2023 Audi e-tron GT Air Spring Strut Warning TSB 42N2

Owners of 2023 Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT vehicles may encounter an Audi e-tron GT air spring strut warning due to a specific manufacturing issue. This problem is addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 42N2, issued on January 30, 2024. This proactive update aims to prevent potential issues with the vehicle's front air suspension system.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of this issue is the illumination of a warning message in the instrument cluster. This message indicates a problem with the air suspension system. The underlying cause is a slow loss of air from the front air spring struts, which can lead to "a warning message will be displayed in the instrument cluster."

Technical Background

Audi has identified that specific 2023 Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT vehicles were manufactured with front air spring struts that, due to a production deviation, were not correctly attached to the support bearing housing. As a result, it cannot be ruled out that the air strut slowly loses air. This condition can trigger the Audi e-tron GT air spring strut warning in the instrument cluster.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

• Instrument Cluster Warning: If you observe "a warning message will be displayed in the instrument cluster" related to your air suspension, it is crucial to have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Audi dealer.
• Eligibility Verification: The Elsa system is the only valid and binding source for verifying vehicle eligibility for this update. The status for the 42N2 code must show "open" on the day of repair.
• Warranty: The repair must be performed while the vehicle is within its New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• Prior Work: If this update appears to have been performed but the code still shows "open" in Elsa, technicians must contact Warranty before proceeding. This prevents duplicate work if another dealer has not yet entered a claim.
• Additional Actions: Elsa may show other open actions; these can be performed concurrently with this update. "All Safety Recalls must be completed prior to completing this campaign."
• Dealer Inventory: This procedure also applies to applicable vehicles in dealer inventory prior to sale.
• Wash/Loaner Policy: "Do not claim wash/loaner under this action."

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair outlined in TSB 42N2 involves replacing both the driver and passenger front air spring strut assemblies. Technicians must follow detailed instructions from the ELSA repair manual. The process begins with discharging the front air spring struts as per the ELSA repair manual section: "Chassis > Suspension, Wheels, Steering > 40 Front Suspension > Suspension Strut and Upper Control Arm > Front Air Spring Damper – Emptying and Checking for Damage."

Subsequently, the driver and passenger front air spring strut assemblies are replaced. It is important to note that only the fresh air intake cover (labeled '1' in the repair manual diagram A87-13166) requires removal, not the complete fresh air intake assembly. The replacement procedure is detailed in the ELSA repair manual section: "Chassis > Suspension, Wheels, Steering > 40 Front Suspension > Suspension Strut and Upper Control Arm > Suspension Strut, Removing and Installing."

Warranty Information

This update is covered under warranty for eligible vehicles. Dealers must enter claims as soon as possible after completion. The service number for this action is 42N2, with a Damage Code of 0099 and Parts Vendor Code 002. The Causal Indicator is marked as DAMPER*.

Claim types are 710 for sold vehicles and 790 for unsold vehicles. Key labor operations include:

Labor Op	Time Units	Description
4050 20 50	SEE ELSA	Wheel bearing housings remove+reinstall
4085 20 60	SEE ELSA	Suspension struts remove+reinstall
4085 56 60	SEE ELSA	Suspension struts replace
4085 05 99	10 TU	Discharge front air spring struts
4405 20 52	SEE ELSA	Wheels remove+reinstall
4495 03 50	SEE ELSA	Vehicle front + rear measure
2706 89 50	SEE ELSA	Connect battery charger
0150 00 00	Time stated on diagnostic protocol	GFF/Guided Functions

Additional labor operations for wheel alignment and driver assist system calibrations (e.g., Radar sensor adjust, Camera Driver Assist Sys adjust, Lane-change assist ECM adjust) may be required and should be added as needed.

Required Parts

The following parts are required for this repair, with ordering managed by Free Order:

• 1x DAMPER (left): 9J1616037E
• 1x DAMPER (right): 9J1616038E
• 2x RING: 298407475A
• 6x HEX. NUT: N 10261311
• 2x SHOULDERED HEX. NUT, SELF-LOCKING: N 10272302
• 2x SHOULDERED HEX. NUT, SELF-LOCKING: N 10286110
• 2x SCREW: N 10854401
• 2x SHOULDERED HEX. NUT, SELF-LOCKING: N 90966402
• 2x SOCKET HD. SCREW WITH POLYGON SOCKET: N 91108501
• 4x BOLT, WITH HEX. SOCKET HD (e-Tron GT): WHT004571 (or SCREW (RS e-TRON GT): WHT004572)
• 2x HEXAGON FLANGE NUT, SELF-LOCKING: WHT004995
• 2x 12 POINT SOCKET SHOULDERED NUT SELF-LOCK: WHT005633
• 2x NUT: WHT007021

Required Special Tools

Specialized tools are necessary to perform this repair correctly:

• Omega Clip Tool: -T40280- (or equivalent)
• Puller - Windshield Wiper: -T40394-
• Scraper Set: -VAS6845- (or equivalent)
• Removal Wedge: -T40233- (or equivalent)
• Tensioning Strap: -T10038- (or equivalent)
• Engine and Gearbox Jack: -VAS6931- (or equivalent)
• Support Device: -VAS6931/1- (or equivalent)
• Air Suspension Strut Charger: -VAS6231-
• Puller - Ball Joint: -T10187-
• Air Spring Strut Adapter: -T10157-
• S-Hooks (2 Pcs): -VAS281007- (or equivalent)
• Ball Joint Splitter: -VAS251805- (or equivalent)
• Puller Set: -VAS6926- (or equivalent)
• Safety Gloves and Safety Goggles

Owner Action

If you own a 2023 Audi e-tron GT or RS e-tron GT and experience an Audi e-tron GT air spring strut warning or any related air suspension issues, contact an authorized Audi dealer. Provide them with the TSB number 42N2 for reference. The repair will be performed under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty if your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria. Dealers are instructed to inform customers in writing of all work performed.

NHTSA ID: 10249583