2021-2022 Audi e-tron Battery Module Software Update 93N6

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 93N6, titled "Software Update for Battery Modules Control Unit – (High-Voltage Battery Warranty)," to address a proactive software update for its e-tron electric vehicles. This update aims to improve the longevity and performance of the high-voltage battery system by optimizing cell management. Owners of affected vehicles should be aware of this important update to ensure their vehicle's battery health.

This TSB, identified as 93N6, was originally published on April 26, 2022, and has undergone several revisions, with the latest significant update on September 25, 2024, to refine the work procedure information.

What the Update Addresses

The high-voltage battery system in Audi e-tron vehicles consists of numerous individual battery cells. These cells naturally have slightly different voltages and capacities. Without proper management, the overall capacity of the battery system would be limited by the weakest cell, leading to faster aging and potential overloading of individual cells.

This 93N6 software update is designed to optimize the function of the control unit responsible for battery cell balancing. By stabilizing cell voltage measurements, the update ensures that the battery cells are balanced effectively, preventing premature degradation and maintaining the overall efficiency and lifespan of the high-voltage battery. This is a proactive measure to prevent potential issues from occurring in the vehicle's battery system, enhancing the reliability of your Audi e-tron battery software.

Important Warnings and Prerequisites

Several critical conditions and warnings must be observed before and during the application of the 93N6 software update:

• Eligibility Check: The procedure is only valid for vehicles that display the 93N6 code in the Elsa Campaign/Action Information screen on the day of repair. Always verify vehicle eligibility using Elsa, as it is the only binding inquiry and verification system.
• Warranty Parameters: The vehicle must be within its High-Voltage Battery Warranty parameters for the update to be performed under warranty.
• Dealer Inventory: For applicable vehicles in dealer inventory, the procedure must be performed prior to sale.
• Multiple Campaigns/Recalls: If multiple software update campaigns or actions are open for your vehicle, they MUST be performed in the order of their start date, with the oldest one completed first, unless otherwise specified. All Safety Recalls must be completed before this 93N6 campaign.
• Pre-existing Recalls 93V2 and 93U9: If the 93V2 or 93U9 safety recall is open, any evaluation step within those campaigns must be completed BEFORE performing the 93N6 update. The 93N6 software update will erase high-voltage battery historical data, which could lead to inaccurate evaluation for the 93U9 update. Therefore, 93N6 must be completed BEFORE the software update in 93U9.
• Diagnostic Tool Requirements:
  • The ODIS software on the diagnostic tester must be completely up to date.
  • A battery charger must be connected to the vehicle battery and remain connected throughout the entire software update process. Battery voltage must stay above 12.5 volts to prevent damage to control modules, which would not be covered under warranty if damaged due to insufficient voltage.
  • Screen saver and power saving settings on the diagnostic tester must be turned off to prevent the tester from entering power save mode during the update.
  • The VAS Diagnostic Tester must be plugged in using its supplied power adapters. It should NOT be used on battery power alone during the update.
  • The VAS Diagnostics Interface MUST ONLY be connected to the tester with a USB cable. Using Bluetooth or WiFi for the update is PROHIBITED, as it increases the risk of losing connection and potentially damaging control modules. Damage caused by using wireless connections will not be covered.
• Flash Process: The flash process must be performed through "Audi Flashing," not Guided Fault Finding (GFF). Using GFF will prolong the flash time, and requests for additional time will not be considered for warranty claims.
• Radiator Fan Warning: The radiator fan(s) may cycle ON at high speed during the update process. There is a serious risk of personal injury if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from the radiator fan(s) during the update.
• ODIS Hot-Fix Patches: If any ODIS "Hot-Fix" patches are installed, they must be removed from the scan tool before beginning this operation, as they may affect the update process.
• Warranty Claim Reimbursement: A warranty claim may not be reimbursed if the SVM Process is not completed in its entirety, as the database needs to receive the update confirmation response.
• Hazard Lights: The hazard warning lights must be switched on during the procedure. This prevents the system from switching to bus sleep mode, which could interrupt the update.
• Charger Connection: When connecting the charger directly to the battery, connect the positive cable to the positive terminal and the negative cable to the grounding lug on the chassis. DO NOT connect the ground cable directly to the negative terminal of the battery.

Repair Procedure Summary

The 93N6 software update involves a specific sequence of steps performed by a qualified Audi technician:

1. Vehicle Preparation: The technician will open the hood and battery cover, then attach a GRX3000VAS Tester/Charger (or equivalent) in power supply mode to the vehicle battery or underhood charging posts. Hazard warning lights are switched on.
2. Diagnostic Tool Setup: The VAS6150X/VAS6160X Diagnostic Tester is connected to the vehicle via a USB cable. The ODIS program is started, and communication with the diagnostic head is confirmed.
3. Software Flash Initiation: From the scan tool's home screen, the technician selects "Flash" (not "Diagnosis" or Guided Fault Finding). They then select "Starting Flashing" and follow the on-screen prompts, selecting "No RO" when prompted.
4. SVM Code Entry: The corrective action code 93N6A268 is entered into the SVM system. The technician selects "Accept" and continues to follow the on-screen instructions to perform the software update.
5. Completion and Protocol Transmission: After the flash is successfully completed, the diagnostic protocol is sent online. The technician then exits the flash session.
6. Bus Sleep Mode: To clear any event memory entries generated during the flashing procedure, the vehicle is put into bus sleep mode. This involves disconnecting the diagnostic tester, removing the key from the vehicle, and locking the vehicle with the remote for six minutes.

Required Tools and Equipment

Audi specifies the use of particular tools for this update to ensure proper execution and prevent damage:

• Battery Tester/Charger: GRX3000VAS (or equivalent)
• Diagnostic Tester: VAS6150X/VAS6160X (or equivalent)

Owner Action and Eligibility

If you own a 2021-2022 Audi e-tron or e-tron Sportback, it is recommended to contact an authorized Audi dealer to determine if your vehicle is eligible for this 93N6 software update. Your dealer can check the Elsa Campaign/Action Information screen for your specific VIN to confirm if the 93N6 code is open for your vehicle.

This update is performed under the High-Voltage Battery Warranty. Ensure that any safety recalls are addressed prior to this update. The dealer will inform you in writing of all work performed, including any updates completed under this service bulletin.

NHTSA ID: 11009224