2021 Audi Q8 Sender Wire Parts Circular SM 50-2021

What this Special Notice Means

Audi has issued Special Notice SM 50-2021, a Parts Circular, to its dealers regarding specific "Sender Wire" components. This notice, dated June 21st, 2021, is primarily an inventory management directive aimed at parts managers. Its purpose is to ensure that only the most current version of the part is available for service and repairs, thereby improving the quality of parts reaching customers by removing older, non-compliant stock from dealer inventories.

This Special Notice SM 50-2021 specifically addresses the part number 4M0-615-121-D, identified as a "Sender Wire." Dealers were instructed to return any inventory of this part that did not meet the latest development standards to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) no later than July 12, 2021. The key distinction for the Audi Q8 sender wire and other affected models lies in its physical construction.

Identifying the Correct Sender Wire

To ensure that only the latest and most developed parts are used, Audi specified a clear visual identifier for the correct "Sender Wire" (part number 4M0-615-121-D). Only parts equipped with a "silicone sheathing (smooth surface)" correspond to the latest state of development. Parts that lack this silicone sheathing are considered outdated and were designated as "NOT OK" for use.

The document includes an image clearly distinguishing between the "NOT OK" (labeled 'ALT') and "OK" (labeled 'NEU') versions of the sender wire. The "OK" version is depicted with a smooth, green-highlighted silicone sheathing, while the "NOT OK" version lacks this sheathing and is highlighted in red. This visual guide was provided to help dealers quickly identify and separate the compliant parts from the non-compliant ones.

Dealer Return Procedure

To facilitate the return process for the 4M0-615-121-D sender wire, Audi outlined a specific claims procedure for dealers. This process ensures proper credit and efficient inventory management for the returned parts:

1. Filing the Claim: Dealers must file a separate "Claim with Return" and select "Dlr Sup. Req. Return" under the item type. They are required to complete their dealer comments with the Special Notice Number SM 50-2021 and the Parts Circular number referenced in the document.
2. Delivery List Review: The following day, dealers are instructed to review "Parts On Command" for the Delivery List document. Any problems or delays encountered during this step should be immediately communicated to their facing PDC.
3. Labeling: Dealers must enter their specific 40000XXXXX delivery document number onto a "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label."
4. Packaging: This "YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label" must then be securely adhered to the package(s) containing the returned parts.
5. Documentation: A copy of the Delivery Document must be included with the returned part(s) inside the package to ensure accurate processing.

Important Warnings for Dealers

Audi explicitly stated a critical deadline for these returns: "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback." This emphasizes the strict cutoff of July 12, 2021, for returning the non-compliant 4M0-615-121-D sender wire parts, which could impact an Audi Q8 sender wire replacement. Dealers were also advised to "re-order required new materials using the same part number," indicating that the updated, compliant version of the 4M0-615-121-D sender wire would be available under the same part identifier for future needs.

Source Citation

NHTSA ID: 10198239