2019-2021 Audi Starter-Alternator Emissions Service Action 27BQ

Why This Emissions Service Action Matters

Audi has initiated Emissions Service Action 27BQ to address a potential issue with the starter-alternator in certain 2019-2021 Audi vehicles. A malfunctioning starter-alternator can prevent the engine's start/stop system from operating correctly. This can lead to increased CO2 and other emissions while the vehicle is stopped, even though overall emissions still remain within certification standards.

This service action ensures that affected vehicles continue to meet and exceed environmental expectations, maintaining optimal performance and compliance. The repair is performed at no cost to the owner, highlighting Audi's commitment to vehicle quality and environmental responsibility.

Document History and Revisions

Emissions Service Action 27BQ was originally published on April 30, 2024. It has undergone several revisions:

• May 3, 2024: Updated claiming instructions.
• June 11, 2024: Updated coolant claiming quantity.
• June 26, 2024: Updated parts sections, claiming, and work instructions.
• August 19, 2024: The most recent update added the 2021 model year to the affected vehicle chart and owner notification letters, and further updated parts and claiming instructions.

Symptoms of a Defective Starter-Alternator

The primary symptom of a defective starter-alternator, as identified in Emissions Service Action 27BQ, is an inhibition of the vehicle's start/stop functionality. Owners may notice that their 2019-2021 Audi vehicle, including the 2021 Audi Q8 starter alternator system, does not engage or disengage as expected when the vehicle comes to a stop or restarts. While this condition does not typically trigger a dashboard warning light, it indicates that the system is not operating efficiently.

This issue specifically impacts the seamless operation of the start/stop system, which is designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions during idling. If your 2019-2021 Audi Q8 starter alternator system is not functioning as intended, it's important to have it inspected.

Diagnosis of the Starter-Alternator Issue

Diagnosis for Emissions Service Action 27BQ involves checking the software version of the starter-alternator control module. Technicians will use a Guided Fault Finding (GFF) diagnostic tool to scan the vehicle's systems. The critical step is to access the DA 00CC (Starter generator) control module and verify its current software level. The starter-alternator shown in the document with a software level of 0523 would require replacement.

If the software level is found to be less than 0562, the starter-alternator is deemed defective and requires replacement. If the software version is 0562 or greater, the starter-alternator does not require replacement under this service action. This precise software check ensures that only truly affected components are replaced.

Important Warnings and What Owners Should Know

• VIN Qualification: Always check the Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa on the day of repair to verify that a VIN qualifies for repair under this action. Elsa is the only valid campaign inquiry and verification source, and the campaign status must show "open."
• Inventory Vehicles: Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed "before delivery to consumers."
• California Owners: For California residents, this campaign must be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. Owners must be provided with a signed "Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU) after the work is done. "DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM to the DMV, unless requested." Owners should retain this certificate for their records.
• Wash/Loaner Policy: "Do not claim wash/loaner under this action."
• Improper Repair: "Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer's responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement under this action."
• Pre-existing Conditions: "Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action."
• Temperature Acclimation: "When working during extreme temperatures, it is recommended that the vehicle be allowed to acclimate inside the shop to avoid temperature-related component damage/breakage."
• Campaign Order: "All campaigns/actions with a repair available must be performed in order of the Start date. The oldest should be performed first (unless otherwise noted in the repair instructions)."
• Completion Label: When installing the Campaign Completion Label (part number CAMP 010 000), "Ensure Campaign Completion Label does not cover any existing label(s)."

Repair Procedure Summary

For vehicles identified with a starter-alternator software version below 0562, the repair procedure involves replacing the starter-alternator unit. This is a comprehensive process that requires specialized tools and careful attention to detail due to the component's weight and integration into the engine system. The general steps are as follows:

1. Pre-Repair Check: Technicians must first check Elsa for any existing Campaign Completion labels. If present, no further work is required. Otherwise, the VIN is entered into Elsa to confirm the campaign status is "open" and to identify the Applicable Criteria ID for the specific vehicle.
2. Software Version Check: The vehicle is scanned using a GFF diagnostic tool. The DA 00CC (Starter generator) control module is selected, and its software level is checked. If the software level is less than 0562, the starter-alternator requires replacement.
3. Starter-Alternator Replacement: The existing starter-alternator is carefully removed. A "CAUTION: Heavy component! Support the starter/generator <15> as needed during removal" is noted. The replacement is performed according to the ELSA repair manual, specifically under "Electrical System > Electrical Equipment > 27 Battery, Starter, Generator, Cruise Control > Generator > Generator, Removing and Installing." Any original studs are not reused; instead, "The studs <18> will not be reused and will be replaced with bolts."
4. Coolant Management: The repair involves managing the vehicle's coolant. Approximately 3 liters of G12 EVO Coolant (concentrate or pre-mix, depending on the region) are typically needed for the refill.
5. System Re-initialization: After installation, the technician performs the starter/generator replacement test plan via GFF, navigating to DA 00CC > Guided functions > Replace control module, and following all on-screen prompts. This includes setup and battery charging (Labor Op 0150 00 10).
6. Campaign Completion: Upon successful completion, the technician stamps the repair order and installs a Campaign Completion Label (part number CAMP 010 000) next to the vehicle's emission control information label.

Required Tools and Parts

Performing this service action requires specific tools and parts to ensure a correct and safe repair:

Required Tools:

• Battery Tester/Charger (capable of minimum 90 Amp continuous supply)
• Diagnostic Tester (-VAS6150X/6160X- or equivalent)
• Cooling System Tester - Adapter (-VAG1274/8- and -VAG1274/10-)
• Cooling System Charge Kit (-VAS6096- or equivalent)
• Hose Clip Pliers (-VAS6362- and -VAS6340- or equivalent)
• Belt Tensioner Locking Tool (-T40098- or equivalent)
• Socket - SW5 12 Points (-VAS262023- or equivalent)
• Torx Socket – T60 (-T40087- or equivalent)
• Safety Gloves and Safety Goggles

Key Parts (specific part numbers vary by vehicle criteria):

• Alternator: 4N0-903-028-S (for SC or 24), 4N1-903-028 (for C8, A8, 4M, S8, 21, 22, 23 or 25), 4N1-903-028-B (for RQ, RS, 26 or 27)
• Coolant: G12 EVO Coolant - Concentrate (G-12E-100-1G CON for US, G-12E-100-2G CON for CAN) or G12 EVO Coolant - 50/50 Pre-mix (G-12E-050-1G-RTU for US, G-12E-050-2G-RTU for CAN). Approximately 3 liters are needed.
• Gaskets & Seal Rings: Various part numbers including 06M-121-488-A, 06M-133-237-A, 4M0-145-117, N-910-191-01, WHT-008-729-A, N-900-970-01.
• Bolts: N-910-718-01, N-910-968-01, N-910-968-01 (Hexagon Socket Oval Head Bolt).

Claiming and Warranty Information

For dealers, the claim entry instructions for Emissions Service Action 27BQ are as follows:

• Service Number: 27BQ
• Damage Code: 0099
• Parts Vendor Code: 002
• Claim Type: Sold vehicle: 7 10; Unsold vehicle: 7 90
• Causal Indicator: Mark labor as causal if Alternator (starter/generator) is OK. Mark Alternator* as causal if Alternator (starter/generator) is NOT OK.
• Labor Operations:
  • 0150 00 10: GFF/Guided functions (setup + battery charger)
  • 0150 00 60: GFF/Guided functions (Time stated on diagnostic protocol)
  • 2726 19 43: Integr. starter-alternator remove+reinstall (if replacement needed)
  • 2706 89 50: Battery charge (if replacement needed)

Coolant invoicing parameters require US Dealers to consult the Audi Warranty Online > Resource Center > Oil Capacity Chart, and Canadian Dealers to search CAWP 21-03 in the Warranty Policies & Procedures Manual.

Owner Action

If you own a 2019-2021 Audi A6, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS6, RS7, RSQ8, S6, S7, or S8, and suspect an issue with your 2021 Audi Q8 starter alternator or start/stop system, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. The repair will be performed free of charge. You can also visit www.audiusa.com (or www.audi.ca for Canada) and use the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to check your vehicle's eligibility.

NHTSA ID: 10258162