A481336 2033044-

Technical Service Bulletin
48 PSS Power steering feels notchy
48 13 36 2033044/1 February 21, 2013.
Model(s)
Year
VIN Range
A4 / S4
2013
000001 - 999999
A5 / S5
2013
000001 - 999999
A5 Cab / S5 Cab
2013
000001 - 999999
A6 / S6
2012 - 2013
000001 - 999999
A7 / S7
2012 - 2013
000001 - 999999
Vehicle-Specific Equipment
Not Applicable
Condition
 The customer states they have a comfort concern about the steering system. The steering works correctly but
intermittently feels notchy.
 There is no loss of steering functionality.
 The concern may be more apparent in colder weather, and may improve with warmth or an ignition key cycle.
 No DTC is stored and no warning appears in the cluster.
Tip: This PSS TSB applies only to the comfort concern described in the condition of this PSS TSB. Please
refer to the attached Information and Q&A document for guidance when handling each case.
Technical Background
A solution is in development and will be made available as soon as possible.
The steering wheel is mechanically linked to the wheels of the vehicle, and there is no loss of steering
functionality.
Refer to the attached Information and Q&A document for guidance when handling each case.
Production Solution
Open.
Page 1 of 3 plus attachment
© 2013 Audi of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of Audi of
America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written
permission of the publisher.
Technical Service Bulletin
Service
1.
Explain to the customer that a solution is forthcoming and that no repairs are necessary at this point. Do
not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer’s concern.
2.
Create a PSS record in the PSS application
via the hyperlink in Accessaudi.com (Figure
1) or Technical Assistance page in Elsa
(Figure 2).
Figure 1. Related Sites section on Accessaudi.com landing
page
Figure 2. Technical Assistance page
Warranty
This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi warranty.
Page 2 of 3 plus attachment
© 2013 Audi of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of Audi of
America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written
permission of the publisher.
Technical Service Bulletin
Additional Information
All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with
your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.
Page 3 of 3 plus attachment
© 2013 Audi of America, Inc.
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of Audi of
America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior expressed written
permission of the publisher.
Notchy steering information and Q & A
Information
This document is intended to assist when handling cases of notchy steering feel, including determining
whether to attempt a repair or create a PSS entry. Please handle each case individually.
Refer to the Q & A below for more detail about the notchy steering feel. Analysis of vehicles and parts
shows the notchy feel is only a comfort concern. However, any conversation about the steering system
can be sensitive, and the customer’s confidence in the vehicle is the most important factor when
determining how to handle each case.
If the customer understands the notchy feel is only a comfort concern, create a PSS entry. Per the
normal PSS process, the customer will be contacted when a solution is available. All vehicles with this
concern will receive a solution as soon as one is available.
However, if the customer perceives the notchy feel is not a comfort concern or is unsure, please contact
Technical Assistance to proceed with full diagnosis.
Q&A
Q: What’s causing the notchy steering feel?
A: The concern involves the assist portion of the steering system. Root cause analysis is in process.
Resolving the concern and providing a solution is at the highest level of priority. Audi is actively seeking
a solution.
Q: What is meant by the term “comfort concern”?
A: The assist portion of the steering is self‐monitored and cannot overtake the driver’s input via the
steering wheel. The driver’s input at the steering wheel always mechanically controls the steering
system. As shown in the Owner’s Manual, drivers are alerted of steering system faults via symbols and
messages in the instrument cluster.
Q: When will a solution be available?
A: Resolving the concern and providing a solution is at Audi’s highest level of priority. A solution will be
made available as soon as possible.