2017-2021 Audi Low Coolant Light On But Level Correct TSB

Bulletin Information

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) number 2061918/2, issued on March 2, 2021, supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 19 number 21-11, dated January 29, 2021. The revision was primarily to update warranty information by removing a labor operation.

Symptoms

Owners of 2017-2021 Audi vehicles may observe that "The coolant warning lamp appears in the instrument cluster." This warning is often accompanied by a visual check of the coolant expansion tank, which reveals the coolant level to be correctly positioned between the minimum and maximum marks. This discrepancy indicates that the Audi low coolant light is on despite the coolant level appearing normal.

Technical Background and Diagnosis

Audi has identified that the large capacity of the coolant circuit in affected vehicles can lead to significant fluctuations in the coolant level as the coolant heats up and cools down. If the coolant circuit was not correctly filled or bled during manufacturing or previous service, this can lead to the sporadic illumination of the Audi low coolant light.

When a technician investigates this concern, their initial findings often confirm that the coolant level in the expansion tank is visually correct, even though the warning light is active. This points to an issue beyond a simple low coolant condition, necessitating a specific diagnostic and repair approach.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the sporadic Audi low coolant light warning, technicians are instructed to perform the following steps:

1. Coolant Level Adjustment: The coolant level in the expansion tank must be checked and adjusted under cold conditions. This procedure must strictly adhere to the guidelines provided in the Elsa repair manual.
2. Connector Inspection: Technicians should carefully inspect the connector associated with the coolant level sensor. This includes checking the pins and connector contacts for any impurities, corrosion, or damage that could interfere with the electrical signal.
3. Contact Surface Cleaning: Ensure that the contact surfaces of the pins and connector contacts are free from any foreign substances or damage.
4. Key Cycle: After disconnecting and reconnecting the connector, a key cycle (turning the ignition on and off) must be performed to reset the system.
5. Re-evaluation: If the concern, specifically the illumination of the Audi low coolant light, returns after these steps, further diagnosis outside the scope of this particular Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2061918/2) will be necessary.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, requiring owner verification. The Service Number is 1940, and the Damage Code is 0040. Labor operations and their associated time units (TU) are as follows:

• Check coolant expansion tank: 1940 0199 (30 TU)
• GFF (Guided Fault Finding): No allowance (0 TU)
• Road test prior to the service procedure: No allowance (0 TU)
• Road test after the service procedure: 0121 0004 (10 TU)

All warranty claims must be submitted in accordance with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

Important Warnings

If your vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is provided for informational purposes only. Any diagnostic or repair costs may be the owner's responsibility in such cases. Owners are advised to check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins, and to consult the Repair Manual for specific fastener, bolt, nut, and screw replacement requirements.

Owner Action

If your 2017-2021 Audi is displaying a "low coolant light" warning, even if the coolant level appears correct, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. They can perform the diagnostic and adjustment procedures outlined in TSB 2061918/2 to properly address the issue.

NHTSA ID: 10188590