Technical Service Bulletin
43 Self-leveling does not work: DTC 02645 stored
43 13 15 2033587/1 April 12, 2013.
Model(s)

Year

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

Q7

2007

099729 - 999999

Self-leveling Suspension

Q7

2008 -2014

All

Self-leveling Suspension

Condition
• Self-leveling suspension cannot be adjusted during extremely cold weather.
• The self-leveling suspension warning light is illuminated in the instrument cluster.
• The self-leveling suspension operates normally again after the vehicle has been parked for a while in a garage
or in the sun.
• DTC 20645 003 (valves for self-leveling control, mechanical fault) is present in the level control system module,
J197 (address word 34).

Technical Background
If the dryer on the air supply unit (air compressor) has taken in humidity for a long period of time, it may become
saturated. As a result, the increased air humidity may get into the solenoid valve block and create condensation. In
freezing temperatures, the condensation can freeze and block the valves, a condition that is recognized as a
mechanical fault by the vehicle’s self-diagnosis.
Humidity can also enter the system if there is too much water in the air filter housing. Excess water can enter the
air filter housing if the vehicle is driven in deep water or exposed to splashing water for an extended period of time
(such as during off-road use).

Production Solution
None.

© 2013 Audi of America, Inc.

Page 1 of 4

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
Ensure that the vehicle is not exposed to freezing temperatures before beginning.
1. Bleed the pressure reservoir and the suspension struts using guided functions.
2. Put the vehicle on a lift.
3. Remove the air supply unit.
4. Replace the dryer of the air supply unit using repair kit 4L0698010.
5. Remove the engine air filter element.
6. With the air supply unit disconnected from the vehicle, use compressed air to blow out the
intake hose between the air filter housing and the air supply unit.

Warning:
Always use eye protection when working with compressed air.

7.

Re-install the air supply unit.

8.

Using guided functions, completely fill, then bleed, the pressure reservoir and the
suspension struts. Repeat this process three times to blow out any remaining humidity.

9.

Perform a test drive in order to check the function of the self-leveling suspension. During
the test drive, adjust the self-leveling suspension several times.
The air supply unit may overheat and switch off due to excessive use during the test drive,
which is a normal function of the self-leveling suspension.

10. Erase any DTCs related to the self-leveling suspension that may have appeared as a
result of overheating during the test drive.

Tip: Replacement of the air supply unit is not required for this TSB, and will not be accepted by Audi
Warranty.

© 2013 Audi of America, Inc.

Page 2 of 4

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
Warranty
Claim Type:

Use applicable claim type. If vehicle is outside any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin
is informational only.

Service Number:

4315

Damage Code:

0016

Labor Operations:

Compressor remove & reinstall

4315 1900

70 TU

Remove and install repair kit

4315 1999

20 TU

Air cleaner element remove & reinstall (diesel
engines)

2324 1997

10 TU

Air cleaner element remove & reinstall (3.6L FSI)

2424 1958

10 TU

Air cleaner element remove & reinstall (3.0L
TFSI)

2424 1989

20 TU

Air cleaner element remove & reinstall (8 cyl gas
engines)

2424 2051

20 TU

Clean intake hose

4315 2999

10 TU

GFF

0150 0000

Time stated on
diagnostic
protocol (100 TU
Max)

Road test after service procedure

0121 0004

10 TU

Diagnostic Time:

Technical diagnosis at dealer’s discretion
(Refer to Section 2.2.1.2 and Audi Warranty Online for DADP allowance details)
Claim Comment:

As per TSB #2033587/1

All warranty claims submitted for payment must be in accordance with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures
Manual. Claims are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

Required Parts and Tools
Part Number

Part Description

Quantity

4L0698010

Repair set for air dryer unit

1

© 2013 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.

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.

© 2013 Audi of America, Inc.

Page 4 of 4

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.