2021 Audi Q-Series Corroded Wiring Splices TSB

Symptoms of Corroded Wiring Splices

Owners of affected Audi Q-series vehicles, including the 2021 Audi Q8, may observe a range of electrical issues. These can manifest as "Various warning messages can be displayed in the instrument cluster" or "Various malfunctions may be present in the vehicle."

Specific symptoms linked to corroded splice points under the driver's carpet include:

• Driver seat inoperative (associated with splice B304)
• Malfunctions related to secondary air, motor mount, or radiator shutter (associated with splice B468)
• AC system failure or issues with LIN circuit 2 (associated with splice B698)
• Ambient lighting inoperative (associated with splice B711)

These issues point to potential electrical interruptions caused by the corroded wiring.

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2060250/1 Background

Audi issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2060250/1 on July 22, 2020, to address a pattern of corroded wiring splices. This bulletin serves as a repair authorization for diagnosis and data collection. Audi noted that various parts had been replaced under warranty for these conditions without resolving the underlying problem.

The TSB emphasizes the need for technicians to contact the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC) before replacing any parts. This process aims to gather crucial information, including any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), to better understand and resolve these persistent electrical issues.

Diagnosing Corroded Splices

If your vehicle, such as a 2021 Audi Q8, exhibits symptoms suggestive of corroded splices, technicians are instructed to follow a specific diagnostic procedure. This involves a thorough inspection for water ingress, which is often the root cause of corrosion.

Key diagnostic steps include:

• Inspect for water marks: Check the fuse box under the footrest, the sill area, and near the HVAC drain tube.
• Locate the leak source: If water is found, identify its origin.
• Examine wiring harness: Peel back the harness tape covering the splice points under the driver's side carpet.
• Identify damaged splices: Note specific splice points like B304, B468, B698, or B711 if they show corrosion.
• Document findings: Save the GFF ID or log of the original vehicle scan. Take a perspective photo showing the splice location and a close-up photo detailing the wire colors and damage.
• Contact TAC: Create a TAC contact and submit all collected information via a web ticket. This step is critical for Audi to analyze the issue and provide further guidance.

Important Information for Owners

Owners should be aware that Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2060250/1 is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty claims. If your vehicle is experiencing symptoms of corroded wiring splices, it is essential to have it inspected by an authorized Audi service center. Your technician will need to follow the specific diagnostic and reporting procedures outlined in this TSB, including contacting the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC) before proceeding with any part replacements.

Production Solution

Audi has stated that no changes have been made to vehicle production regarding this issue, as no underlying production defect has been identified at the time of the bulletin's release.

Source: NHTSA ID 10177898