A2621462062029_2

26 Creaking noises are heard from exhaust flap at idle speed - V6 2.9TFSI
26 21 46 2062029/2 May 18, 2021. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 26 number 21-43 dated
February 1, 2021 for reasons listed below.
Model(s)
Year
VIN Range
Vehicle-Specific Equipment
RS 6 Avant,
RS 7
2020 - 2021
All
Not Applicable
RS 5, RS 5
Cabriolet,
and RS 5
Sportback
2019, 2021
All
Not Applicable
Condition
REVISION HISTORY
Revision
Date
Purpose
2
-
Revised header (Added RS 6 and RS 7)
Revised Condition (Updated Customer statement)
Revised Technical Background (Added information)
Revised Service (Added information)
1
02/01/2021
Initial publication
Customer states:
 There are creaking noises from the exhaust system, from the exhaust flaps (with engine idling/when changing
gear/maneuvering).
 The exhaust flap may open/close several times independently.
Workshop findings:
 A flap/motor operating noise can be heard from the rear silencer when the exhaust flaps are activated.
Technical Background
The exhaust flap system is a mechanical system that is exposed to significant influences due to weather,
thermodynamics and other environmental conditions which may affect the flap mechanism and the noise emitted
from the area of the rear silencer.
Although all of these influences can cause noises that may be heard inside or in the vicinity of the vehicle, this is
due to technical design and is not a cause for concern.
Page 1 of 3
© 2021 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.
If the exhaust flap opens and closes several times independently while you are using the vehicle, this is part
of a functional check of the exhaust flap mechanism that is initiated by the software. While the vehicle is being
operated, the ECM may detect friction on the exhaust flap mechanism. A “loosening” function is implemented in
many models to overcome this type of friction which may occur suddenly (self-rectification). This can be seen by
the exhaust flap being activated several times in a row during an operating cycle. The customer may notice this
happening in some cases.
Production Solution
Not applicable.
Service
Explain the Technical Background to the customer if necessary.
1. Evaluate the customer concern by comparing it with the video located
at: https://audiexternal.kzoplatform.com/player/medium/1872019322604361204
(Figure 1).
Figure 1. QR code for viewing the
supporting video.
2 The noise can be compared by following the sequence below:
 Engine idling.
 Drive select mode: dynamic.
 Shift selector lever from P to D and N.
3 When shifting, the exhaust flap is activated and opens or closes, providing the best opportunity to check the
normal operating noise of the exhaust flaps.
4  If the control motor and exhaust flap noise is found comparable to the audio file, then the concern is not
valid and the noise is considered to be normal operation. In this case do not replace any components and
explain to the customer that this sound is normal and caused by the operation of the exhaust flaps. The
vehicle can be released to the customer.
Page 2 of 3
© 2021 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.
 If there is rattling, twittering or bubbling noises, then refer to TSB 2058998: 26 Noises are heard from the
exhaust at idle, DTCs P047600, P048C00, P04A000, or P301B00 are stored in the ECM.
 If the noise is different than the audio file and the above TSB, continue diagnosis outside of these TSBs.
Warranty
This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty
Additional Information
The following Technical Service Bulletin(s) will be necessary to complete this procedure:
 TSB 2058998, 26 Noises are heard from the exhaust at idle, DTCs P047600, P048C00, P04A000, or P301B00
are stored in the ECM.
All part and service references provided in this TSB (2062029) are subject to change and/or removal. Always
check with your Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins. Please check the
Repair Manual for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during the repair.
©2021 Audi of America, Inc. All rights reserved. The 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.
Page 3 of 3
© 2021 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.