2019-2022 Audi Luxury Models Starter-Alternator Emissions Service Action 27BQ

Why This Matters: Emissions and Start/Stop Functionality

Audi has launched Emissions Service Action 27BQ to address a potential issue with the starter-alternator in various 2019-2022 Audi models. A defective starter-alternator can prevent the vehicle's start/stop system from functioning correctly. While emissions will remain within certification standards, this issue could lead to increased CO2 and other emissions when the vehicle is stopped.

This service action ensures that affected vehicles continue to meet and exceed environmental expectations, maintaining optimal performance and compliance with emissions regulations. The repair is provided at no cost to vehicle owners.

What's Being Addressed: Audi Service Action 27BQ

Under Emissions Service Action 27BQ, authorized Audi dealers will replace the starter-alternator in affected vehicles. This proactive measure is taken to correct the potential defect and restore full start/stop functionality. The work involved is expected to take approximately half a day to complete.

This service action applies to a range of 2019-2022 Audi models, including the A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, RS Q8, S6 Sedan, S7, and S8. The 2019 Audi Q8 starter-alternator communication details the scope and necessary repair steps for technicians.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of a defective starter-alternator, as outlined in this service action, is inhibited start/stop functionality. This means the vehicle's engine may not automatically shut off when stopped and restart when the brake pedal is released, as designed. Owners will typically notice that the start/stop system simply does not engage.

Diagnosis and Software Check

To determine if a starter-alternator requires replacement under Emissions Service Action 27BQ, technicians will perform a diagnostic scan using the Guided Fault Finding (GFF) system. This involves selecting the control module DA 00CC (Starter Generator) and checking its software version. If the software level is found to be less than 0562, the starter-alternator requires replacement. If the software level is equal to or greater than 0562, the starter/generator does not require replacement.

For example, a starter/generator with a software level of 0523 would require replacement, as it is less than 0562. This diagnostic step is crucial to ensure that only necessary replacements are performed.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for Emissions Service Action 27BQ involves checking the starter/generator software version and replacing the starter/generator if necessary. The process requires careful attention due to the component's weight.

Starter/Generator Replacement

If replacement is needed, technicians must follow the detailed instructions in the ELSA repair manual under the path: "Repair manual > Electrical System > Electrical Equipment > 27 Battery, Starter, Generator, Cruise Control > Generator > Generator, Removing and Installing." During removal, the starter/generator (labeled as <15> in diagrams) must be adequately supported as it is a heavy component.

After physical replacement, the technician will perform the starter/generator replacement test plan using the diagnostic system. This involves navigating to DA 00CC > Guided functions > Replace control module and following all on-screen prompts. This ensures the new component is correctly integrated and calibrated with the vehicle's systems.

Required Tools and Parts

Performing the Emissions Service Action 27BQ requires specific tools and parts to ensure a correct and safe repair. Approximately 3 liters of coolant will be needed for the repair.

Special Tools

• Battery Tester/Charger: Capable of minimum 90 Amp continuous supply (e.g., VAS 5908).
• Diagnostic Tester: VAS6150X/6160X (or equivalent).
• Cooling System Tester - Adapter: VAG1274/8 and VAG1274/10.
• Cooling System Charge Kit: VAS6096.
• Hose Clip Pliers: VAS6362 and VAS6340.
• Belt Tensioner Locking Tool: T40098.
• Socket - SW5 12 Points: VAS262023.
• Torx Socket – T60: T40087.
• Safety Gloves and Safety Goggles.

Replacement Parts

• Alternator (Starter/Generator):
  • 4N0-903-028-S (for SC, 24, 34, 44 criteria)
  • 4N1-903-028 (for C8, A8, 4M, S8, 21, 22, 23, 25, 31, 32, 33, 35, 41, 42, 43, 45 criteria)
  • 4N1-903-028-B (for RQ, RS, 26, 27, 36, 37, 46, 47 criteria)
• Gasket:
  • 06M-121-488-A (qty. 1)
  • 06M-133-237-A (qty. 1)
  • 4M0-145-117 (qty. 1)
• Seal Ring:
  • N-910-191-01 (qty. 1)
  • WHT-008-729-A (qty. 1)
  • N-900-970-01 (qty. 1)
• Bolt:
  • N-910-968-01 (qty. 4, for belt tensioner bracket)
  • N-910-718-01 (qty. 2, if original stud is damaged during removal)
• Coolant:
  • G12 EVO Coolant - Concentrate (US Dealers): G-12E-100-1G CON
  • G12 EVO Coolant - Concentrate (Canadian Dealers): G-12E-100-2G CON
  • G12 EVO Coolant - 50/50 Pre-mix (US Dealers): G-12E-050-1G-RTU
  • G12 EVO Coolant - 50/50 Pre-mix (Canadian Dealers): G-12E-050-2G-RTU

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

• Vehicle Delivery: Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers.
• California DMV: For California owners, the "Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU) should be retained for records and mailed to the California DMV only upon request.
• Parts Ordering: Campaign parts should always be ordered as per the parts information in this circular. The ordering system will supersede the part, if applicable.
• Repair Responsibility: 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.
• Procedure Review: This procedure must be read in its entirety prior to performing the repair.
• 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 or breakage.
• Studs vs. Bolts: The original studs (labeled <18> in diagrams) will not be reused and will be replaced with new bolts during the repair.

Claiming Instructions for Dealers

Audi has provided specific instructions for dealers to claim reimbursement for the Emissions Service Action 27BQ. The service number for this action is 27BQ, with a damage code of 0099 and parts vendor code 002.

Claim types vary based on the vehicle's status: 710 for sold vehicles and 790 for unsold vehicles. The causal indicator should be marked as "Alternator (starter/generator) is OK" if the component is found to be functional after initial checks, or "Alternator*" if it is found to be faulty and requires replacement. Dealers should "Do not claim wash/loaner under this action."

Labor operations and time units are detailed in ELSA. For GFF/Guided functions (setup + battery charger), labor op 0150 00 10 is used. For time stated on diagnostic protocol, labor op 0150 00 60 applies. If the starter/generator requires replacement, additional labor operations such as 2726 19 43 (Integr. starter-alternator remove+reinstall) and 2706 89 50 (Battery charge) are used, with time units specified in ELSA.

Document History

This Emissions Service Action 27BQ has undergone several revisions to ensure accuracy and completeness:

• April 30, 2024: Original publication.
• May 03, 2024: Updated claiming instructions.
• June 11, 2024: Updated coolant claiming quantity.
• June 26, 2024: Updated parts sections, claiming, and work instructions.
• August 19, 2024: Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2021 model year; parts and claiming instructions updated.
• October 10, 2024: Updated affected vehicle chart & owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2022 model year.

Owner Action

If you own a 2019-2022 Audi A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, RS 6 Avant, RS 7, RS Q8, S6 Sedan, S7, or S8, and believe your vehicle may be affected by Emissions Service Action 27BQ, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule service. The repair is performed free of charge and typically takes about half a day. You can find a dealer and schedule service via www.audiusa.com (for US owners) or www.audi.ca (for Canadian owners).

For California owners, completing this campaign is required before vehicle registration renewal. Your dealer will provide a signed "Vehicle Emission Recall Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU) upon completion, which you should retain for your records. Do not mail this certificate to the California DMV unless specifically requested.

If you are a lessor and registered owner, you are required to forward the service action letter to the lessee within ten days of receipt. If you have any questions or concerns, or if your dealer is unable to complete the work free of charge within a reasonable time, you can contact Audi Customer Experience at 1-800-253-2834 (US) or 1-800-822-2834 (Canada).

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11009984