2023-2026 Audi Speaker Rattles, Vibrations, Audio Interference TSB

Symptoms of Speaker Rattles and Audio Interference

Owners of 2023-2026 Audi vehicles may report various audio disturbances originating from one or more speakers. These symptoms include "cracking," "grinding," "rattling," "humming," "whining," or other forms of "interference." These noises can significantly degrade the audio experience in your vehicle. If you notice any of these issues, your Audi e-tron speaker rattles might be a symptom of a common problem addressed by this bulletin.

Technical Background

The root cause of these audio issues often stems from vibrations. Parts of the speakers themselves, such as their brackets, cables, or covers, can vibrate at specific frequencies. Additionally, interior fittings like door covers, the rear shelf, facings, or other covers can also resonate, transmitting noise that appears to come from the speakers. This phenomenon makes it challenging to pinpoint the exact source of the noise, as vehicle components can transmit sounds from other areas into the passenger compartment. This is particularly relevant for complaints about noise during phone calls.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has issued specific warnings to ensure proper diagnosis and prevent unnecessary part replacements:

• "Parts must not be replaced without a good reason as stated in this TSB. Such claims may be debited."
• "Claims for speaker covers that are replaced without being damaged may be denied."
• "If no unexpected noise can be heard, the speaker must not be replaced."
• "Do not claim on the service number of the speaker!" when the noise is traced to a casual component like trim.

These warnings emphasize the importance of thorough diagnosis before any parts are replaced.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure Summary

Technical Service Bulletin 2018187/14 provides a detailed, step-by-step procedure for technicians to diagnose and resolve speaker-related noise complaints. The process begins with ensuring the customer complaint can be repeatedly reproduced and that the audio system is set to default tone settings.

1. Preparation: Technicians will remove all loose items from storage compartments in the doors, glove box, dash panel, and hat-shelf to eliminate potential external noise sources.
2. Initial Assessment: The technician will reassess if the noise persists. They may apply pressure to speaker covers to see if the noise disappears. If a speaker cover is identified as the source, it will be reinstalled correctly, possibly with additional dampening material like felt, or replaced if damaged.
3. Bolt Tightness Check: All bolts securing the affected speaker will be checked and tightened. If tightening resolves the issue, the labor will be claimed under the loudspeaker service number with damage type SA018 "loose".
4. Foreign Object Inspection: The speaker will be inspected for any foreign objects or debris (FOD), which will be removed if found.
5. Speaker Dismount and Test: The speaker may be dismounted from the vehicle for an isolated sound test. During this test, the speaker magnet is held, and the membrane faces upwards. The speaker will also be checked for visible damage to its membrane or foam bead. If no unexpected noise is heard during this isolated test, the speaker must not be replaced.
6. Interior Component Inspection: If the speaker itself is not the source, the vehicle's interior will be thoroughly checked for loose bolts, trim pieces, fluttering labels, or wires that could be vibrating in resonance. Any such components will be secured or replaced. Labor for these repairs should be claimed under the service number of the casual component, not the speaker.
7. Speaker Reinstallation Check: If the speaker was dismounted and no issues were found, it will be reinstalled, ensuring it is seated centrally and flush. This checks if the noise was due to the speaker being under tension.
8. Loudspeaker Swap Test: In some cases, technicians may swap the problematic loudspeaker on the right with the opposite loudspeaker on the left. If the complaint moves with the speaker, the speaker must be replaced. If the noise does not move, further diagnosis of the amplifier or main unit is required.

Warranty Information

When claiming labor for eliminating rattling noises on trim parts under warranty, the specific service number of the trim piece must be used, along with a damage type appropriate for the location and cause of the complaint. This ensures accurate warranty claims.

Examples of service numbers for various components include:

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

All parts and service references in TSB 2018187 are subject to change. Technicians are advised to consult the Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11002981