2022-2026 Audi A/C Compressor Replacement TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2022-2026 Audi vehicles may experience various issues related to the air conditioning system. These can include:

• The A/C system switch being difficult to move or operate.
• The A/C compressor failing to activate or deactivate properly.
• General A/C compressor control malfunctions, leading to the system not functioning as expected.
• Insufficient cooling from the air conditioning system.
• Unusual noises emanating from the A/C compressor when the system is active.
• A Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or other electrical error displayed in the instrument cluster, particularly if related to a High Voltage (HV) compressor.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2041717/14 mandates a specific diagnostic procedure for any Audi A/C compressor replacement. Before replacing the compressor, technicians must run an ODIS GFF cooling performance test plan.

The location of this test plan within the ODIS diagnostic system can vary based on the vehicle type, its equipment level, and the specific ODIS software version. Here are common navigation paths:

• For vehicles with 08 – Heating and Air Conditioning Electronics:

  • Navigate to the Guided Functions tab, then select "08 – Front A/C display control head –E87-" followed by "08 Heating/Air Conditioning Electronics, functions" and "08-Other Functions."
  • Alternatively, use the Test plan tab, selecting "Body" then "Heating / Air Conditioning," "01 – On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capable systems," "08 Climatronic control module, functions J255," and "08-General function tests."

• For BEV and PHEV vehicles with C5 – Thermal Management Control Module:

  • Navigate to "Diagnostic capable system" then "00C5 - Thermal Management Control Module -J1024-," "00C5 - Thermal management control module, functions," "00C5 – Thermal management – Basic setting," "System function test," and "Interior cooling."
  • Another path for BEV/PHEV is via "Diagnostic capable system" then "00C5 - Thermal Management Control Module -J1024-," "00C5 – Basic Settings Complete," "Basic Setting Selection," "System function test," and "Interior cooling."
  • For PHEV vehicles specifically, an additional path is "Body" then "Heating / Air Conditioning," "01 - On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capable systems," "00C5 - Thermal Management Control Module -J1024-," "00C5 – Thermal management control module, functions," "00C5 – Thermal management – Basic setting," "System function test," and "Interior cooling."

• For vehicles with HVAC control in 09-Vehicle Electrical System Control Module:

  • Navigate to "Body" then "Electrical Equipment," "01-On Board Diagnostic (OBD) capable systems," "09-Vehicle Electrical System Control Module J519," "09-Electric Central Electric, functions," "09-Other functions," and "Air Conditioning test plan."

Once the function test is added to the current test plan list, technicians should select "Vehicle is not cooling" to proceed with the air conditioning cooling system performance test plan.

Repair Procedure Summary

This TSB outlines specific diagnostic and documentation requirements for any Audi A/C compressor replacement. The procedure ensures accurate fault identification and proper record-keeping.

• Mandatory Test Plan: Regardless of the underlying reason for failure, an ODIS GFF cooling performance test plan (Function Test Log version) is mandatory before replacing an A/C compressor. This test must include documentation of the recovered refrigerant volume.

• Compressor Noise Diagnosis: If a customer reports a 'noise' from the A/C system while it otherwise operates normally, a cooling performance test must still be performed with the original compressor. The final log should be uploaded to GFF Paperless, and an audio or video file clearly indicating the compressor as the noise source must be uploaded to Doc-IT.

• HV Compressor Electrical Issues: For vehicles equipped with a High Voltage (HV) compressor where the A/C system is not cooling, and a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or electrical error is present (and DTCs do not point to a performance issue), an ODIS test plan for the relevant DTCs must be completed. The results must clearly condemn the HV compressor and be uploaded to GFF Paperless.

• Insufficient Cooling Without Compressor Replacement: If the A/C cooling system performance test concludes that system pressures and evaporator temperatures are within specifications, the A/C compressor should not be replaced. In such cases, further diagnosis is required to identify other potential root causes, such as a faulty temperature regulating door, door motor, or vent temperature sensor.

• Post-Replacement Documentation: If the compressor is found faulty and subsequently replaced based on the test plan, specific documentation is required. This includes uploading a final protocol of the completed test plan (confirming compressor failure) to GFF Paperless, attaching a printout of only the "Function Test" section of the diagnostic log to the replaced compressor for return to the WPRC, and uploading an image of the summary report showing refrigerant and oil recovered/discharged from the A/C service machine to Doc-IT.

Required Tools or Systems

Technicians performing diagnostics and repairs related to this TSB will utilize specific Audi diagnostic and documentation systems:

• ODIS GFF: The primary diagnostic system used to run the mandatory cooling performance test plan.
• GFF Paperless: A system for uploading and storing completed test plan logs and protocols.
• Doc-IT: A system used for uploading supplementary evidence, such as audio/video files of compressor noise or images of refrigerant recovery reports.

Owner Action

If your 2022-2026 Audi vehicle experiences issues such as insufficient air conditioning cooling, unusual noises from the A/C system, or difficulty with the A/C system switch, it is recommended to visit an authorized Audi service center. Technicians will follow Technical Service Bulletin 2041717/14, which mandates a thorough diagnostic process using the ODIS GFF cooling performance test plan before any Audi A/C compressor replacement. This ensures accurate diagnosis and proper documentation of any repairs. This TSB is for informational purposes and does not apply to Audi's warranty.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11023734