2021 Audi Q8 2nd Gear Start TSB 2074749/2

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 37 24 24 2074749/2 to address customer inquiries regarding certain vehicles, including the 2021 Audi Q8, occasionally pulling away in 2nd gear. This TSB, dated August 27, 2024, supersedes a previous bulletin, Group 37 number 24-12, issued on July 31, 2024. The bulletin clarifies that this behavior is an intentional design feature for models equipped with 0D5 or 0D6 gearboxes, and it does not indicate a malfunction or damage to the vehicle.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi models, such as the 2021 Audi Q8, may notice that "The vehicle sometimes starts in 2nd gear" under certain driving conditions. This can be an unexpected behavior if accustomed to vehicles always starting in 1st gear.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

When technicians investigate this concern, workshop findings confirm that there is "no event entry in 0001 engine control unit" and "no event entry in 0002 gearbox control unit." This means no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or fault entries are stored, indicating that the vehicle is operating as designed.

The technical background provided by Audi explains that pulling away in 2nd gear is utilized for comfort reasons in specific driving situations. These conditions include:

• Partially automated driving modes, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC).
• Pulling away downhill in the direction of travel.
• During congestion situations.
• For improved efficiency.
• In scenarios involving bridged electrical starting, particularly with the 0D7 gearbox.

Audi states that starting in 2nd gear reduces the frequency of gear changes, thereby increasing overall driving comfort. This behavior is an engineered characteristic of the transmission system.

Important Warnings

This TSB emphasizes several critical points for owners and technicians:

• No Fault: These driving characteristics are explicitly stated to be "no fault in the sense of warranty."
• No Damage: "No components get damaged" by this operating mode.
• No Repair Needed: "A parts replacement is not effective" as there is no underlying issue to fix.
• Informational Only: This TSB is "informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty." This means that any diagnostic time spent on this issue by a dealer would typically not be covered under warranty, as it's not a defect.

What Owners Should Know

If you own a 2021 Audi Q8 or another affected model and experience the vehicle sometimes pulling away in 2nd gear, understand that this is a normal function of your vehicle's transmission. It's designed to enhance your driving experience by providing smoother acceleration and reducing gear shifts in certain scenarios. There is no need for concern, and no repair is required. Your dealer will explain the technical background to you if you bring up this observation.

All part and service references, such as those mentioned in related TSB 2074729, are subject to change. Always consult with your Audi Parts Department or ETKA for the latest information.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11007226