Body - Cleaning Convertible Top Exterior Cloth
61 Convertible top, cleaning exterior cloth
61 11 14
2010342/5
August 16, 2011.
Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 61 number 09 - 03 dated June 25, 2009 for reasons listed below.
Affected Vehicles
313
Condition
Convertible top exterior cloth appears soiled.
Technical Background
The convertible top is made of durable fabric that has been treated at the factory with a compound that helps repel dirt and water. With proper care,
the cloth will retain its function and proper appearance for a long time. It is normal, however, for the fabric to change color somewhat as it ages. This
is particularly true of lighter-color tops.
When opening the top, the cloth tension changes, which can cause kinks. When the soft top is closed, these kinks improve again after a short time.
However, these material-related kinks can never be completely avoided. In addition, dust and dirt deposits in the kinks of the top. If not properly
removed in a car wash, this can further contribute to poor appearance.
Customer care tips
Customers can keep their convertible top looking "like new" longer by following the care instructions below.
^ Always open/close the top only when it is clean. Otherwise, particles of dirt can scratch the rear window when the top folds down. These
particles can also chafe and damage the fabric over a period of time.
^ Remove ice and snow before opening and closing the roof. When removing ice or snow, do not use sharp objects or any other tools which could
scratch the fabric.
^ Only open the top when the top is completely dry. If opened and stored when wet, unsightly marks or mildew can form. If left uncleaned for long
periods of time, the top cloth may become permanently stained.
^ Never leave the top open for long periods of time. It should be stored in the closed position to prevent discoloration in the folds of the fabric and
to allow the creases to smooth out. This is especially important if the top has once been stored when it was not completely dry.
^ Remove bird droppings as soon as possible since they contain corrosive chemicals that will cause the rubber impregnation in your top to swell and
possibly allow the fabric to leak.
Note:
^ Never use solvents on the fabric material.
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^ Never use a high-pressure power washer to clean the top.
Production Solution
Not applicable.
Service
Do not replace the convertible top for this condition. Tops can be cleaned as follows:
Condition 1, normal soiling:
Clean top with a soft bristled brush and clear water from a garden hose. Always brush from front to rear in the direction of fabric weave (Figure 2).
Condition 2, very dirty tops with spotted areas:
1. With top dry, vacuum using a brush attachment.
2. Using a garden hose, rinse exterior top fabric thoroughly to remove soil and lose particles. This will prevent soil from re-depositing during the
cleaning process.
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3. Apply "Active Foam Cleaner" part number: 00A 096 301 A 015 evenly over entire cloth surface of the convertible top (apply directly to any
spotted areas). Let stand 10 to 20 minutes.
4. Using soft bristled brush only, brush from front to rear in direction of fabric weave (Figure 5).
5. Using a garden hose without attachments (normal water pressure only), thoroughly rinse top with clean water until no soap foam is observed
(never aim the hose at the same point for an extended period of time).
6. After rinsing, allow to air dry only (chamois are not suitable for drying the top).
Note:
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This process may be repeated on very dirty tops.
^ Cleaning may be more difficult in colder climates below 54 Degrees Fahrenheit.
^ Customer should always refer to their owner's manuals for additional information.
Warranty
This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi warranty.
Required Parts and Tools
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.
