2021-2022 Audi e-tron Battery Module Software Update TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 93N6 to provide a software update for the battery modules control unit in certain 2021-2022 Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback vehicles. This important update aims to optimize the function of the control unit with respect to battery cell voltage balancing, ensuring the longevity and performance of the high-voltage battery.

This proactive measure, identified as the 93N6 UPDATE, helps prevent potential issues related to individual battery cell degradation. Owners of affected vehicles should contact their authorized Audi dealer to have this essential Audi e-tron battery software update performed.

Technical Background

Electric vehicle battery systems, like those in the Audi e-tron, comprise numerous individual battery cells. These cells naturally exhibit slight differences in capacity and voltage. Without an effective balancing function, the overall battery capacity can be limited by the weakest cell, leading to individual cells becoming overloaded and aging prematurely.

This software update for the battery modules control unit addresses potential inefficiencies in the balancing function, which might be caused by errors in cell voltage measurement. By optimizing this function, the update stabilizes cell voltage measurements and ensures more uniform performance across all battery cells, thereby maintaining the high-voltage battery's efficiency and lifespan. This is a critical aspect of the Audi e-tron battery software update.

Applicable Vehicles

This TSB applies to the following Audi e-tron models. Eligibility for the 93N6 update must be confirmed by an authorized Audi dealer using the Elsa system.

Country	Beginning Model Year	Ending Model Year	Vehicle	Vehicle Count
USA	2019	2022	E-TRON QUATTRO	20,067
USA	2020	2022	E-TRON SPORTBACK QUATTRO	3,968
CAN	2019	2022	E-TRON QUATTRO	1,349
CAN	2020	2022	E-TRON SPORTBACK QUATTRO	505

Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin has undergone several revisions:

• Revision 4 (09/25/2024): Updated work procedure information.
• Revision 3 (05/30/2024): Updated warranty parameters.
• Revision 2 (02/14/2024): Updated work procedure information.
• Revision 1 (4/26/2022): Original publication.

Important Warnings and Eligibility

Audi has issued several crucial advisories regarding the 93N6 UPDATE:

• Eligibility Verification: The procedure is valid only for vehicles that show the 93N6 code as "open" in the Elsa Campaign/Action Information screen on the day of repair. Elsa is the sole valid source for eligibility verification; its status must show “open.” If the update appears to have been performed but the code still shows "open", contact Warranty before proceeding.
• Prior Recalls: All Safety Recalls, including 93V2 or 93U9 safety recalls, must be completed prior to performing this campaign. If 93V2 or 93U9 are open, their evaluation steps must be completed before the 93N6. The 93N6 update will erase high-voltage battery historical data, potentially leading to inaccurate evaluations for 93V2 or 93U9 if performed out of order. The 93N6 must be completed BEFORE the software update in the 93U9.
• Diagnostic Tool Connection: The VAS Diagnostics Interface MUST ONLY be connected to the diagnostic tester with a USB cable. Performing a software update using a Bluetooth or WiFi connection is PROHIBITED as it increases the risk of losing connection, which could result in damage to the control module. Requests for additional time or parts will be denied if the GFF log shows the update was performed using Bluetooth or WiFi. Damage caused by using wireless connections will not be covered under warranty.
• Power Supply: A battery charger, such as the GRX3000VAS- (or equivalent), must be connected to the vehicle battery and remain connected for the duration of the software update. Battery voltage must remain above 12.5 volts. Failure to do so may cause the update to fail, which could result in damage to the control module. Control modules damaged by insufficient voltage will not be covered.
• Hazard Lights: The vehicle's hazard warning lights must be switched on during the procedure. This prevents the system from entering bus sleep mode, which could interrupt and cancel the update. The procedure may cancel itself if the hazard warning lights are not switched on.
• Customer Presets: As a best practice, customer presets should be documented prior to performing any update in the event these settings are lost during the process.
• ODIS Software: Ensure the ODIS software is completely up to date. Any ODIS “Hot-Fix” patches must be removed from the scan tool before beginning this operation, as they may affect the update process.
• Radiator Fan Warning: The radiator fan(s) may cycle ON at high speed during the Update Process! There is a serious risk that personal injury may result if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from Radiator Fan(s) during Update Process!
• Diagnostic Mode: Operating mode "Flash" must be used. Performing this software update using "Diagnosis" (Guided Fault Finding) could result in non-payment of the claim. DO NOT USE Guided Fault Finding (GFF) to perform this flash. Using GFF will cause the flash to take longer, and requests for additional time will not be considered.

Required Tools and Equipment

Performing this Audi e-tron battery software update requires specific tools:

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

Detailed Repair Procedure

The Audi e-tron battery software update involves updating the battery modules control units and, if necessary, other related control units. The general procedure is as follows:

1. Preparation:

   • Ensure the ODIS software is completely up to date. Refer to the "Alerts" section on the ServiceNet home page for the current ODIS version.
   • Connect a GRX3000VAS- (or equivalent) battery charger to the vehicle battery or underhood charging posts. The battery charger must remain connected for the duration of the update, maintaining voltage above 12.5 volts.
   • Disable the screen saver and power saving settings on the diagnostic tester.
   • Ensure the VAS Diagnostic Tester (VAS6150X/VAS6160X-) is plugged in using the supplied power adapters; it should not be used on battery power alone.

2. Vehicle Setup:

   • Open the hood and the battery cover.
   • When connecting the charger directly to the battery, connect the positive cable to the positive terminal of the battery 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.
   • Switch on the hazard warning lights to prevent the system from entering bus sleep mode during the update.

3. Diagnostic Connection:

   • Connect the VAS6150X/VAS6160X Diagnostic Tester to the vehicle.
   • Start the ODIS program.
   • Confirm that the scan tool is communicating with the diagnostic head via a USB cable. If a Bluetooth or WiFi symbol is shown, disconnect the diagnostic head from the vehicle and reconnect it using the USB cable, then reattach to the vehicle.

4. Software Flash Process:

   • From the home screen of the scan tool, highlight and select "Flash".
   • Follow the on-screen prompts.
   • Select "Starting Flashing" and continue with the on-screen prompts.
   • Select "No RO" if prompted.
   • Highlight "SVM – Code Input" and then select "Perform test...".
   • Enter the corrective action code 93N6A268.
   • Select "Accept" and follow any remaining on-screen prompts.

5. Finalization:

   • After the flash is successfully completed, select "Send" to send the diagnostic protocol online.
   • Click "Flash" to exit the flash session.
   • To clear any event memory entries generated during the flashing procedure, put the vehicle into bus sleep mode. This is achieved by disconnecting the diagnostic tester, removing the key from the vehicle, and locking the vehicle with the remote for 6 minutes.
   • The SVM Process must be completed in its entirety so the database receives the update confirmation response. A warranty claim may not be reimbursed if there is no confirmation response to support the claim.

Warranty Information

This Audi e-tron battery software update is performed under the High-Voltage Battery Warranty. Dealers should submit claims as soon as possible after the update is completed to prevent duplicate work.

• Service Number: 93N6
• Damage Code: 0099
• Parts Vendor Code: 002
• Claim Type: Sold vehicle: 710; Unsold vehicle: 790
• Causal Indicator: Mark labor as causal
• Vehicle Wash/Loaner: Do not claim wash/loaner under this action.
• Criteria I.D.: S1

Labor Operations:

Labor Op	Time Units	Description
2706 89 50	10	Connect battery charger
9301 25 99	Time stated on diagnostic protocol	Update battery module control module software
9035 33 99	10	Activate bus sleep mode

For questions regarding claim entry, contact Audi Warranty. Customers should be informed in writing on the Repair Order about all work conducted, including any completed updates.

NHTSA ID: 11009254