2022 Audi A3 Starter/Generator Special Parts Collection

Audi has launched a Special Parts Collection program, identified by code 27K4, targeting specific 2022 Audi A3 vehicles. This initiative focuses on the proactive replacement of the starter/generator component. The program is part of Audi's ongoing quality assurance efforts and is not a safety recall.

This program ensures that affected vehicles receive a new Audi A3 starter generator to maintain optimal performance and reliability. Owners of eligible vehicles will have the repair performed at no cost by an authorized Audi dealer.

Important Owner Information and Warnings

Owners of affected 2022 Audi A3 vehicles should be aware of several key details regarding this program:

• Not a Recall: Audi explicitly states, "This is not a recall but, as explained below, we are doing this as part of a quality assurance initiative." Furthermore, "The starter/generator in your vehicle is not recalled."
• Time-Sensitive: "Time is of the essence. Audi has a specific number of parts to collect under this program. Once this goal is reached, the program will end and no more replacements will be made." Owners are encouraged to schedule service promptly.
• Owner Notification: Audi will notify owners in November 2023. An owner letter example is included in the bulletin for reference.
• Dealer Stock Embargo: Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed "before delivery to consumers."
• Pre-existing Recalls: "All Safety Recalls must be completed prior to completing this campaign." If multiple software update campaigns are open, the oldest must be performed first.

Symptoms

This Special Parts Collection program is a proactive measure, and the document does not specify particular symptoms that owners might experience. Instead, it focuses on the preventative replacement of the Audi A3 starter generator to ensure long-term reliability and performance.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for the Audi A3 starter generator involves several steps performed by an authorized Audi dealer:

1. Verify Eligibility: Technicians must check the Campaigns/Actions screen in ELSA using the vehicle's VIN to confirm eligibility for the 27K4 program. The campaign status must show "open." A printout of this screen must be kept with the repair order.
2. Data Collection: Before replacement, the historical start/stop data from the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM) must be read out. This includes measured values such as "[IDE02756]_Number of manual engine starts," "[IDE02757]_Number of automatic engine starts," "[IDE11533]_Starter generator, number of first starts," and "[IDE11531]_Starter generator, number of restarts." This data, along with the Campaigns/Actions screen, must be printed and placed with the removed part.
3. Starter/Generator Replacement: The technician will replace the existing starter/generator. This involves following detailed instructions from the ELSA Repair Manual, specifically under "Electrical System > Electrical Equipment > 27 Battery, Starter, Generator, Cruise Control > Generator > Generator, Removing and Installing > Starter Generator C29, Removing and Installing, 2.0L TFSI, (0K4)."
4. Campaign Completion: Once the replacement is complete, the technician should stamp the repair order to confirm the campaign has been performed in strict accordance with Audi repair procedures.

Claim Entry and Warranty Information

For dealers, the Special Parts Collection program 27K4 has specific claim entry instructions:

• Service Number: 27K4
• Damage Code: 0099
• Parts Vendor Code: 002
• Claim Type: "Sold vehicle: 710" or "Unsold vehicle: 790"
• Causal Indicator: Mark "ALTERNATOR*" as the causal part.
• Vehicle Wash/Loaner: Dealers are instructed, "Do not claim wash/loaner under this action."
• Labor Operations:
  • 0150 00 99: "Read out measured values" (10 Time Units)
  • 1920 19 33: "Cooling fan housing remove+reinstall" (SEE ELSA for time units)
  • 2722 19 83: "Generator remove+reinstall" (SEE ELSA for time units)

Required Parts

To complete the Audi A3 starter generator replacement under program 27K4, the following parts are required:

• Alternator: Part Number 06Q-903-018 (Quantity 1)
• Screw: Part Number N-912-045-01 (Quantity 4)
• Packing Materials: Up to $10.00 (Part number to be entered in ALL CAPS for claim entry).

Parts are ordered via "VIN to Order" or "Free Order" methods, and there is no initial parts allocation. Campaign parts should always be ordered as per the parts information in this circular.

Mandatory Parts Return

All removed starter/generators under Special Parts Collection 27K4 must be returned to a designated inspection facility. Failure to return parts or improper return is subject to claim cancellation.

• Shipping Label: Use the Warranty Parts Portal (WPP) to obtain the FedEx shipping label.
• Documentation: Ensure the start/stop data printout and the Campaigns/Action screen printout from ELSA are enclosed with the returned starter/generator.
• Packaging: The starter/generators must be packaged carefully to prevent damage. This involves lining a slightly larger box with bubble wrap, wrapping the starter/generator in bubble wrap and placing it in its original box, then wrapping the original box in bubble wrap and placing it in the larger box. The original starter/generator box must not shift inside the larger box.

Next Steps for Owners

If you own a 2022 Audi A3 and believe your vehicle may be affected by the 27K4 Special Parts Collection program, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer at your earliest convenience. The replacement of the Audi A3 starter generator will be performed free of charge.

Audi will be sending owner notification letters in November 2023. You can also visit www.audiusa.com to locate a dealer and schedule service. Remember that the program has a limited number of parts, so prompt action is advised.

NHTSA ID: 10245645