2021 Audi Q8 2nd Gear Start Information TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 37 24 24 2074749/2 to provide information regarding vehicles that sometimes start in 2nd gear. This TSB, dated August 27, 2024, supersedes previous bulletin 24-12 from July 31, 2024. It clarifies that the behavior of an Audi Q8 2nd gear start under specific conditions is intentional and not a malfunction.

Symptoms

Owners may notice that their vehicle sometimes starts in 2nd gear instead of 1st gear. This observation is the primary symptom addressed by this bulletin.

Technical Background

Audi vehicles are designed to pull away in 2nd gear under certain driving situations for comfort and efficiency reasons. This behavior is not a defect but a programmed characteristic of the transmission system. Specific scenarios where an Audi Q8 2nd gear start might occur include:

• Partially automated driving: Such as when using Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC mode).
• Pulling away downhill: When the vehicle is moving in the direction of travel on a decline.
• Congestion situations: To improve smoothness and reduce gear changes in stop-and-go traffic.
• Efficiency: Optimizing fuel consumption and reducing wear on transmission components.
• Bridged electrical starting: Applicable to vehicles with a 0D7 gearbox.

Starting in 2nd gear helps reduce the frequency of gear changes, thereby enhancing driving comfort for the occupants.

Diagnosis

When investigating this customer concern, technicians will find no fault entries in the diagnostic logs. Specifically, there will be no event entries in the 0001 engine control unit or the 0002 gearbox control unit related to this characteristic. This absence of fault codes confirms that the vehicle is operating as intended.

Important Information for Owners

It is crucial for owners to understand that the occasional Audi Q8 2nd gear start is not a fault and does not indicate any damage to the vehicle's components. The TSB explicitly states that these driving characteristics are not considered a warranty issue. Furthermore, replacing parts will not resolve this behavior because it is an intended design feature. This Technical Service Bulletin is purely informational and does not qualify for any Audi Warranty claims.

What Owners Should Know

If you experience your 2021 Audi Q8 or other affected models starting in 2nd gear, there is no need for concern or repair. This is a normal function of your vehicle's transmission, designed to optimize your driving experience. Dealers are instructed to explain this technical background to customers, clarifying that no components are damaged and no parts replacement is effective or necessary. All part and service references, such as those mentioned in TSB 2074729, are subject to change, so always consult with your Audi service center for the latest information.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11007307