Electrical - Harness Damage From Animal Bites
97 Harness damage from animal bites97 10 10
2021169/2
July 1, 2010
Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 97 number 09-04 dated July 30, 2009 for reasons listed below.
Affected Vehicles
Condition
The customer may report:
^ Engine warning light illuminated in IP cluster.
^ Reduced driving performance.
^ Engine does not start.
^ Coolant warning light illuminated.
^ ABS warning light illuminated.
^ Parking system warning illuminated in IP cluster
^ Cable or rubber hose damages in the engine compartment.
Workshop findings: Fault code entries in control modules.
Technical Background
Animal damage primarily occurs on easily accessible, exposed cables and on thin cables.
Production Solution
Continuous improvements.
Service
1. On electric cables, the biting damage is difficult to recognize because of the thin sheathing. Disconnect the electric cables to check for damage on rubber hoses.
2. Stretch the hose and inspect the damaged area of the cable with a suitable light.
Prickmarks are typical of biting damage (Figures 1 and 2). If pricks are found, animal damage can be assumed.
The cracked/fractured surface in Figure 3 can be diagnosed with damage code "torn" or "broken," although an animal bite was the cause.
Check the adjacent area for pricks by slightly stretching the hose.
Further indications of an animal bite are tattered insulation mats, animal hairs/feathers or paw marks.
3. Replace the damaged components according to the Repair Manual.
4. To avoid future animal bites, advise the customer to clean the engine compartment. Electrical deterrents and cable protection have proven effective, but 100% protection cannot be guaranteed.
Warranty
This damage is due to outside influence and is not covered by any Audi warranty.
Additional Information
Recommended animal protection measures:
^ Electric deterrents. Similar to electric fences, these deterrents ensure effective and sustainable protection. Animals are driven away by harmless electric shocks. Such systems are commercially available.
^ Cable protection. Slotted corrugated pipes of hard plastic are pulled over the cables. No cables must be omitted. Corrugated pipes for cables and thin hoses are shown in the special parts catalogue under HG 09, UG 71, illustration 979-00. Cables and hoses must not become kinked.
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.