2022-2026 Audi e-tron GT Starting Issue & PODAC00 DTC

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2078729/1, a reporting obligation for certain 2022-2026 Audi e-tron GT, S e-tron GT, and RS e-tron GT models. This TSB addresses a critical issue where the vehicle may not start and a red onboard supply warning lamp illuminates in the instrument cluster. The primary diagnostic trouble code (DTC) associated with this condition is PODAC00, indicating a problem with the hybrid battery cell balancing circuit.

This TSB, released on August 19, 2025, serves as a directive for Audi technicians in the United States to report specific findings to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) when encountering the "Audi e-tron GT PODAC00 no start" condition. The aim is to gather comprehensive technical information regarding this electrical system malfunction.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi e-tron GT vehicles may experience several distinct symptoms related to this issue. The most critical is that "The vehicle cannot be started." Concurrently, "The red onboard supply warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster," alerting the driver to a severe problem. Other observed symptoms include the activation of a "vehicle electrical system malfunction indicator" within the information, navigation, communication, and entertainment display symbols.

Furthermore, the issue can manifest as a complete loss of engine functionality, specifically for starting the engine or engaging the electro-drive mode. This means the engine may exhibit "no function" for both "engine -> engine operation -> engine start" and "engine -> engine operation -> electro-drive mode."

Fault Codes / DTCs

The primary diagnostic trouble code (DTC) associated with this condition is:

Diagnostic Address	Diagnostic Trouble Code	Fault Symptom	Storage State
008C - Hybrid battery management	PODAC00: Hybrid/EV Battery Cell Balancing Circuit "A"	static	static

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

When a customer reports the "Audi e-tron GT PODAC00 no start" issue, technicians are instructed to verify the complaint. Workshop findings typically confirm that the complaint can be reproduced. Diagnostic scans will reveal specific event memory entries logged statically in the control unit for hybrid battery management (diagnostic address 008C).

These entries include PODAC00 with Symptom ID 12587009, indicating a "Hybrid/HV battery cell controller 1 electrical fault," and PODAC00 with Symptom ID 12791809, also pointing to a "Hybrid/HV battery cell controller 1 electrical fault." Further diagnosis often identifies a voltage deviation of at least 30 mV on the first cell of the first module within the hybrid battery system.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware of specific conditions outlined in TSB 2078729/1 regarding warranty coverage and repair procedures. Audi explicitly states that "This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty." This means that standard Audi warranty provisions may not cover repairs related to this bulletin.

For dealers, the TSB instructs that if a reply is not received from the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) within two hours of contacting them, they should proceed to perform the necessary repairs themselves. Audi also reserves the right to only pay for warranty claims after thorough checks if the reporting obligation, as detailed in this TSB, is not observed by the dealership.

Repair Procedure Summary

For the "Audi e-tron GT PODAC00 no start" condition, the TSB outlines a specific process for technicians rather than a detailed repair step-by-step. The procedure involves:

1. Verify the Condition: Technicians must first confirm the customer's complaint and reproduce the symptoms, including the red onboard supply warning lamp and the no-start condition.
2. Contact Technical Assistance Center (TAC): If the vehicle is within its New Vehicle Limited Warranty period, the technician must contact a TAC consultant. This contact requires attaching the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) information and the diagnostic log to the TAC ticket or TAC Web Ticket.
3. Proceed with Repair (if no TAC response): If the dealership does not receive a reply from the TAC within two hours of their initial contact, they are authorized to perform the necessary repairs themselves. The TSB does not specify the exact repair steps, implying that the repair for a Hybrid/EV Battery Cell Balancing Circuit "A" fault would follow standard diagnostic and repair protocols for high-voltage battery systems.

Owner Action

If you own a 2022-2026 Audi e-tron GT, S e-tron GT, or RS e-tron GT and experience a red onboard supply warning lamp, a no-start condition, or suspect a "Audi e-tron GT PODAC00 no start" issue, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership immediately. Be prepared to describe the symptoms you've observed. While the TSB is informational and may not directly apply to your warranty, your dealer will follow the prescribed process of diagnosis and communication with Audi's Technical Assistance Center to address the issue.

Source: NHTSA ID 11022682