2022-2026 Audi Intermittent Event Memory Entries TSB

Owners of 2022-2026 Audi vehicles, including the Audi e-tron, may encounter a persistent issue characterized by intermittent event memory entries appearing in various control units. This problem, detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2080681/1, can affect critical systems such as the engine control unit, airbag control unit, gearbox control unit, instrument cluster, gateway, onboard supply control unit, convenience control unit, and headlight range control unit.

This TSB, released on January 21, 2026, provides essential information for diagnosing and repairing the underlying cause of these intermittent faults, ensuring proper vehicle operation and preventing further complications. The Audi e-tron intermittent event memory issue is primarily a workshop concern, not a production defect.

Technical Background

The root cause of these intermittent event memory entries is often damaged electrical contacts within the control unit connectors. This damage typically occurs during previous diagnostic tests, such as through-flow checks, where unsuitable measuring tips are used. These tips can inadvertently widen or stretch the delicate contacts, leading to poor electrical connections and subsequent intermittent fault codes.

Symptoms

The primary symptom addressed by TSB 2080681/1 is the appearance of intermittent event memory entries. These entries can occur in a wide range of control units, indicating an inconsistent electrical connection rather than a permanent component failure. Affected control units include, but are not limited to, the engine control unit, airbag control unit, gearbox control unit, instrument cluster, gateway, onboard supply control unit, convenience control unit, and the control unit for headlight range control.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The issue of damaged contacts arises from previous workshop tests where inappropriate measuring tips were used. These tips can stretch or widen the contact sockets, leading to poor electrical contact. The problem is not a manufacturing defect but rather a consequence of certain diagnostic procedures performed in the workshop environment. Therefore, diagnosis involves physically inspecting the contacts within the control unit connectors.

Important Warnings and What Owners Should Know

Audi has issued several crucial advisories within TSB 2080681/1 that owners and technicians should be aware of:

• Production vs. Workshop Issue: The TSB explicitly states, "This problem cannot occur during production. It is only an issue in the workshop." This clarifies that the issue originates from service procedures, not the vehicle's manufacturing process.
• Warranty Information: "This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty." Owners should be aware that repairs related to this TSB may not be covered under standard warranty terms, as it addresses damage caused by previous service work.
• Risk of Further Damage: A critical warning states, "Checking nano contacts using 0.63 mm contacts will only damage the contacts and lead to additional complaints." It is absolutely essential to use the correct specialized tools for diagnosis and repair to avoid exacerbating the problem and incurring additional repair costs.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process outlined in TSB 2080681/1 focuses on physically inspecting and repairing the electrical contacts within the affected control unit connectors. The procedure differentiates between standard 0.63 mm contacts and smaller nano contacts, each requiring specific tools and techniques.

Procedure for 0.63 mm Contacts

Before conducting any further electrical tests, technicians must physically check the contacts on the respective control unit connector. This procedure applies to 0.63 mm contact sockets, which are commonly used in the various control units mentioned. The test involves using specific test contact pins (part numbers 000979007, 000979012, or 000979017). Technicians must ensure the test contact is kept straight during insertion into the contact socket, mimicking how a plug would normally be drawn in. Figure 1 in the TSB visually depicts a 0.63 mm contact pin. Any damaged plug contacts identified during this inspection should be repaired using repair kit VAS 1978.

Procedure for Nano Contacts Identification

Identifying nano contacts requires careful observation due to their smaller size. The TSB provides three methods for recognition:

1. Appearance of Unlocking Mechanism: Technicians can identify nano contacts by the appearance of their unlocking mechanism within the housing. Figure 2, titled "56-pin engine control unit connector," illustrates the position of nano contacts on such a connector and highlights the location of the unlocking mechanism. The contacts can be removed using the specialized tool VAS 1978/35-3.
2. Part Number Search: Repair wires specifically designed for nano contacts are described as 0.5 mm flat contacts in the Electronic Parts Catalogue (ETKA). Figure 3, titled "Electronic parts catalogue in ETKA," shows examples of these part numbers. For instance, part number 000 979 053 E refers to a set of single wires with two contacts, supplied in a bag of five pieces, with a wire cross-section of 0.35QMM or 0.5MM flat contact, suitable for temperatures from -40°C to +125°C. Similarly, part number 000 979 053 EC describes a set of single wires with two silver-plated contacts, also in a bag of five, with the same wire cross-section and temperature rating.
3. Physical Appearance: Figure 4, labeled "Nano contacts," provides a visual reference. Nano contacts are characterized by a distinct chamber size of 0.4 mm x 0.5 mm, noting that the chamber is not square.

Checking Nano Contacts

Physical inspection of nano contacts requires a specialized measuring wire, V.A.G 1594/51, which is designed as a supplement to the auxiliary measuring set V.A.G. 1594D. The TSB explicitly warns that checking nano contacts using 0.63 mm contacts will only cause further damage. For electrical tests, such as measuring resistance, voltage, and current consumption, technicians should use the test box VAS 6606, as recommended in Guided Fault Finding, in conjunction with test adapter 6606/25, or the V.A.G 1594/51 measuring wire. Figure 5, titled "Test box with connected test adapter," illustrates the test setup, while Figure 6, labeled "Measuring wire V.A.G. 1594/51," shows the specialized measuring wire itself.

Required Tools and Parts

To properly diagnose and repair the Audi e-tron intermittent event memory issue, the following specialized tools and part numbers are required:

• Test Contact Pins (for 0.63 mm contacts):
  • 000979007
  • 000979012
  • 000979017
• Repair Kit (for damaged plug contacts):
  • VAS 1978
• Removal Tool (for nano contacts):
  • VAS 1978/35-3
• Repair Wires (for nano contacts, examples from ETKA):
  • 000 979 053 E: 1 set of single wires with 2 contacts, in a bag of 5 pieces, 0.35QMM / 0.5MM flat contact, -40°C/+125°C
  • 000 979 053 EC: 1 set of single wires with 2 silver-plated contacts, in a bag of 5 pieces, 0.35QMM / 0.5MM flat contact, -40°C/+125°C
• Measuring Wire (for nano contacts):
  • V.A.G 1594/51 (supplement to V.A.G. 1594D auxiliary measuring set)
• Test Box and Adapter (for electrical tests):
  • VAS 6606 (test box suggested in Guided Fault Finding)
  • 6606/25 (test adapter)

Owner Action

If your 2022-2026 Audi is experiencing intermittent event memory entries, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Inform them about the symptoms you are observing. While this TSB is informational and explicitly states it may not be covered by warranty, having the correct diagnostic and repair procedures followed by trained technicians using the specified tools is crucial to resolve the issue effectively and prevent further damage to your vehicle's electrical system.

NHTSA ID: 11028448