic procedures outlined in TSB 2070568/5:

• VAS 6154: An OBD adapter for data acquisition.
• VAS 611 015: The PICO-NVH tool itself.
• VAS 6160/VAS 6150: A VAS tester running the current version of ODIS (Windows 10).
• PICO software: The latest version is required, especially for e-tron vehicles.
• PassThru driver: An additional driver must be installed for the VAS 6154 OBD adapter.

Required software and installation guides can be found via Audi's ELSA2Go system, under Infomedia >> Software/Hardware Updates.

Warranty Information

For vehicles outside of warranty, TSB 2070568/5 serves as informational guidance only. For in-warranty repairs, all claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Technicians are instructed to use specific service and damage codes for causal parts. Labor operations for this diagnostic process include:

• Set-up time of noise analysis tool: 50 Time Units (TU).
• Measurement drive: Billed according to time required.
• Analysis: Billed according to time required.
• Repositioning noise analysis tool (if necessary): 25 TU.

All work performed must be thoroughly documented, including photos of sensor positions, vehicle identification numbers, mileage before and after test drives, and screenshots of measurement reports.

Source: NHTSA ID 11022664