2021 Audi A6/A7 Water Ingress & Infotainment Issues TSB

Owners of 2021 Audi A6 and A7 models may encounter issues such as water in the footwell area or various infotainment system malfunctions. These problems are addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2060335/2, issued on November 10, 2020. This bulletin supersedes an earlier TSB, Group 50 number 20-00, dated August 4, 2020, and provides updated instructions for resolving water ingress. The primary cause for this concern, including the presence of water in the footwell, is identified as incorrect bonding of the sound absorber within the longitudinal member of the vehicle.

If you own a 2021 Audi A6 or A7 and are experiencing these symptoms, understanding the details of TSB 2060335/2 can help you communicate effectively with your service center. This TSB outlines a specific repair procedure to prevent water intrusion and mitigate associated electrical and infotainment problems.

Symptoms of Water Ingress

Owners typically notice several key indicators if their vehicle is affected by this water ingress problem. The most direct symptom is the presence of water in the footwell area. This can often be discovered under the carpet during inspection.

Beyond visible water, the intrusion can lead to electrical issues, manifesting as:

• Malfunctions of various infotainment features.
• "Various error messages" displayed in the instrument cluster.
• Corrosion on electrical connectors found under the floor covering, which can further exacerbate electrical problems.

These symptoms collectively point to the underlying issue of water intrusion, which can compromise critical electronic components and vehicle systems.

The Root Cause: Incorrect Sealing

According to Audi's technical background, the fundamental cause of the water ingress is an incorrect bonding of the sound absorber located inside the longitudinal member. This component, designed to reduce noise, is not properly sealed, creating a pathway for water to enter the vehicle's cabin.

The TSB includes diagrams (like ETKA drawing 803-000) illustrating the precise location of this sound absorber and the areas where water intrusion is likely to occur on the cabin floor. This incorrect sealing allows water to bypass the vehicle's protective barriers, leading to the observed issues, including the 2021 Audi A6 water in footwell problem.

Important Note for Diagnosis

Audi emphasizes a critical diagnostic step: "Only perform the following repair if water intrusion is confirmed as coming from the sound absorber in the longitudinal member. The following repair will only correct this root cause. If the water intrusion is confirmed but the longitudinal members are not at issue, continue diagnosis outside the scope and instruction provided in this TSB." This means technicians must accurately identify the source of the water leak before proceeding with the TSB's repair. If the water is entering from another location, this specific repair will not resolve the problem.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair outlined in TSB 2060335/2 involves a multi-step process to seal the longitudinal member and prevent further water ingress.

1. Initial Inspection: Technicians first remove any necessary underbody covers to gain access to the longitudinal member plugs. They then remove specific plugs (e.g., plug 1 and 5 on the lower right and left) to check for water leakage. If water leaks from these points, the sealing measure is performed on the affected side(s). Both sides are checked and repaired if necessary.
2. Interior Drying and Electrical Check: If water intrusion is found inside the vehicle, the floor covering is lifted and the interior is thoroughly dried. Electrical connectors under the floor covering are inspected for corrosion, and any damaged connectors are repaired according to the Elsa repair manual.
3. Accessing the Sound Absorber: The front wheel housing liner is removed from the affected side of the vehicle. A specific plug is removed to create an opening for sealant application, while another opening is used for borescope inspection.
4. Sealing Application: A 1k adhesive sealant, specifically Audi part number D 511 500 A2 (or alternatively Loctite 5510), is injected into the opening using a VAG1628 cartridge gun (or equivalent). The sealant is applied to completely cover and seal the sound absorber within the longitudinal member.
5. Sealant Distribution and Inspection: The sealant is then spread using a gloved finger or a specially fashioned brush to ensure even distribution over the sound absorber. A borescope (VAS 6748 B or equivalent) is inserted through a designated opening to visually confirm complete coverage and proper sealing.
6. Cavity Preservation: Once the sealant has fully cured, cavity preservative D 330KD2A1 is applied to the inside of the longitudinal member for additional protection.
7. Plug Replacement: Finally, the original plugs removed from the longitudinal member are replaced with new drain tube grommets (part number 8K0 805 267). These new grommets are designed with an integrated drain to prevent future water accumulation.

This comprehensive procedure aims to permanently resolve the 2021 Audi A6 water in footwell issue by addressing the source of the leak.

Required Tools and Parts

Performing the repair detailed in TSB 2060335/2 requires specific materials and specialized tools to ensure effectiveness and proper application. Technicians will utilize:

• 1k Adhesive Sealant: Audi part number D 511 500 A2, or the alternative Loctite 5510.
• Cavity Preservative: Audi part number D 330KD2A1, or the alternative D 321M16M2.
• New Longitudinal Member Plugs: Part number 8K0 805 267, which feature an integrated drain. Two of these plugs are needed per side.
• Standard Fasteners: Bolts, nuts, and screws as required, referenced through the ETKA system.
• VAG1628 Cartridge Gun: Or an equivalent tool, used for precise application of the adhesive sealant.
• VAS 6748 B Borescope: Or an equivalent inspection camera, crucial for verifying complete sealant coverage inside the longitudinal member.
• VAS 1978A Wiring Harness Repair Set: For repairing any electrical connectors damaged by corrosion.
• VAS 6160/VAS 6150 (ODIS Service with VAS tester): Diagnostic equipment for checking and clearing fault codes and ensuring proper system function after repairs.

Warranty Coverage and Claim Details

Audi provides warranty coverage for this repair under specific conditions. The claim type is "110" and covers vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. If a vehicle is outside this warranty period, TSB 2060335/2 serves as informational guidance, meaning the owner would typically be responsible for the repair costs.

The Service Number associated with this bulletin is 5079, and the Damage Code is 0010. These codes are used by dealerships for proper claim processing. Labor operations are detailed for both single-side and dual-side repairs, including specific time units (TU) for tasks such as:

• Wheel removal and reinstallation (4405 1900 for one side, 4405 2000 for both).
• Front-wheel housing liner removal and reinstallation (6616 1900 for one side, 6616 2000 for both).
• Gaining access, removing plugs, and resealing the sound absorber (5079 9999 – 30 TU for one side, 50 TU for both).
• Loosening floor covering and drying the interior (7041 9999 – 120 TU for one side, 210 TU for both).
• Inspecting and repairing electrical connectors (9709 41XX).
• Diagnostic time (0150 0000 – Max 50 TU).

Road tests before and after the service procedure are also accounted for with no allowance (0 TU). All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual, and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

Source: NHTSA ID 10182484