2017-2026 Audi Electric Tailgate Malfunction TSB 2079214/1

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2079214/1, released on September 9, 2025, to provide detailed fault finding and repair information for electric tailgate systems across a wide range of models. This bulletin is crucial for technicians to accurately diagnose and resolve issues where the electric tailgate does not function as intended, specifically when the 2021 Audi e-tron electric tailgate fault occurs.

Symptoms

Owners may experience the following issues with their electric tailgate:

• "The electric tailgate does not work."
• "It does not open or close as desired."
• The tailgate may close by itself, cannot be opened or closed, or exhibit an incorrect operation sequence.
• There might be no function at all, or a warning tone sounds without cause.
• Event memory entries related to the tailgate system may be present in the vehicle's diagnostic system.

Technical Background

The electric tailgate system in Audi vehicles is complex, involving multiple control units and components. This TSB explains the functional overview of these systems to help technicians identify defective parts efficiently. The system varies slightly depending on the vehicle's platform:

• MQB, MEB, and MLB Platforms: These platforms utilize the Body Computer Module (BCM), In-Car Application Server (ICAS), or BCM2. The remote key and interior door button communicate directly with these units. The sensor-controlled tailgate communicates via its own control unit (B3). The handle, tailgate interior button, power latching system (C2), and tailgate drive (C3) are connected to the tailgate control unit (B2). The tailgate lock (C1) connects directly to the BCM/ICAS/BCM2.
• PPE and PPC Platforms: Newer platforms like PPE and PPC use a modified architecture. The HCP4 control unit (B4) replaces the BCM/ICAS/BCM2, and the Sensor Actor Rear (SAR) (B5, diagnostic address 0046) replaces the tailgate control unit. The tailgate lock (C1) connects directly to the SAR (B5).

Diagnostic Addresses and Measured Value Blocks

For thorough fault analysis, technicians should use the ODIS workshop tester to read complete measured value blocks from the relevant control units. This helps in understanding why an electric tailgate malfunction, such as a 2021 Audi e-tron electric tailgate fault, is occurring.

Tailgate Control Unit Diagnostic Addresses:

• Diagnostic address 006D: Relevant for MQB, MEB, and MLB vehicles (e.g., Audi A3, Q3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8, Q8 e-tron, e-tron GT).
• Diagnostic address 0046: Relevant for PPE and PPC vehicles (e.g., new A5, A6, A6 e-tron, new Q5, Q6 e-tron).

Key Measured Value Blocks to Check (Tailgate Control Unit):

• The last 5 reasons why the tailgate stopped moving.
• Whether the tailgate has been correctly initialized (basic setting done).
• The last 5 reasons why basic setting/initialization was aborted.
• The last 5 reasons why the luggage compartment cover malfunctioned.
• The last 5 reasons why the power latch malfunctioned.
• The current lock status, power latch status, and control point status at the time of reading.

Central Locking Diagnostic Addresses:

• Diagnostic address 0019: Relevant for MEB (ICAS).
• Diagnostic address 0009: Relevant for MQB, PPE, PPC.
• Diagnostic address 0046: Relevant for MLB.

Note that diagnostic address 0046 also contains all closing signals for the tailgate on PPE and PPC platforms. Analysis of the malfunction set time is particularly useful for identifying if the rear lid opened automatically, possibly due to an unknowingly operated key. Further details can be found in TSB 2022032: 57 Vehicle locking system, diagnostic information.

Manual Fault Finding Procedure

If the ODIS workshop tester does not provide a clear repair guide or event memory, manual functional checks of the tailgate lock and power latch can be performed. This procedure applies to MQB, MEB, and MLB vehicles:

1. Close the tailgate from its upper end position.
2. Manually press the lock's pre-latch using a screwdriver or pen. The tailgate should stop moving immediately. If it continues to move, the tailgate lock may be defective.
3. Open the tailgate until the pre-latch pops out again.
4. Immediately close the tailgate a second time and stop it via the pre-latch. The power latch should activate and pull the tailgate lock into the main latch, then return to its original position. If this sequence does not occur, the power latch may be defective.

For PPE and PPC vehicles, the procedure is similar, but if the remaining opening angle of the tailgate is less than 13%, the power latch automatically starts. The power latch can also be tested from inside the vehicle by operating the tailgate lock pre-latch when the tailgate is at an opening angle of less than 13%.

Important Warning

It is critical to perform the basic setting of the tailgate after any repairs or adjustments. Failing to do so could lead to undetected excessive force during operation, potentially causing further damage or safety concerns.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2079214/1 is provided for informational purposes only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty claims.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11023800