What causes the AC noise in my 2021-2022 Audi e-tron?

The AC noise in your 2021-2022 Audi e-tron is typically caused by direct contact between refrigerant lines or between a refrigerant line and the Bowden cable clip for the front hood release. These contact points allow vibrations from the AC compressor to transfer into the cabin.

How is the Audi e-tron AC noise fixed?

The repair involves identifying the specific points of contact between the refrigerant lines or between lines and the Bowden cable clip. Technicians then separate these components and secure them in a new, separated position using hose holders, clips, or tie-wraps to prevent future vibration transfer.

Is the repair for the Audi e-tron AC noise covered under warranty?

Yes, for eligible 2021-2022 Audi e-tron vehicles within the 48 months/50,000 miles warranty period or CPO coverage, this repair is covered. If your vehicle is outside of warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2063467/3) serves as informational guidance.

2021-2022 Audi e-tron AC Compressor Noise TSB

Owners of 2021-2022 Audi e-tron vehicles may experience an audible Audi e-tron AC noise in the cabin when the air conditioning system is active. This noise is particularly noticeable when the AC compressor is running and stops when the air conditioning system is turned off. Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2063467/3 to address this concern.

Symptoms

Customers report a distinct noise heard in the cabin of their 2021-2022 Audi e-tron when the air conditioning system is operating. The noise is directly linked to the AC compressor's activity, ceasing immediately once the AC is deactivated. This symptom is easily reproducible by workshop technicians.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Upon investigation, the source of the Audi e-tron AC noise has been confirmed not to originate from inside the cabin. The noise is caused by vibrations transferred into the cabin due to direct contact between components in the front motor compartment.

Specifically, the vibration can result from:

Direct contact between adjacent refrigerant lines (as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 3 of the TSB).
Contact between a refrigerant line and the Bowden cable clip for the front hood release (illustrated in Figure 2 and Figure 7).
An additional point of contact may occur at the coaxial refrigerant line where it crosses the refrigerant line containing the service port (Figure 8).

When the air conditioning compressor operates, the vibrations from these contact points are transmitted into the vehicle's cabin, creating the audible noise.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the Audi e-tron AC noise involves identifying and separating the contacting refrigerant lines and other components, then securing them to prevent future contact. The general steps include:

Identify Contact Points: Technicians will visually inspect the refrigerant lines and the Bowden cable clip in the front motor compartment to locate areas where components are making direct contact. Figure 4 provides a close-up view of a typical contact point.
Separate Components: The contacting refrigerant lines and, if applicable, the refrigerant line and Bowden cable clip, must be carefully separated.
Secure Components: Once separated, the lines and clips must be retained in their new, separated positions. This is typically achieved using a hose holder, clip, or tie-wrap (as depicted in Figure 5 and Figure 6). The retaining clip for the refrigerant line allows it to slide, which should be considered when securing the line away from the Bowden cable clip.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, technicians may utilize generic securing devices such as:

Hose holders
Clips
Tie-wraps

No specific Audi part numbers for these items are listed in the TSB, indicating standard workshop supplies are sufficient.

Important Warnings

This Technical Service Bulletin is informational only if the vehicle is outside its warranty period. For vehicles covered under warranty, the repair is expected to be covered.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021-2022 Audi e-tron and are experiencing a noise from your air conditioning system when it's active, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi dealer. Describe the symptom clearly to the service advisor, noting that the noise occurs only when the AC is on and stops when it's off. The dealer will diagnose the issue according to TSB 2063467/3 and perform the necessary repairs.

TSB Revision History

This TSB has undergone several revisions to refine the diagnostic and repair information:

Revision 1 (May 29, 2021): Initial publication of the bulletin.
Revision 2 (March 21, 2022): Revised the header to include Model Year 2022.
Revision 3 (April 20, 2022): Incorporated a revised Technical Background with an additional problem location, updated Service instructions with additional inspection areas, and corrected the labor operation number in the Warranty section.

This bulletin, TSB 87 22 26 2063467/3, supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 87 number 22-20 dated March 21, 2022.

Warranty Information

For eligible vehicles, the repair is covered under warranty. The claim type is 110 for vehicles up to 48 months/50,000 miles. For CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) covered vehicles, the claim type is G10, requiring owner verification. The Service Number is 8744, and the Damage Code is 0020. Applicable labor operations include:

7007 1900: Front storage compartment remove and reinstall (refer to SRT for associated operations).
8744 1399: Separate contacting refrigerant lines and secure if necessary (20 TU).

Diagnostic time (GFF) and road tests before and after service are listed as having no allowance (0 TU). All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Source: NHTSA ID 10210512