2023-2024 Audi Windshield Streaking and Rough Surface TSB

Symptoms

Owners of 2023-2024 Audi vehicles may notice the following issues with their windshields:

• The windshield is streaked.
• The windshield has a "snakeskin appearance."
• The windshield surface feels rough.

These conditions are often attributed to environmental factors and not a defect in the wiper blades themselves.

Technical Background

Audi's TSB 2020552/12 explains that the primary cause of the Audi e-tron streaked windshield and other related symptoms is the accumulation of residue. This residue can originate from industrial fallout, normal road dirt, and general grime that settles on the exterior glass surfaces.

Important Warnings

• Wiper Blade Replacement: This cleaning procedure must be performed and verified before considering a wiper blade replacement. Audi states that "All Warranty claims will be rejected for wiper blade replacement if a defect is not found" after this cleaning. This prevents unnecessary parts replacement if the issue is merely surface contamination.
• Product Application: Do not use the 3M™ Glass Polishing Compound to clean the wiper blades directly. It is intended for glass surfaces only.
• Drying Time: The drying time for the cleaning compound is dependent on ambient temperatures. If temperatures are 60°F (15°C) or lower, the drying time may be extended.

Repair Procedure Summary

This TSB outlines a detailed 10-step process for cleaning the exterior glass surfaces to resolve the Audi e-tron streaked windshield issue. The procedure involves:

1. Washing and drying all affected exterior glass surfaces thoroughly.
2. Placing the wipers in the service position.
3. Using household glass cleaner (such as Windex® or 3M™ Glass Cleaner) to clean any residue from the wiper blades.
4. Shaking the bottle of 3M™ Glass Polishing Compound (Part No: 60150) to ensure even mixing.
5. Applying the cleaner directly to the outside of the windshield on both the driver and passenger sides.
6. Using a clean, dry microfiber cloth (such as 3M™ Microfiber Detail Cloth - Yellow, Part No: 39016) to vigorously clean the windshield with long, horizontal strokes, avoiding the window trim.
7. Allowing the compound to dry until a fine film (haze) forms on the glass.
8. Rinsing the windshield with a garden hose, ensuring any product inadvertently applied to the trim is also rinsed off.
9. Using a clean, dry microfiber cloth to dry and buff the glass to a clean, streak-free shine.
10. Wiping off any remaining residue from trim or rubber with a warm, wet, and wrung-out microfiber cloth.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this cleaning procedure, the following specific products are required:

• 3M™ Glass Polishing Compound (Part No: 60150) - Quantity: 1. This should be ordered through Audi Top Service Supplies & Touch Up Paint eStore.
• 3M™ Microfiber Detail Cloth - Yellow (Part No: 39016) - Quantity: 1. This also should be ordered through Audi Top Service Supplies & Touch Up Paint eStore.

Owner Action

If your 2023-2024 Audi vehicle exhibits a Audi e-tron streaked windshield, a snakeskin appearance, or a rough-feeling surface, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi dealer. They can perform the specific cleaning procedure outlined in TSB 2020552/12 to address these symptoms. This TSB is informational and not applicable to any Audi Warranty for the cleaning itself, but following the procedure is crucial before considering other repairs like wiper blade replacement.

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NHTSA ID: 10239686