Recall - A/T, Differential Oil Replacement
January 1993Subject:
1985-91 Model Audi Vehicles Equipped With 3-Speed Automatic Transmission Replace Differential Gear Oil
Dear Audi Dealer:
This is to inform you of the indication of a recall campaign involving all 1985 through 1991 model Audi vehicles equipped with 3-speed automatic transmission.
Defect Description
It is possible that some of the oil lubricating the differential gears and bearings in 3-speed automatic transmission vehicles could be lost over time due to evaporation. A low oil level in the differential could cause premature bearing and gear wear and eventually failure of the differential.
Remedial Action
The gear oil from the differential must be drained and replaced with an advanced design high performance gear oil. In addition, the owner is to be provided with a revised maintenance schedule specifying checking of the differential gear oil level at every 15,000 mile service interval.
Customer Notification
Audi of America, Inc. will notify all known owners of affected vehicles directly by first class mail on or about January 29, 1993. A sample copy of the owner notification letter is enclosed for your information.
Vehicle Allocation
Prior to owner notification, we will furnish you with a computer printed list of affected vehicles containing names and addresses of owners residing within your primary area of influence.
Limitation on Sale or Lease of Certain Vehicles
Section 154(d) of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 mandates that dealers correct, prior to sale or lease, any vehicle which fails to comply with an applicable Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or which contains a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety. It is therefore mandatory that any vehicle in your inventory and affected by this recall be corrected prior to sale or lease.
Parts Supply
An initial supply of a new high performance gear oil, marketed by Volkswagen of America, Inc. under part number G 052 145 A2 will automatically be allocated to you. Additional supplies must be ordered by you from your parts depot. Important: Use only the specified gear oil identified above.
Repair Instructions
Included in this notification are detailed gear oil replacement instructions. Please adhere closely to this procedure including notes of caution.
In addition, we are providing you a specially developed video to familiarize your service technicians with important background information and the steps necessary to complete the recall work.
Disposal of Old Lubricant
The drained differential oil must be stored and disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations.
Special Tools
A suction pump, part number KL 2234 (ordering number TKL 223 400 KLI), has been specially developed for this action. Prior to the initiation of this recall, we will ship two (2) suction pumps to you at no charge. Additional pumps can be ordered using normal pads ordering procedures at a cost to you of approximately $14.00 per pump.
Information Pamphlet
Included is an information pamphlet explaining the reasons for this recall and the advantages of the newly developed differential lubricant. Please use this information for discussions with your customers.
Information Label and Information Tag
Upon servicing each vehicle, affix a label to the front crossmember as outlined in the work procedure. An ample supply of labels has been shipped to you.
In addition, a plastic information tag must be attached to the AFT dipstick and secured according to the work procedure. An ample supply of these tags has also been shipped to you.
Revised Vehicle Maintenance Schedule/Coupons for Future Free Differential Oil Level Check
A differential oil level check every 15,000 miles is reinstated effective immediately.
Please provide each of your customers with the new maintenance schedule which includes coupons for two (2) oil level checks free of charge. Please follow the instructions in the work procedure for filling in the VIN and mileages.
The customer should be advised to keep the maintenance schedule and coupons in the glove compartment of his/her vehicle.
An ample supply of maintenance schedules with blank coupons attached has been shipped to you.
Special Differential Repair Needs
There may be instances where a customer complains of transaxle noises when presenting his/her car for the recall service. We request that you verify the complaint by determining whether the noise is present and, if so, emanates from the differential. In such cases, we request that you contact your Audi District Service Operations Manager for guidance as to what action should be taken.
Special Program Support Elements
The recall program provides your Service Department with the opportunity to maximize customer convenience. In addition to the technical content of the program, we provide you with special program support elements:
- a free loaner vehicle for one (1) day, if requested
- a free car wash and vacuum - every car
The expenses for these program elements will be reimbursed as indicated in the Reimbursement Procedure. Please see reimbursement procedure for selecting the applicable reimbursement code.
Time Allowance/Reimbursement
See Campaign Data Entry Procedure.
Customer Request for Reimbursement
Please suggest to any owner seeking reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred for previous repairs of the differential to send the appropriate documentation to:
Audi of America, Inc.
Attention Customer Relations - 2F02
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Additional Campaigns
Some of the affected vehicles may require completion of previously announced recall repairs. For the convenience of the owner, please perform these additional repairs at the same time after verifying their open status in the V-Crest system.
Campaign Authorization
In accordance with campaign procedures, Audi of America, Inc. will mail notification letters, including authorization forms, to all known owners.
If a customer does not present an authorization form, it is imperative that you confirm the open recall status before you commence work by accessing the V-Crest system or by contacting your Zone office. Reimbursement requests for duplicated recall repairs will not be accepted.