System Description - DRC

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 18 other vehicles, including the 2016 Audi S4, 2016 Audi A4 Quattro, 2016 Audi A4, 2015 Audi S4, and 2015 Audi A4 Quattro. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The DRC counteracts the pitching and rolling motions of the vehicle body around the longitudinal and cross axles and thus optimizes the vehicle driving characteristics. Switch-able DRC with variable damping is installed in Audi RS models.

In addition to reducing the pitching and rolling motions of the vehicle body (identical to the hydraulic DRC), the adjustable DRC with variable damping allows the driver to adjust and the damping level using the Audi drive select controls. Each shock absorber has an additional component with an integrated electric motor. The Electronic Damping Control Module -J250- controls the electric motors.

There are several damping settings:

"COMFORT"
"DYNAMIC"
"AUTO"
"INDIVIDUAL"

Only approved oil for filling and draining must be used. Refer to appropriate FLUID CAPACITY TABLE information.

CAUTION:

Extracting, evacuating and filling the DRC line on vehicles with variable damping may be performed only when the damping setting is set to "COMFORT " mode.

To extract, evacuate and fill the DRC line, start the Fill DRC >>function << on the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester under address word 14 in "Guided Functions ".

If the mode is activated, the system goes into "COMFORT " mode and can no longer be changed manually. The yellow indicator lamp in the instrument cluster turns on when filling mode is active.

Filling must only be performed at ambient temperature of approximately 20° C (68 °F).

As a replacement part, shock absorbers and lines are delivered empty.

Lines/dampers and central valves may only be evacuated and filled when they are installed and connected.

When the DRC system is disconnected from the individual components (for example, the connection between the line/damper/central valve), the vehicle must not be standing on its wheels.

While filling the DRC system, the gas reservoir to the pressure clamps is checked for leaks on the piston on the inside of the central valve.

If, while filling of the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system, a pressure of 22 bar cannot be reached or continually drops, then check all connections for damage and leakage. If no issues are found on the outside, the gas reservoir to the pressure clamps on the piston on the inside of the central valve is leaking. Replace the central valve.

If the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system is being extracted, evacuated or filled, then this must be performed on the front and rear extraction/filling valves for each damper line. Note the following:

WARNING:

Always wear safety goggles!

Before removing or disconnecting any DRC components, extract the affected line completely.

Shock absorbers must only be filled when installed and connected.

The vehicle must never be placed on wheels with closed, filled system and locked central valves. This inevitably leads to leaks and system malfunction.

Lines must not be bent.

A small oil leak at the connection when the central valve is locked that results from connecting or disconnecting the DRC Pressure Tester VAS6209/2 is not critical. Avoid repeating measurements because a small quantity of oil is removed from the system every time the DRC Pressure Tester VAS6209/2 is connected. Every connection results in a pressure decrease of approximately 0.3 bar from the previous reading. Multiple repeated measurements decrease system pressure below minimum pressure or failure.