2021-2022 Audi Front Seat Belt Twisted TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2058455/6 to address a common issue where the front seat belts in certain 2021-2022 models become twisted. This bulletin, dated March 29, 2023, supersedes an earlier TSB, Group 69 number 21-71, from October 12, 2021.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may notice the following condition:

• "One or both of the front seat belts are twisted."

Technical Background

The root cause of the Audi front seat belt twisted issue lies in how the seat belt webbing interacts with the seat belt height adjuster and the "seat belt park function." When a seat belt is unbuckled and retracts, it can sometimes twist slightly. This twist can then be pulled past the deflector of the seat belt height adjuster, especially when the "seat belt park function" activates, leading to a completely twisted seat belt.

Production Solution

Audi has implemented an improved seat belt design in production vehicles starting in the third quarter of 2022. This change aims to prevent the twisting issue in newly manufactured vehicles.

Repair Procedure Summary

For vehicles experiencing a Audi front seat belt twisted condition, the repair involves replacing the affected seat belt guide. The process is detailed in the TSB and generally follows these steps:

1. Preparation: Remove the upper B-Pillar trim on the affected side, following the instructions in the Elsa Repair Manual.
2. Deflector Removal: Remove the bolt securing the seat belt deflector. It is not necessary to remove the entire seat belt for this repair.
3. Old Guide Removal: Carefully remove the old belt guide (a plastic part) from the steel deflector. Begin by detaching it from the bolt hole, then press out the lower section covering the metal tab. Exercise caution to avoid damaging the seat belt webbing.
4. Untwisting: With the old belt guide removed, manually turn the seat belt webbing to remove any existing twists.
5. New Guide Installation: Install the modified seat belt guide. The part number for the front driver side is 4K8 857 799, and for the front passenger side is 4K8 857 800. Start by installing the guide at the deflector metal tab, then push it into the bolt hole until the plastic retainers snap into place.
6. Inspection and Reassembly: Inspect the front and back of the deflector to ensure the guide locking tabs are properly secured. Reinstall the seat belt deflector at the height adjuster and pull the seat belt out completely to confirm it retracts correctly. Finally, reinstall the B-Pillar trim.

Required Tools or Parts

Only modified seat belts should be ordered for twist concerns. The following parts are specified in the TSB:

• 4K8 857 799: Relay fitting, left front (for A6, A7, A8, Audi e-tron quattro, and Audi e-tron sportback) - 01 as needed
• 4K8 857 800: Relay fitting, right front (for A6, A7, A8, Audi e-tron, quattro, and Audi e-tron sportback) - 01 as needed

For Q8 models, the TSB also lists several three-point automatic seat belt part numbers, indicating potential supersessions. Always refer to the latest ETKA system for the correct color code and current part numbers. Fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws should be obtained as needed per the Repair Manual.

Important Warnings

• Repair Scope: Only perform this repair on the affected side where the seat belt is twisted.
• Part Ordering: Only order modified seat belts specifically for twist concerns. For other issues, non-modified seat belts can be used.
• Tool Usage: Do not use sharp objects when removing the old belt guide to prevent damage to the seat belt webbing.

Warranty Information

This TSB outlines specific warranty claim procedures. The claim type covers vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, and G10 for CPO Covered Vehicles (owner verification required). If the vehicle is outside of warranty, this bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

• Service Number: 6913
• Damage Code: 0010
• Labor Operations:
  • Modify 1 front belt: 6911 4999 (40 TU for A6/A7 family; 50 TU for A8, Audi e-tron quattro, Audi e-tron sportback)
  • Modify 2 front belts: 6911 5099 (70 TU for A6/A7 family; 90 TU for A8; 80 TU for Audi e-tron quattro, Audi e-tron sportback)

For Q8 models, specific labor operations for removing and installing 1 or 2 belts (6911 1900 and 6911 2000, respectively) refer to the SRT for associated operations.

Source: NHTSA ID 10233615