2021-2024 Audi Q5/SQ5 Airbag Warning Light DTC B120E1B

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2072023/1 to address instances where the airbag warning light illuminates in certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5 and SQ5 models. This bulletin specifically targets a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to the driver's airbag system. Owners experiencing an illuminated airbag warning light should be aware of this potential cause and the recommended repair.

Symptoms

The primary symptom owners will notice is the airbag warning light is on in the instrument cluster. This indicator signals a potential malfunction within the vehicle's Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which includes the airbags.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing this issue, technicians will find the following DTC stored in the airbag control module, identified as J234 (address word 0015):

• DTC B120E1B: Driver airbag release valve igniter Resistance too high

This specific code points to an electrical resistance issue within the circuit for the driver airbag release valve igniter, N490.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the Audi Q5 airbag warning light DTC B120E1B is identified as suboptimal wire routing for the driver airbag release valve igniter (N490). This routing can create tension on the igniter connector. Over time, and particularly during vehicle vibrations, this tension leads to an increased electrical resistance in the circuit. Figures 1 and 2 in the TSB visually demonstrate this tension on the connector.

Audi has implemented an improved wire routing in production to prevent this issue in newer vehicles.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Audi Q5 airbag warning light DTC B120E1B, technicians are instructed to perform the following steps:

1. Driver Airbag Removal: The driver airbag unit must be carefully removed. This procedure follows specific instructions detailed in the Elsa repair manual under Body >> Body Interior >> 69 Passenger Protection, Airbags, Seat Belts >> Driver Side Airbag >> Airbag Unit with Igniter, Removing and Installing.
2. Wire Harness Inspection: The routing of the driver airbag wire harness needs to be thoroughly checked, with particular attention paid to the wire routing of the driver airbag release valve igniter, N490.
3. Harness Replacement: The driver airbag wire harness is to be replaced. The new wire harness must be routed carefully to ensure no tension is placed on the airbag connectors.
4. Fault Code Clearing: After the driver airbag is reinstalled, all stored fault codes in the airbag control module must be cleared.

Required Tools or Parts

For this repair, specific parts and tools are required:

• Airbag harness: Part Number 80A971589E (Quantity: 01)
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, referencing ETKA/ELSA.
• VAS Tester: Technicians will need a VAS 6160 or VAS 6150 tester equipped with the current version of ODIS (Windows 10) for diagnostics and fault code clearing.

Warranty Information

This repair, outlined in TSB 2072023/1, is covered under Audi's warranty program. Claims are typically accepted for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle falls outside of any applicable warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance for diagnosis and repair. Warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

• Service Number: 9766
• Damage Code: 0029
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2072023/1

NHTSA ID: 10245681