2021-2023 Audi e-tron Gear Oil Drain Plug Leaking TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2076149/2, released on February 24, 2025, to address a specific issue affecting 2021-2023 Audi e-tron vehicles. This bulletin details the diagnosis and repair for a Audi e-tron gear oil leak originating from the drain plug.

This TSB is a revision (Revision 2) that updates repair steps, superseding the initial publication (Revision 1) from November 27, 2024. It provides crucial information for technicians to correctly identify and resolve the problem, ensuring the longevity and proper function of the vehicle's drivetrain.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi e-tron vehicles may notice several indicators of a gear oil leak. The most common customer complaints include:

• "Leaks detected on the rear underbody"
• "Oil stains on the floor"

These symptoms suggest that gear oil is escaping from the transmission system, which can lead to further issues if not addressed promptly. A persistent Audi e-tron gear oil leak should be investigated immediately.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When a gear oil drain plug leak occurs, specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be stored in the vehicle's system. The TSB identifies the following codes associated with this issue:

• P33E200
• P31D000

These codes help technicians pinpoint the nature of the problem, confirming that the leak is related to the gear oil drain plug system.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Workshop findings consistently show that the "Gear oil drain plug on rear gearbox leaking." The technical background provided in the TSB clarifies the root cause: the "Oil seal for the rear gear oil drain plug is corroded and therefore leaking." This corrosion compromises the seal's integrity, allowing gear oil to escape.

Repair Procedure Summary

Addressing the Audi e-tron gear oil leak involves a precise repair process to ensure a lasting solution. The procedure outlined in the TSB includes several key steps:

1. Clean the Affected Area: Technicians must thoroughly clean the area around the leaking gear oil drain plug to remove any oil residue and prepare for the repair.
2. Replace the Gear Oil Drain Plug: A new gear oil drain plug, part number WHT 012 968, must be used. It's important to note the distinguishing features of the new seal: it is copper with G600 glossy silver, replacing the older aluminum matt silver seal.
3. Apply Modified Tightening Torque: The new gear oil drain plug must be tightened to a specific torque of 10Nm + 90, as detailed in the ELSA repair manual. Adhering to this precise torque is critical for preventing future leaks.
4. Refill Gearbox with New Gear Oil: After replacing the plug, the gearbox must be refilled with the appropriate new gear oil to the correct level.
5. Apply Anti-Corrosion Wax: Finally, anti-corrosion wax, part number D 308 SP5 M1, is applied to the new gear oil drain plug. This step helps protect the plug and seal from future corrosion and environmental factors.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, technicians will need specific parts and materials:

• Gear Oil Drain Plug: Part number WHT 012 968 (featuring a copper with G600 glossy silver seal).
• Anti-Corrosion Wax: Part number D 308 SP5 M1.

These specialized components are essential for ensuring the repair effectively resolves the Audi e-tron gear oil leak and prevents recurrence.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware of the warranty implications for this service. The TSB states: "If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only." This means that if your 2021-2023 Audi e-tron is no longer under warranty, the cost of this repair may not be covered by Audi.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021-2023 Audi e-tron and notice any signs of a gear oil leak, such as oil stains under your vehicle or on the rear underbody, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi service center. Provide them with details of the symptoms you've observed. They will be able to diagnose the issue using the guidelines in TSB 2076149/2 and perform the necessary repair.

Labor Operations and Claim Information

For warranty claims, the following codes are relevant:

• Damage Code: 0050
• Labor Operations:
  • Remove and install cover: 5194 1900
  • Drain and fill up gear oil: 3401 175x
  • Seal oil drain plug: 3457 5299
  • GFF: 0150 0060
• Service Number: 3457

This information helps ensure proper processing of the repair under Audi's warranty policies, where applicable.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11015768