2019-2025 Audi Starter/Generator Belt Noise TSB 2061461/14

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061461/14 to address concerns regarding the starter/generator drive belt in various 2019-2025 2.0TFSI mild Hybrid models. This bulletin specifically targets instances where the starter/generator drive belt becomes noisy or detaches entirely. Owners experiencing an Audi starter generator noise or a specific dashboard warning should consult this TSB for guidance.

This TSB, released on September 26, 2025, provides comprehensive information for diagnosing and repairing these issues, ensuring proper vehicle operation and preventing further damage. It applies to a range of Audi vehicles, including the A4, A5, A6, A7, and Q5 equipped with the 2.0TFSI mild Hybrid engine.

Revision History

Audi TSB 2061461/14 has undergone several revisions to ensure accuracy and provide the most up-to-date information:

• Revision 14: The header was updated to reflect current model years, and the warranty section was revised with an updated service number.
• Revision 13 (June 27, 2025): The header was updated to include the latest model year information.
• Revision 12 (June 12, 2025): This revision included updates to the header for model years, a revised production solution with updated VIN breaks, and an updated service number in the warranty information.

Symptoms

Owners may notice several indicators that point to a problem with the starter/generator drive belt. These symptoms can range from audible noises to critical dashboard warnings, often indicating an Audi starter generator noise.

Common customer complaints include:

• Power, vehicle electrical system, data transfer: Issues related to battery management functionality.
• Information, navigation, communication, entertainment: Problems with the operation, control, or speech input of the information electronics control module, often with a fault stored in the DTC memory.
• Engine, gear drive, chain drive, belt drive: Noises and vibrations from this area.
• Engine, gear drive, chain drive, belt drive, ribbed belt: Indications of a damaged component or automotive fluids.
• Engine operation, engine start: Functionality issues leading to no engine function.

Workshop findings often confirm these issues, specifically noting:

• Grinding, squeaking, or tweeting noises originating from the poly V-belt (alternator belt).
• The poly V-belt being damaged or having completely fallen off the wheel roller.
• Noises and vibrations specifically from the belt tensioning damper.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing issues related to the starter/generator drive belt, technicians may find specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's engine electronics module.

Diagnostic Address	Diagnostic Trouble Code	Fault Symptom	Storage State
0001 - Engine electronics	P2BA300	Starter/Generator Mechanical Performance	static
0001 - Engine electronics	P2BA300	Starter/Generator Mechanical Performance	intermittent

Important Warnings

Audi has provided critical advisories within TSB 2061461/14 to prevent misdiagnosis and incorrect repairs. Owners and technicians should pay close attention to these warnings:

• "Replacing the belt-driven starter-generator will not fix the problem." This explicitly states that the starter-generator unit itself is not the root cause of the noise or belt detachment and should not be replaced as a solution.
• If a new belt tensioner has already been installed (either in the workshop or after a production change), do not replace it again.
• Technicians must ensure that the belt tensioner, including its retaining tab, is not damaged during removal. Damage to this component could hinder proper analysis, and Audi "may charge back the damaged parts."

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Diagnosing the Audi starter generator noise or belt detachment involves a systematic approach to identify the source of the problem. The technical background indicates a deviation on the rollers of the belt tensioner as a primary cause. This deviation can lead to improper belt function and noise.

Scenario 1: Grinding, Squeaking, or Tweeting Noises

1. Noise Assessment: Let the engine run at idle speed and carefully assess the noise. Audi provides a supporting video (accessible via QR code in the TSB) demonstrating the characteristic noise. The video link is https://audi-external.kzoplatform.com/player/medium/1823282939031459668.
2. Noise Source Confirmation: To confirm the poly V-belt as the source, spray a small amount of tap water onto the inside of the poly V-belt using a commercially available water spray bottle. A single spray blast is sufficient. If the noise disappears after applying water, it confirms the poly V-belt and belt tensioner as the source of the problem.

Scenario 2: Poly V-belt Damaged or Fallen Off

1. Production Date Check: If the vehicle was manufactured before the specified production change dates for the belt tensioner and poly V-belt (detailed in the Production Solution section), then replacement of both the belt tensioner and poly V-belt is necessary.

Post-Repair Alignment Check

After any replacement, it is crucial to check for correct belt running alignment. This involves running the engine at idle and ensuring the belt does not protrude forward or backward over the roller edge of the tensioner. Figure 2 in the TSB illustrates this, showing the poly V-belt (A) and the tensioning roller of the belt tensioner (B). Figure 3 provides examples of damaged belt tensioner holding arms.

Production Solution Details

Audi implemented production changes to address the underlying issue with the belt tensioner and poly V-belt. Vehicles manufactured after specific VIN breaks or dates already incorporate these updated components. This information is vital for determining if a vehicle's original components are affected by the Audi starter generator noise issue.

• A4/A5 Models:
  • Belt Tensioner: VIN break WA19AAF48MA085698 (as of July 23, 2021)
  • Poly V-belt: VIN break WAUZZZF54RA057164 (as of January 16, 2024)
• A6/A7 Models:
  • Belt Tensioner: VIN break WAUZZZF24NN007843 (as of July 22, 2021)
  • Poly V-belt: VIN break WAUZZZF2XSN046531 (as of March 24, 2025)
• Q5 Models:
  • Belt Tensioner: VIN break WA1EAAFY1N2021046 (as of September 23, 2021)
  • Poly V-belt: VIN break WA1EAAFY9R2100633 (as of April 30, 2024)

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in TSB 2061461/14 focuses on replacing the affected components and ensuring proper alignment. This is the recommended solution for the Audi starter generator noise and belt detachment issues.

For Grinding, Squeaking, or Tweeting Noises

1. Initial Assessment: Run the engine at idle speed to assess the noise. Technicians can refer to the provided video for comparison.
2. Confirmation Test: Spray a small amount of tap water onto the inside of the poly V-belt. If the noise subsides, it confirms the belt and tensioner as the source.
3. Component Replacement: Replace both the poly V-belt and the belt tensioner. It is critical to adhere to the warning: if a new belt tensioner has already been installed (either in the workshop or after a production change), do not replace it again.

For Damaged or Fallen-Off Poly V-belt

1. Production Date Verification: Determine if the vehicle was manufactured before the specified production change dates for the belt tensioner and poly V-belt. This is crucial for identifying if the original components are the older, problematic versions.
2. Component Replacement: If the vehicle was manufactured before the production change, replace both the belt tensioner and the poly V-belt.

Post-Replacement Steps

1. Belt Alignment Check: After replacing the poly V-belt and tensioner, run the engine at idle speed.
2. Visual Inspection: Visually confirm that the belt does not protrude forward or backward over the roller edge of the tensioner. This ensures correct belt running alignment.

It is important to note that the TSB explicitly states, "Replacing the belt-driven starter-generator will not fix the problem." The focus of the repair is on the belt and its tensioning system.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for repairs performed under TSB 2061461/14 must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. The TSB provides specific service and damage codes for proper claim submission.

• Claim Type: If the vehicle is outside its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.
• Service Number: 1373
• Damage Codes:
  • 0020 (Noisy belt)
  • 0015 (Belt came off)

Labor Operations

Specific labor operations and their corresponding codes are provided for warranty claims:

• Ribbed belt remove + install: Labor Operation Code 1372 19XX. This operation refers to the removal and installation of the ribbed belt, with associated operations detailed in the Standard Repair Time (SRT) manual.
• Belt tension damper remove + install: Labor Operation Code 1373 19XX. This covers the removal and installation of the belt tension damper, also referencing the SRT for associated operations.
• Check Poly V-Belt run alignment: Labor Operation Code 1372 0199. This procedure is allotted 10 Time Units (TU) for checking the alignment of the poly V-belt after replacement.

All warranty claims are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11023739