2021-2022 Audi LED Daytime Running Lights Color Difference TSB

Symptoms

Owners of various 2021-2022 Audi models equipped with LED lights may observe that "the daytime running light LEDs in the headlights have slightly different shades of color." This is a visual observation and not typically accompanied by any warning lights or error messages.

Workshop findings confirm that there are no related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's system when this condition is present. The primary concern is the aesthetic difference in color between the two headlights.

Technical Explanation

The minor color differences in the LED daytime running lights are a normal characteristic stemming from the manufacturing process of the LEDs themselves. LEDs produce white light through a coating of yellow phosphor applied to a blue LED.

During production, LED manufacturers sort the complete production volume into very fine color ranges. While a permissible range of white for road traffic is defined by law (e.g., DIN 5033), Audi uses an even smaller, more precise section of this range to minimize color deviations. However, even with this stringent selection, a finer color selection is not possible in mass production, which can lead to minimal, yet noticeable, color differences between individual LED units or headlights. This is considered normal and inherent to the technology.

Important Information for Owners

If you notice an Audi e-tron LED daytime running lights color difference or similar variations in other affected Audi models, it's important to understand Audi's official stance as per TSB 2023322/3:

• No Repair Needed: This condition is considered normal and does not indicate a fault. Technicians are instructed not to carry out any repairs for this color difference.
• No Warranty Coverage: This Technical Service Bulletin is informational only and the condition is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. Owners will not be charged for diagnosis related to this specific concern, but no repair will be performed under warranty.
• Explanation to Customer: Dealerships are advised to explain the technical background of this phenomenon to customers, clarifying that the slight color variations are a normal manufacturing characteristic.

TSB Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin has undergone several revisions to update its scope and information:

• Revision 3 (March 18, 2021): Revised the header to include Model Year 2021 and 2022 vehicles.
• Revision 2 (July 1, 2010): Revised the header to specify 2011 models.
• Revision 1 (June 2, 2010): Initial publication of the bulletin.

This bulletin (94 21 36 2023322/3) supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 94 number 10-26 dated July 1, 2010.

NHTSA ID: 10189325