2021 Audi A6/A7/S6/S7 Engine Coolant Concentration

Why This Matters: Incorrect Engine Coolant Concentration

Audi has identified a production irregularity affecting the engine cooling systems in certain 2021 Audi A6, A7, S6, and S7 vehicles. This issue, detailed in Service Action 19P9, means that the cooling system may have been filled with an antifreeze concentration only suitable for temperatures down to -25 degrees Celsius, rather than the required minimum of -40 degrees Celsius. An improper engine coolant concentration can compromise the vehicle's freeze protection, potentially leading to damage in colder climates.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The primary condition for this service action is the vehicle's production date and model year, indicating it may have received the incorrect engine coolant concentration during manufacturing. To diagnose the issue, technicians will use an Analog Refractometer, specifically tool -T10007A/B- or an equivalent, to measure the current freeze protection level of the engine coolant. The service action aims to correct any vehicle found with a freeze protection level of only -25 degrees Celsius.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for Audi Service Action 19P9, identified as labor operation 1938 17 99, involves a detailed process to ensure the correct engine coolant concentration.

1. Pre-Repair Check: Technicians must first access the "Campaigns/Actions" screen in the Elsa system using the vehicle's VIN to confirm that Service Action 19P9 is "open." If the status is "closed," no further work is required. It's also critical to note any Applicable Criteria ID for specific repair instructions and to complete any outstanding Safety Recalls before proceeding with this campaign.
2. Safety Precautions: Given that the cooling system can be under pressure when the engine is warm, there is a risk of scalding from hot steam and coolant. Technicians are mandated to wear safety gloves and protective eyewear. Before opening the coolant expansion tank, pressure must be safely reduced by covering the cap with a cloth and carefully turning it.
3. Coolant Concentration Measurement: An Analog Refractometer, specifically tool -T10007A/B- or an equivalent, is used to accurately measure the coolant's freeze protection. A small drop of coolant is applied to the refractometer's glass. The cut-off line observed through the refractometer indicates the freeze protection level. Technicians are instructed to use scale <1> on the refractometer, which corresponds to G12++ and G12evo coolant additives. The document notes that affected vehicles will typically show a freeze protection of -25 degrees Celsius prior to correction.
4. Coolant Adjustment: If the measurement confirms an insufficient freeze protection (e.g., -25 degrees Celsius instead of the required -40 degrees Celsius), the technician will extract the existing coolant from the expansion tank. Subsequently, approximately 1.3 liters of concentrated antifreeze, specifically G12 EVO Coolant Concentrate (part numbers G-12E-100-1L DSP for U.S. and G-12E-100-2L DSP for Canada), must be added. The procedure explicitly states, "DO NOT use pre-mixed coolant."
5. Post-Adjustment Check: After adding the concentrated antifreeze, the coolant level must be verified to be at the "MAX" mark on the expansion tank when the engine is cold. This ensures the system is properly filled and protected.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform Service Action 19P9, technicians will require specific tools and parts:

• Analog Refractometer -T10007A/B-: This specialized tool (or an equivalent) is essential for accurately measuring the engine coolant's freeze protection level.
• G12 EVO Coolant Concentrate: The necessary antifreeze concentrate for adjustment. U.S. dealers will use part number G-12E-100-1L DSP, while Canadian dealers will use G-12E-100-2L DSP.

Important Warnings and What Owners Should Know

Audi has issued several critical advisories and instructions related to Service Action 19P9 that owners and dealers should be aware of:

• New Vehicle Deliveries: "Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers." This mandates that all new 2021 Audi A6, A7, S6, and S7 vehicles in dealer stock must have the correct engine coolant concentration before being sold.
• Campaign Expiration: "This service action will be available for you free of charge only until December 31, 2023. If you wish to have this service performed after that date, your dealer's normal costs associated with this repair will apply." Owners are strongly advised to schedule this service before the specified expiration date to ensure the repair is performed at no cost.
• Coolant Type for Repair: "DO NOT use pre-mixed coolant." This is a crucial instruction for technicians, emphasizing that only concentrated antifreeze, such as G12 EVO Coolant Concentrate, should be used during the adjustment process to achieve the required freeze protection.
• Dealer Responsibility for Proper Repair: "Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer's responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement under this action." This highlights the importance of adherence to the official repair procedure by service centers.
• Prioritize Safety Recalls: "All Safety Recalls must be completed prior to completing this campaign." This ensures that any more urgent safety-related issues are addressed before this coolant concentration adjustment.
• Scheduling Flexibility: Owners should be aware that dealers may require additional time for preparation and to accommodate their workshop schedule, so it is advisable to contact them as soon as possible to arrange the service.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021 Audi A6, A7, S6, or S7, Audi will notify you via mail regarding Service Action 19P9. Owner notifications began in March 2021. To address the potential incorrect engine coolant concentration, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. The repair, which involves checking the coolant protection and adding concentrate if necessary, is expected to take about half an hour and will be performed free of charge. Remember, this service is only free until December 31, 2023. You can also check your vehicle's eligibility for this and other campaigns by visiting www.audiusa.com and using the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool with your VIN.

NHTSA ID: 10188611