2021-2026 Audi Vehicles Speaker Rattles TSB 91 24 16

Symptoms

Owners of 2021-2026 Audi vehicles may notice various types of sound interference or mechanical noises coming from one or more speakers. These symptoms include:

• A cracking noise
• A grinding noise
• A rattling sound
• A humming sound
• A whining sound
• Other similar interference or noises

If you are experiencing an Audi e-tron speaker rattles issue, this TSB provides a comprehensive guide for diagnosis and repair.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has issued several critical advisories regarding the diagnosis and repair of speaker-related noise complaints:

• Do not replace parts unnecessarily: "Parts must not be replaced without a good reason as stated in this TSB. Such claims may be debited." This prevents owners from being charged for parts that are not the root cause of the problem.
• Difficulty in noise localization: "It is not always possible to localize the exact source of the noise directly. Vehicle components can transmit noises from other areas into the passenger compartment, which can make it difficult to localize the source of a noise correctly. Please always check around the speakers, as well as the speakers themselves." This is especially true for "complaints regarding noises while on a phone call."
• Default tone settings: Before diagnosis, ensure the audio system is set to default tone settings. "If the customer uses individual tone settings, please reset them to their default value."
• Speaker replacement criteria: "If no unexpected noise can be heard, the speaker must not be replaced." Speakers should only be replaced if they are definitively identified as the source of the noise after thorough testing.
• Claiming labor for trim: When replacing trim components to eliminate rattling, "Do not claim on the service number of the speaker!" Instead, use the service number of the specific casual component that was replaced.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure

Technical Service Bulletin 91 24 16 (2018187/14), which supersedes TSB 23-94, outlines a detailed, step-by-step process for diagnosing and resolving speaker rattles, vibrations, or audio interference. The customer complaint must be reproducible repeatedly for effective diagnosis.

1. Preparation: Remove any loose items from storage compartments in the doors, glove box, dash panel, and around the hat-shelf. These items can often be mistaken for speaker noises.
2. Reassess the Complaint: Check if the noise is caused by a speaker cover. Apply pressure to the speaker cover; if the noise disappears, remove the cover and retest. If the complaint doesn't reoccur, reinstall the cover correctly, using felt or similar material to quiet it if necessary. If the cover is damaged, replace it and claim labor using the speaker cover's service number.
3. Check Speaker Bolt Tightness: Inspect and attempt to tighten all bolts on the affected speaker. If tightening resolves the noise, claim the labor using the loudspeaker's service number and specify damage type SA018 "loose."
4. Inspect for Foreign Objects: Check the speaker for any foreign objects or debris (FOD) and remove them if found.
5. Dismount Speaker Test: Remove the speaker from the vehicle and perform a sound test while holding the speaker magnet by hand, with the membrane facing upwards. Check for visible damage on the speaker membrane or foam bead.
6. Interior Component Check: If the noise persists after speaker checks, inspect the vehicle's interior for loose bolts, trim pieces, fluttering labels, or wires that could be vibrating in resonance. Secure or replace any damaged components. When replacing trim, claim labor using the service number of the casual component, not the speaker.
7. Speaker Reinstallation: If the complaint could not be reproduced with the speaker removed, reinstall it, ensuring it is seated centrally and flush. Test again to see if the noise returns, which might indicate the speaker was under tension.
8. Speaker Swapping: To confirm a speaker fault, swap the suspected faulty speaker with the opposite side speaker (e.g., left front with right front). If the noise moves with the speaker, the speaker must be replaced. If the noise remains in the original location, further diagnosis is needed, focusing on the amplifier or main unit.

This systematic approach helps pinpoint the exact cause of the Audi e-tron speaker rattles or other audio issues.

Warranty Information and Service Numbers

When claiming labor for the elimination of rattling noises on trim parts under warranty, technicians must use the service number corresponding to the specific trim piece that was addressed, along with an appropriate damage type for the location and cause of the complaint. Examples of service numbers include:

• 5811 - Door handle
• 5817 - Door lock
• 5819 - Cable
• 5867 - Lock cylinder
• 7014 - Loudspeaker cover
• 7018 - Dash panel
• 7022 - Dash panel cover
• 7058 - Trim strip for dash panel
• 7059 - Door trim (front)
• 7073 - Door trim (rear)
• 6815 - Glove box
• 7030 - Luggage compartment cover
• 9732 - Wiring harness for door
• 9733 - Wiring harness for central locking system
• 9740 - Wiring harness for steering column
• 9774 - Wiring harness for dash panel

Source: NHTSA ID 11002912, Audi Technical Service Bulletin 91 24 16 2018187/14, June 12, 2024.