2021-2023 Audi A3, S3, TT, TTS Oil Leak Near Transmission Cooler TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2067365/2, titled "34 Oil leak near the transmission cooler," to address concerns about oil leaks in certain 2021-2023 Audi A3, S3, TT, TTS, and TT RS models equipped with OGC Transmissions. This TSB, issued on November 15, 2022, supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 34 number 22-58, dated July 11, 2022, due to revised warranty information.

This bulletin provides a comprehensive guide for technicians to diagnose and repair an Audi A3 oil leak transmission cooler issue, ensuring proper resolution for affected vehicles.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may notice an oil leak under the front of the vehicle. Technicians have traced this oil leak to the area near the transmission oil cooler, specifically at the seam of the case.

Important Warnings

Audi has provided a critical warning regarding the diagnostic process:

• "Never use leak detection dyes in Audi transmissions."

This TSB also clarifies that if the oil leak cannot be traced to the gear oil cooler or separating joint, the bulletin does not apply, and further diagnosis for the oil leak should be performed without claiming this TSB.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing the Audi A3 oil leak transmission cooler involves several steps:

1. Initial Inspection: Thoroughly clean and dry the transmission and oil cooler area using appropriate workshop materials and compressed air.
2. Leak Detection: Apply oil leak detection spray, such as part number G 001 900 A1 or an equivalent powder-based detector, to the affected gearbox housing area.
3. Road Test: Perform a short road test to warm the gearbox, ensuring the engine oil temperature reaches at least 80°C. This helps to make any leaks more apparent.
4. Leak Assessment: Re-assess the area for leaks. If a leak is clearly traced to the gear oil cooler at the separating joint, technicians must document their findings with clear photos for warranty records.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the Audi A3 oil leak transmission cooler depends on the diagnostic findings, specifically whether an oil film is present on the housing bolt or in its hole. The TSB outlines two repair options:

Repair Option 1: Bolt Replacement

This option is applicable if an oil film is found in the bolt hole or on the bolt for the housing:

1. Battery Removal (A3 models only): For Audi A3 vehicles, the 12-volt battery and battery tray must be removed according to the Workshop Manual. Audi TT models, which have the battery mounted in the trunk, do not require battery removal.
2. Bolt Removal: Remove the bolt for the housing. Technicians will check for an oil film using a mirror and flashlight on the bolt and in the hole.
3. Bolt Replacement: If an oil film is present, the bolt is replaced with a new pan head bolt with multi-point drive, self-locking (part number N 107 443 04). The new bolt is tightened to a torque of 20 Nm + 90°.
4. Battery Reinstallation: Reinstall the battery and battery tray if they were removed.

Repair Option 2: Gearbox Replacement

If no oil film is found in the bolt hole or on the bolt for the housing, the gearbox must be replaced entirely according to the repair manual.

Post-Repair Steps

After either repair option, the following steps are necessary:

1. Oil Level Check: Check and top up the gear oil level as specified in the Workshop Manual.
2. Final Test Drive: Perform a short test drive to warm up the gearbox again.
3. Final Assessment: After waiting at least one hour, the gearbox housing is assessed for any remaining leaks. If no leaks are present, the vehicle can be returned to the customer.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform the diagnosis and repair outlined in TSB 2067365/2, specific parts and tools are required:

• Oil leak locating spray: Part number G 001 900 A1 (or equivalent powder-based leak detector).
• Pan head bolt w/ multi-point drive, self-locking: Part number N 107 443 04 (for Repair Option 1 only).
• Transmission: Refer to ETKA for the correct part number (for Repair Option 2 only, ordered by VIN).
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed per the repair manual (refer to ETKA/ELSA).

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this repair are covered under Audi's standard warranty (up to 48 months/50,000 miles) or for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles (G10 claim type). If the vehicle is outside of warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only. All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit.

Labor operations and diagnostic times are specified within the TSB, including service number 3435 and damage code 0050. Specific labor operation codes are provided for battery removal/reinstallation, gearbox leak checks, bolt replacement, transmission oil inspection/add, and gearbox replacement.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10226248, TSB ID: 2067365/2