A611523 2010342-

Technical Service Bulletin
61 Convertible top, cleaning exterior cloth
61 15 23 2010342/7 August 31, 2015. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 61 number 13-21 dated
September 3, 2013 for reasons listed below.
Model(s)
Year
VIN Range
Vehicle-Specific Equipment
A4 Cabriolet
2003 - 2009
All
Not Applicable
A5 Cabriolet
2010 - 2016
All
Not Applicable
TT Roadster
2003 - 2017
All
Not Applicable
R8 Spyder
2011 - 2015
All
Not Applicable
Condition
REVISION HISTORY
Revision
Date
Purpose
7
-
Revised header data (Added model years)
6
9/3/2013
Revised header data (Added models and model years)
5
8/16/2011
Revised header data (Added models and model years)
Revised Required Part and Tools (Updated materials)
Convertible top exterior cloth appears soiled.
Technical Background
The convertible top is made of durable fabric that has been treated at the factory with a compound that helps repel
dirt and water. With proper care, the cloth will retain its function and proper appearance for a long time. It is normal,
however, for the fabric to slightly change color as it ages. This is particularly true of lighter-color tops.
The cloth tension changes when the top is opened, which can cause kinks. When the top is closed, the kinks
improve after a short time. However, these material-related kinks can never be completely avoided.
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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
In addition, dirt and dust can deposit in the kinks. If these
dirt and dust deposits are not properly removed in a car
wash, they can contribute to poor appearance (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Dust and dirt deposits in the kinks of the top.
Customer care tips
Customers can keep their convertible top looking “like new” longer by following the care instructions below.
• Always open/close the top only when it is clean. Otherwise, particles of dirt can scratch the rear window when
the top folds down. These particles can also chafe and damage the fabric over a period of time.
• Remove ice and snow before opening and closing the roof. When removing ice or snow, do not use sharp
objects or any other tools that could scratch the fabric.
• Only open the top when the top is completely dry. If opened and stored when wet, unsightly marks or mildew
can form. If left uncleaned for long periods of time, the top cloth may become permanently stained.
• Never leave the top open for long periods of time. It should be stored in the closed position to prevent
discoloration in the folds of the fabric and to allow the creases to smooth out. This is especially important if the
top has once been stored when it was not completely dry.
• Remove bird droppings as soon as possible since they contain corrosive chemicals that will cause the rubber
impregnation in the top to swell and possibly allow the fabric to leak.
Note:
• Never use solvents on the fabric material.
• Never use a high-pressure power washer to clean the top.
Production Solution
Not applicable.
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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
Do not replace the convertible top for this condition. The top can be cleaned as follows:
For normal soiling:
Clean top with a soft-bristled brush and clear water from
a garden hose. Always brush from front to rear in the
direction of fabric weave (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Cleaning top with a soft-bristled brush and
clear water.
For very dirty tops with spotted areas:
1. With top dry, vacuum using a brush attachment.
2. Using a garden hose, rinse exterior top fabric thoroughly to remove soil and lose particles. This will prevent
soil from being redeposited during the cleaning process.
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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
3. Apply “Active Foam Cleaner” (part number:
00A096301A015) evenly over entire cloth surface of
the convertible top (apply directly to any spotted
areas) (Figure 3). Let stand 10 to 20 minutes.
Figure 3. Applying convertible top cleaner evenly over
entire vehicle.
4. Using soft-bristled brush only, brush from front to rear
in direction of fabric weave (Figure 4).
Figure 4. Using soft-bristled brush to brush in direction
of fabric weave.
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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
5. Using a garden hose without attachments (normal
water pressure only), thoroughly rinse top with clean
water until no soap foam remains (never aim the hose
at the same point for an extended period of time)
(Figure 5).
Figure 5. Thoroughly rinsed top.
6. After rinsing, allow the top to air dry only. Do not use a chamois to dry the top.
Tip:
• This process may be repeated on very dirty tops.
• Cleaning may be more difficult in colder climates below 54°F.
• Customer should always refer to their owner’s manual for additional information.
Warranty
This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi warranty.
Required Parts and Tools
Part Number
Part Description
Quantity
00A096301A015
Active foam cleaner
1
Additional Information
All parts and service references provided in this TSB (2010342) are subject to change and/or removal. Always
check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.
© 2015 Audi of America, Inc.
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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.