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

Why This Matters

Audi has identified that a defective starter-alternator in certain 2019-2022 models, including the Audi Q8, can prevent the vehicle's start/stop system from functioning correctly. While emissions remain within certification standards, this issue can lead to increased CO2 and other emissions when the vehicle is stopped. This service action ensures your vehicle operates as intended and meets environmental compliance.

What's Being Addressed

Emissions Service Action 27BQ involves the inspection and potential replacement of the starter-alternator. This component is crucial for the vehicle's start/stop system, which helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions by shutting off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and restarting it quickly when the driver intends to move. The repair will be performed at no cost to vehicle owners.

Document History

This service action has undergone several revisions to expand its scope and update instructions:

• October 24, 2024: Updated parts table in the parts section.
• October 10, 2024: Updated affected vehicle chart and owner notification letters to include the 2022 model year.
• August 19, 2024: Updated affected vehicle chart and owner notification letters to include the 2021 model year. Parts and claiming instructions were also updated.
• June 26, 2024: Updated parts sections, claiming, and work instructions.
• June 11, 2024: Updated coolant claiming quantity.
• May 3, 2024: Updated claiming instructions.
• April 30, 2024: Original publication of the service action.

Important Warnings and What Owners Should Know

Audi has issued several critical advisories regarding Emissions Service Action 27BQ:

• Dealer Delivery Embargo: "Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers." This means new vehicles in dealer inventory that are affected by this action cannot be sold until the repair is performed.
• California Registration Requirements: For California owners, regulations require that this campaign be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. Owners must provide proof of completion to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using a signed "Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU). It is important to note: "DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM to the DMV, unless requested." Owners should retain this certificate for their records. The certificate can be ordered online via the Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.accessaudi.com.
• No Wash/Loaner Claim: Dealers are instructed: "Do not claim wash/loaner under this action."
• Repair Order of Operations: It is a "CRITICAL REPAIR STEP" that "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)."
• Pre-existing Conditions: "Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered 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."

Claim Entry Instructions

Dealers must follow specific procedures for claiming work performed under Emissions Service Action 27BQ. The Service Number for this action is 27BQ, with a Damage Code of 0099 and Parts Vendor Code of 002. Claim types are 710 for sold vehicles and 790 for unsold vehicles. The Causal Indicator should be marked as causal if the Alternator (starter/generator) is OK, or "Alternator*" if the Alternator (starter/generator) is NOT OK.

Labor operations and their descriptions include:

• 0150 00 10: GFF/Guided functions (setup + battery charger)
• 0150 00 60: GFF/Guided functions (Time stated on diagnostic protocol, includes SW version check)
• 2726 19 43: Integr. starter-alternator remove+reinstall
• 2726 19 45: Integr. starter-alternator remove+reinstall
• 2726 55 73: Integr. starter-alternator replace
• 2706 89 50: Battery charge

Technicians are instructed to attach an Elsa screen print showing action "open on the day of repair" to the repair order. If a customer declines the campaign work, dealers should refer to the "Customer Declines Campaign/Update Repair" section in the Campaign/Update Policy and Procedures Manual.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for Emissions Service Action 27BQ involves a multi-step process performed by an authorized Audi dealer. The procedure begins with checking for any previous repairs related to this campaign. Technicians will enter the vehicle's VIN into the diagnostic system to confirm the campaign status. If a campaign completion label is already present, no further work is required.

Section A – Check for Previous Repair

Before any work begins, technicians must verify if the campaign has already been completed. This involves entering the VIN into the Elsa system and navigating to the "Campaign/Action" screen. If a Campaign Completion label is present on the vehicle, no further work is needed. If the "Campaign/Action" status is "open," the technician notes the "Applicable Criteria ID" to determine the correct work and parts. It is crucial to perform all available campaigns and service actions in the order of their start date, addressing the oldest first, unless specified otherwise.

Section B – Check Starter/Generator Software Version

Next, the technician scans the vehicle using the Guided Functions (GFF) diagnostic tool. They select "DA 00CC" and check the starter/generator software level. The key threshold is software level 0562.

• If the software level is less than 0562 (for example, a software level of 0523 would require replacement), the starter-alternator will be replaced, and the technician proceeds to Section C.
• If the software level is equal to or greater than 0562, replacement is not necessary, and the technician proceeds to Section D.

Section C – Replace Starter/Generator

If replacement is required, the technician follows detailed instructions from the ELSA repair manual. The starter-alternator (component <15> in the diagram A27-10886) is a heavy component and must be properly supported during removal. The specific ELSA manual path is "Repair manual > Electrical System > Electrical Equipment > 27 Battery, Starter, Generator, Cruise Control > Generator > Generator, Removing and Installing."

During replacement, the studs <18> will not be reused and will be replaced with new bolts. After installation, guided functions are performed, including setup and battery charging. The repair also involves replacing associated gaskets, seal rings, and bolts, and replenishing approximately 3 liters of coolant.

Section D – Campaign Completion Stamp

Once the campaign is completed, the technician stamps the repair order to certify that the campaign has been performed in strict accordance with Audi's repair procedures. Stamps are available for ordering through the Compliance Label Ordering Portal.

Section E – Campaign Completion Label

A Campaign Completion Label, part number CAMP 010 000, must be filled out and affixed next to the vehicle's emission control information label. Technicians are advised to ensure this new label does not cover any existing labels.

Section F – Parts Return/Disposal

Removed parts must be properly stored, destroyed, or disposed of according to all state/province and local requirements. This process follows guidelines from the Warranty Parts Portal (WPP) for the U.S. and the Part Destruction and Core Disposition Report for Canada.

Section G – California Only Requirements

For vehicles in California, specific requirements apply due to regulations from the California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The campaign must be completed before vehicle registration renewal. Upon completion, owners receive a signed "Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMIS_CAL VW). Owners should retain this certificate for their records and only mail it to the California DMV if requested.

Required Tools and Parts

Performing the Emissions Service Action 27BQ requires specific tools and parts to ensure a correct and safe repair:

Special Tools:

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

Key Replacement Parts (depending on vehicle criteria):

Criteria	Quantity	Part Number	Part Description
SC, 24, 34, 44	1	4N0-903-028-S	Alternator
C8, A8, 4M, S8, 21, 22, 23, 25, 31, 32, 33, 35, 41, 42, 43, 45	1	4N1-903-028	Alternator
RQ, RS, 26, 27, 36, 37, 46, 47	1	4N1-903-028-B	Alternator
ALL	1	N-900-970-01	WASHER
ALL	2	N-910-718-01	BOLT (if necessary)
C8, A8, 4M, SC, 21, 22, 23, 24, 31, 32, 33, 34, 41, 42, 43, 44	1	06M-121-488-A	GASKET
C8, 21, 31, 41	1	06M-133-237-A	GASKET
4M, 23, 33, 43	1	4M0-145-117	SEAL RING
RS, 26, 36, 46	1	N-910-191-01	SEAL RING
S8, RS, RQ, 25, 26, 27, 35, 36, 37, 45, 46, 47	4	N-910-968-01	BOLT
S8, RS, RQ, 25, 26, 27, 35, 36, 37, 45, 46, 47	1	WHT-008-729-A	SEAL RING

Coolant Information (approximately 3 liters needed for repair):

Type	Part Number	Description
Concentrate (US Dealers)	G-12E-100-1G CON	G12 EVO Coolant - Concentrate
Concentrate (Canadian Dealers)	G-12E-100-2G CON	G12 EVO Coolant - Concentrate
Pre-mix (US Dealers)	G-12E-050-1G-RTU	G12 EVO Coolant - 50/50 Pre-mix
Pre-mix (Canadian Dealers)	G-12E-050-2G-RTU	G12 EVO Coolant - 50/50 Pre-mix
Concentrate (USA ONLY)	G 12E100S1	COOLANT (concentrate)
Pre-mix (USA ONLY)	G 12E050S0	COOLANT (pre-mix)
Concentrate (CANADA ONLY)	G 12E100S1	COOLANT (concentrate)

Owner Action

If you own a 2019-2022 Audi model affected by Emissions Service Action 27BQ, including the Audi Q8 starter alternator emissions issue, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule the repair. The work will be performed free of charge and typically takes about half a day to complete. However, dealers may require additional time for preparation and to accommodate their workshop schedule.

To check your vehicle's eligibility for this or any other recall/service campaign, visit www.audiusa.com (for US owners) or www.audi.ca (for Canadian owners) and use the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). If you have any questions, you can contact Audi Customer Experience at 1-800-253-2834 (USA) or 1-800-822-2834 (Canada).

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Source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 11009985