51 Vehicle inspection, protection removal, and detailing
51 20 13 2009967/16 March 12, 2020. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 51 number 18-12 dated
August 6, 2018 for reasons listed below.
Model(s)

Year

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

All

2012 – 2023

All

Not Applicable

Condition
REVISION HISTORY
Revision

Date

Purpose

16

-

Revised header (Corrected Elsa display issue)

15

08/06/2018

Revised header (Added model years)
Revised Service (Revised products and product numbers)
Revised Required Parts and Tools (Revised products and product numbers)

14

09/15/2017

Revised header (Added model years)
Revised Service (Updated instructions)

Instructions for vehicle inspection, protection removal, and detailing.

Technical Background
Not applicable.

Production Solution
Not applicable.

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© 2020 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.

Service
INDEX OF INFORMATION
 The detailer’s role
 Inspecting vehicle cover for damage (to be completed within 48 hours of delivery to dealership)
 Shipping damage
 Spin-woven covers, removal, and disposal
 Rapguard® removal and disposal, vehicle inspection, and residue removal
 Exterior body, wheels, and tires
 Paint finish, inspecting for swirl marks
 Exterior glass, cleaning
 Interior, cleaning
 Additional information
Tip: Part numbers listed in this bulletin are for reference only. Always check with your Parts Department
and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins.

The detailer’s role
The impact you have on the Audi customer is immense. You play a vital role in delivering a perfect Audi to your
customers. The delivery process is exciting for our customers. Your attention to detail will give an Audi customer a
positive experience about his or her new car far beyond the first day of delivery. By preparing a perfectly-detailed
vehicle for your customer, you are not only meeting or exceeding your customer’s expectations, you are also
helping to eliminate any buyer’s remorse (the feeling of anxiety people experience after making a large or
important purchase).
To help you with your detailing role in the perfect delivery process, refer to the Audi Vehicle Detail Report. This
form can be found on ServiceNet.
Forms for the Perfect Delivery procedure can be viewed on ServiceNet and in the PDI chapter of the Audi Top
Service Process Guide in → AccessAudi.com
Unless otherwise instructed, the completed and signed checklist should be left in the glove box of the vehicle for
easy access by the Audi Brand Specialist (ABS).
Please know that you have a team behind you with excellent products and support to enable you to make a
perfect delivery each and every time!
By utilizing the following procedures, you will be able to exceed the customer’s expectations and deliver the finest
vehicle possible.

Page 2 of 26
© 2020 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.

Inspecting vehicle cover for damage
1. When the vehicle arrives at the dealership, the spin-woven cover should be inspected for damage. If the cover
is damaged or if obvious damage is seen due to the cover having come loose during transportation remove the
cover and inspect the vehicle for damage. Note any damage on the shipping invoice and have the driver sign
the invoice.
2. Within 48 hours after arrival at dealership, inspect the complete spin-woven cover for damage.
If the spin-woven cover is damaged (torn, cut, etc.), remove the cover using appropriate steps to allow for
inspection of damage. If any shipping damage is found, see Shipping Damage.

Shipping damage
You must note the damage on the Carrier Delivery Receipt, including damage type, extent, and location. Failure
to note damage on the Carrier Delivery Receipt will result in non-payment of the repair.
Tip: For all transportation issues, refer to Chapter 5 of the Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Spin-woven covers, removal and disposal
1. Unzip and fold cover toward center (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Unzip and fold cover.

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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.

2. Roll cover upward (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Roll cover upward.

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© 2020 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.

3. Insert fabric strip into tab provided to retain cover
(if applicable) (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Inserting fabric strip.
The door can be now be opened, making it possible to move the vehicle if necessary.
Note:
After it has been opened to allow driver access to move the vehicle, close the cover immediately to ensure
continued protection against contamination from industrial materials.

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© 2020 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.

4. With cover access door unzipped, folded, and
retained, open the driver’s door and remove cover
from sill (rocker panel) (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Remove cover from sill.

Page 6 of 26
© 2020 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.

5. Remove tape from area adjacent to B-pillar
(Figure 5).

Figure 5. Remove tape.

Page 7 of 26
© 2020 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.

6. Close vehicle door and zip up access door in
cover (Figure 6).

Figure 6. Zipped-up door cover.

Page 8 of 26
© 2020 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.

7. Remove tape from area around windshield (Figure
7).
Tip: Tape removal should be performed
slowly and indoors after surface temperatures
have been allowed to stabilize within the given
range. The ideal body surface temperature for
tape removal is 60°F (15.5° C) to 80°F (26.6° C).

Figure 7. Remove tape from windshield.

Page 9 of 26
© 2020 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.

8. Fold out molded sections from within
wheelhousings. Shake out any debris that may
have accumulated under the molded wheelhouse
sections before removing (Figure 8).

Figure 8. Shake out debris.

Page 10 of 26
© 2020 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.

9. Remove rubber (bungee) straps and their plastic
hooks from sills (rocker panels) (Figure 9).
If equipped: Remove 2 Kevlar bands and 4
plastic clips at underbody section.

Figure 9. Remove rubber straps and hooks from sill.

Page 11 of 26
© 2020 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.

10. With the aid of an assistant, lift cover from left and
right sides of rear bumper (Figure 10).
If equipped: Remove hooks from underside.
Unzip cover at trunk lid, remove inner bracket,
and close zipper.

Figure 10. Lift cover.

Page 12 of 26
© 2020 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.

11. Fold up cover as shown (fold to roof center)
(Figure 11).

Figure 11. Fold up cover.

Page 13 of 26
© 2020 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.

12. With the aid of an assistant, lift cover from front
bumper as shown (Figure 12).
If equipped: Remove hooks from underside.

Figure 12. Lift cover from front bummer.

Page 14 of 26
© 2020 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.

13. Fold cover upward, as previously completed at
rear of vehicle (Figure 13).

Figure 13. Fold cover upward.

Page 15 of 26
© 2020 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.

14. Allow cover to rest on roof of vehicle while folding
sides up (Figure 14).

Figure 14. Allow cover to rest on roof.
15. Remove shipping cover with the aid of an assistant.
Note:
To avoid the potential for surface damage, do not remove cover without the aid of an assistant.
16. Dispose of the cover (preferably by recycling, to allow material recovery). Do not reuse the cover.

Rapguard® removal and disposal, vehicle inspection, and residue removal
Vehicles are shipped with Rapguard. This self-adhering plastic product is applied in certain areas of the vehicle
and is designed to provide protection from all types of possible damages.
Note:
Rapgard must be removed from the vehicle no later than six months after application. See sticker (location on
vehicle body varies) for detailed information.
1. Ensure that the vehicle is at room temperature. The ideal body surface temperature for Rapgard removal is
60°F (15.5°C) to 80°F (26.6° C).
If body surface temperatures are below 60°F (15.5°C) or above 80°F (26.6° C), then removal procedure should
be performed indoors after surface temperatures have been allowed to stabilize within the given range.

Page 16 of 26
© 2020 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.

2. Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with water to remove surface dirt or dust and to help stabilize body surface
temperatures.
3. Starting at the corners of each panel, carefully remove Rapgard from vehicle.
4. Dispose of Rapgard as normal plastic waste. If unsure about proper disposal procedures in your area, check
local regulations.
Vehicle inspection after Rapgard removal
Inspect painted surfaces either indoors under fluorescent lighting or outdoors under bright sunlight.
 If any scratches, dings, or dents are identified:
Important: If any defects (scratches, dings, dents and other types of body damage) on the exterior are
identified, contact your supervisor and arrange to repair defects immediately. Repairs must be completed prior
to delivery.
 If paint discoloration is identified:
After removal of Rapgard, some vehicles may exhibit temporary paint discoloration or paint swelling caused by
moisture trapped under the Rapgard. The discoloration looks like shaded or dark magic marker lines. This
swelling will disappear with exposure to the sun or heat lamps within 2 – 3 hours. Severe paint swelling may
require 2 – 3 days to recover.
Tip: Do not buff or refinish paint for this condition.
Remove paint discoloration with a heat gun using the following procedure:
a. Hold heat gun approximately 3 inches away from affected paint surfaces and apply heat using slow
oscillating motions until discoloration is gone.
b. If discoloration remains, wipe the heated area with isopropyl alcohol and repeat procedure to increase
surface drying.
c. If this process is not successful and discoloration remains, refer to TSB 2014055: 55 Paint spotting on top
surfaces.
After discoloration is removed, or if no discoloration was detected, inspect and remove any adhesive residue.
Rapgard adhesive residue removal
1. Remove light lines of adhesive residue with Perfect-It™ non-abrasive polishing products for light- or darkcolored vehicles.
2. Remove thick lines of adhesive residue with 3M™ Specialty Adhesive Remover.
Note:
The 3M™ Specialty Adhesive Remover is to be used solely for this purpose.
3M™ Perfect-It™ Foam Polishing Pad Glaze Swirl Mark Remover (for dark colored vehicles)
Part Number