Autodata Technical Issue 57 – Whistling noise from centre of fascia at 65 mph in 2010 Audi A4

Each month the Autodata team answers a common technical question and provides a printable document with technical diagrams to download and keep, exclusively for IGA members.

Q. We are struggling to diagnose a whistling noise on a 2010 Audi A4. The whistling noise is coming from the centre of the fascia area when the vehicle is at speeds of approximately 65 mph (105 kph). The whistling noise is louder when the heater blower motor is switched off. We have looked at the heater ventilation system, but could not find any faults. Can you help?

A.Yes, the whistling noise you described has been reported to us before by other Audi A4 and A5 owners. The noise is due to air ingress into the vehicle interior through an open grommet in the bulkhead. The noise is only present in petrol models as Diesel models make use of the grommet opening.

To resolve the noise issue, insert a 10 mm length of butyl cord into the opening in the grommet (fig. 1.1). Carry out a road test to ensure the whistling noise has been eliminated.

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