2021-2026 Audi Electric Tailgate Fault TSB 2079214/1

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2079214/1 to address various malfunctions affecting the electric tailgate in a wide range of its 2021-2026 models. This TSB provides comprehensive guidance for technicians on diagnosing and repairing issues where the electric tailgate does not operate as expected, including instances where it fails to open or close, or exhibits incorrect movement sequences.

Symptoms of an Electric Tailgate Fault

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may experience various issues with their electric tailgate. If you encounter an Audi electric tailgate fault, common symptoms include:

• The closed sensor-controlled rear lid exhibits an incorrect operation sequence.
• The power rear lid cannot be opened.
• The rear lid closes by itself when manually closed.
• The power rear lid cannot be closed.
• The power rear lid opens by itself.
• The sensor-controlled rear lid has an incorrect operation sequence or no function.
• The rear lid power closing has no function.
• The rear lid is partially out of order.
• A warning tone sounds without cause.

These symptoms indicate a potential malfunction within the electric tailgate system, requiring diagnosis and repair.

Diagnostic Addresses and Control Units

While this TSB does not list traditional Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), it highlights critical diagnostic addresses and control units involved in electric tailgate operation. Technicians will use the ODIS workshop tester to read measured value blocks from these units to identify the Audi electric tailgate fault.

Key diagnostic addresses include:

• 006D: Relevant for MQB, MEB, and MLB platform vehicles (e.g., Audi Q2, A3, Q3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8, Q8 e-tron, e-tron GT). This address is for the tailgate control unit.
• 0046: Relevant for PPE and PPC platform vehicles (e.g., new A5, new A6, A6 e-tron, new Q5, Q6 e-tron). This address is for the BCM2 or SAR control unit and also contains all closing signals for the tailgate on these platforms.
• 0019: Relevant for MEB platform vehicles (ICAS).
• 0009: Relevant for MQB, PPE, and PPC platform vehicles (BCM).

These diagnostic addresses provide access to crucial data, such as the last five reasons the tailgate stopped, initialization status, luggage compartment cover malfunction, power latch malfunction, and current lock/latch/control point status.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Diagnosing an Audi electric tailgate fault involves both functional checks and analysis of measured value blocks using the ODIS workshop tester. The TSB outlines two main approaches:

Manual Fault Finding for Tailgate Lock and Power Latch

This method is used when the ODIS tester does not provide a clear repair suggestion or event memory entries. It focuses on checking the tailgate lock pre-latch, identified as a critical signal for tailgate operation.

For MQB, MEB, and MLB vehicles:

1. Close the tailgate from its fully open 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 to allow the pre-latch to pop out.
4. Immediately close the tailgate again and stop it a second time via the pre-latch. The power latch should activate, pulling the tailgate lock into the main latch and then returning to its original position. If this sequence does not occur, the power latch may be defective.

For PPE and PPC vehicles:

1. Follow the same steps as above for closing the tailgate and pressing the pre-latch.
2. If the remaining opening angle of the tailgate is less than 13%, the power latch automatically starts.
3. The power latch can also be tested from inside the vehicle by moving the tailgate to an opening angle of less than 13% and operating the lock pre-latch.

Audi provides video demonstrations for these manual checks for the Q4 e-tron Sportback and A6 e-tron models.

Fault Finding Using Measured Value Blocks

For a more in-depth analysis, technicians use the ODIS workshop tester to examine complete measured value blocks from the tailgate control unit and central locking addresses. This helps pinpoint the exact cause of the Audi electric tailgate fault.

Important Note: Measured value blocks should be read immediately after a customer complaint, as they can be overwritten.

Repair Procedure Summary

The TSB focuses on providing detailed information for fault finding rather than a specific repair procedure, as the remedy depends on the identified defective component. The overall process involves:

1. Understanding the System: The TSB provides an extensive technical background on how the electric tailgate functions across different Audi platforms (MQB, MEB, MLB, PPE, PPC), detailing the communication between control points (remote key, interior door button, sensor-controlled tailgate) and control units (BCM, ICAS, BCM2, SAR, HCP4, tailgate control unit).
2. Initial Assessment: Confirm the customer complaint that the electric tailgate does not open or close as desired. Check for any event memory entries.
3. Functional Checks: Perform the manual fault finding steps described above to test the tailgate lock and power latch.
4. ODIS Diagnostics: Utilize the ODIS workshop tester to access and analyze measured value blocks from the relevant diagnostic addresses (0009, 0019, 0046, 006D). This includes reviewing data such as reasons for tailgate stoppage, initialization status, and power latch function.
5. Component Identification: Based on the diagnostic findings, identify the specific defective component (e.g., tailgate lock, power latch, control unit, Hall sensors).
6. Repair/Replacement: Replace or repair the identified defective component according to Audi's repair manual instructions. The TSB emphasizes that basic setting of the tailgate must be performed after repair to prevent excessive force issues.

This TSB is informational and aims to streamline the repair process by enabling targeted identification of defective components.

Owner Action

If your 2021-2026 Audi vehicle is experiencing an Audi electric tailgate fault, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. While this TSB is informational and not applicable to any Audi Warranty, a qualified technician will be able to perform the necessary diagnostic steps outlined in TSB 2079214/1 to accurately identify and resolve the issue. Be prepared to describe the symptoms you are experiencing in detail to assist the technician in their diagnosis.

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Source: NHTSA ID 11023800, TSB 2079214/1