2019-2024 Audi Starter-Alternator Emissions Service Action 27BQ

Audi has launched Emissions Service Action 27BQ to address an issue with the starter-alternator in certain 2019-2024 Audi vehicles. This service action is crucial for maintaining proper vehicle function and ensuring compliance with emissions standards. Owners of affected vehicles will have the starter-alternator replaced at no cost by an authorized Audi dealer.

The Audi starter-alternator 27BQ service action aims to prevent potential issues with the vehicle's start/stop system, which, if inhibited by a defective component, could lead to increased CO2 and other emissions while the vehicle is stopped. While emissions are stated to remain within certification standards, this proactive measure ensures optimal performance and environmental responsibility.

Why This Matters

The starter-alternator is a key component in modern Audi vehicles, enabling the automatic start/stop feature that helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions. When this component is defective, it can inhibit the start/stop functionality, leading to minor increases in CO2 and other emissions during vehicle stops. This service action ensures that your Audi operates as designed, maintaining its efficiency and environmental performance.

Document History

This Emissions Service Action 27BQ has undergone several revisions since its original publication on April 30, 2024:

• Original Publication: April 30, 2024
• 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: Updated affected vehicle chart, owner notification letters, parts, and claiming instructions to reflect the addition of 2021 model year vehicles. Parts and claiming instructions were also updated.
• October 10, 2024: Updated affected vehicle chart and owner notification letters to reflect the addition of 2022 model year vehicles.
• October 24, 2024: Updated parts table in the parts section.
• November 15, 2024: Updated affected vehicle chart and owner notification letters to reflect the addition of the next wave of vehicles.
• December 6, 2024: Updated affected vehicle chart, owner notification letters, parts, and claiming sections to reflect the addition of the final wave of vehicles. Also, updated work instructions to specify that a battery charger must be connected before checking the starter/generator software version.
• December 17, 2024: Updated criteria in the parts section.

Important Warnings and Owner Information

Audi has provided several critical advisories for this Emissions Service Action 27BQ:

• Dealer Delivery: Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers.
• California Owners: The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require emissions-related campaigns to be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. Owners must provide a signed "Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU) to the DMV, but only if requested. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM to the DMV, unless requested.
• Lessor Responsibility: If you are the lessor and registered owner of a vehicle identified in this action, you must forward the notification letter to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt.
• Battery Charger Usage: During the repair process, a battery charger (such as VAS5908KIT) must be connected and set to a charging voltage of 14.8 Volts. Technicians are warned: DO NOT change any settings that will damage the charger or the vehicle. Also, If the ignition is left on with an insufficient charging voltage, damage to 48V battery may occur. After repairs, the battery charger must be restored to its original voltage value.
• Repair Responsibility: Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow the work instructions are the dealer's responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement under this action. Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered by this action.
• Temperature Considerations: 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.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for the Audi starter-alternator 27BQ involves several key steps performed by authorized Audi technicians:

1. Check for Previous Repair

Technicians must first 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, no further work is required. If the status is closed, no further work is needed. If multiple campaigns are open, the oldest one should be performed first.

2. Check Starter/Generator Software Version

This is a critical step. A battery charger (VAS5908KIT) must be connected to the vehicle and set to a charging voltage of 14.8 Volts. The charger's display must be off before restarting it, and it should be operated in charging mode. Access code 6161 may be necessary, or DIAG+ mode can be activated. The vehicle is then scanned using GFF (Guided Functions). Technicians must select DA 00CC and check the software level of the 00CC Starter Generator module. If the software level is less than 0562, the starter-alternator requires replacement. If the software level is 0562 or greater, replacement is not needed.

3. Starter-Alternator Replacement (if needed)

If the software check indicates a replacement is necessary, the technician will proceed with removing and reinstalling the integrated starter-alternator. This is a heavy component and must be supported during removal. The procedure follows the ELSA repair manual, specifically the section on "Electrical System > Electrical Equipment > 27 Battery, Starter, Generator, Cruise Control > Generator > Generator, Removing and Installing." The original studs will not be reused and will be replaced with new bolts.

4. Post-Replacement Diagnostics and Completion

After replacement, the technician performs the starter/generator replacement test plan via DA 00CC > Guided functions > Replace control module, following all on-screen prompts. Once the repair is complete, the technician stamps the repair order and affixes a Campaign Completion Label (part number CAMP 010 000) next to the vehicle emission control information label. For California vehicles, a "Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction" certificate is provided to the owner.

Warranty and Claiming Information

This service action is covered by Audi's warranty. The service number for this action is 27BQ, with a damage code of 0099 and parts vendor code of 002. Claims for sold vehicles use type 710, while unsold vehicles use type 790. The causal indicator should be marked as "Alternator (starter/generator) is OK" if no replacement is needed, or "Alternator (starter/generator) is NOT OK" if replacement occurs.

Labor operations and time units are specified as follows:

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

Vehicle wash/loaner services are not claimable under this action.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform the Emissions Service Action 27BQ, Audi technicians utilize specific tools and parts:

Required Tools

• Battery Charger: VAS5908KIT (Max. 105Amp)
• 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 Equipment: Safety Gloves and Safety Goggles

Required Parts (Specific part numbers vary by vehicle criteria)

• Alternator: 4N0-903-028-S, 4N1-903-028, 4N1-903-028-B
• Washer: N-900-970-01
• Bolt: N-910-718-01 (if necessary), N-910-968-01 (qty. 4, Hexagon Socket Oval Head Bolt (Combi))
• Gasket: 06M-121-488-A, 06M-133-237-A
• Seal Ring: 4M0-145-117, N-910-191-01, WHT-008-729-A, N-900-970-01
• Coolant: G12 EVO Coolant - Concentrate (G-12E-100-1G CON, G-12E-100-2G CON, G 12E100S1) or 50/50 Pre-mix (G-12E-050-1G-RTU, G-12E-050-2G-RTU, G 12E050S0). Approximately 3 liters of coolant are needed for the repair.
• Screw, Hex. HD.: N-910-718-01 (up to 2.00, if necessary)
• Campaign Completion Label: CAMP 010 000

Owner Action

If you own a 2019-2024 Audi model 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 an appointment. The repair will be performed free of charge. The work is estimated to take about half a day, but your dealer may require additional time for preparation and scheduling.

To check your vehicle's eligibility for this or any other recall/service campaign, visit www.audiusa.com and use the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

If you are a California owner, remember to retain your "Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction" certificate for registration renewal purposes. If you have any questions or 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.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11012543