2021-2022 Audi e-tron Battery Software Update 93N6

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 93N6 UPDATE to proactively address potential issues with the Battery Modules Control Unit in certain 2019-2022 Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback vehicles. This software update is crucial for optimizing the performance and longevity of the high-voltage battery system. The goal of this 2021 Audi e-tron battery software update is to ensure proper cell balancing and stable cell voltage measurements.

This TSB, identified as 93N6 UPDATE, applies to a significant number of vehicles: 20,067 E-TRON QUATTRO and 3,968 E-TRON SPORTBACK QUATTRO in the USA, and 1,349 E-TRON QUATTRO and 505 E-TRON SPORTBACK QUATTRO in Canada. The update is in effect until removed.

Revision History

The 93N6 UPDATE has undergone several revisions:

• Revision 4 (09/25/2024): Updated work procedure information.
• Revision 3 (05/30/2024): Updated warranty parameters.
• Revision 2 (02/14/2024): Updated work procedure information.
• Revision 1 (04/26/2022): Original publication.

Condition and Technical Background

The high-voltage battery system in Audi e-tron vehicles is composed of numerous individual battery cells. These cells naturally have slight variations in capacity and voltage. Without an effective balancing function, the overall capacity of the battery system can be limited by the weakest cell. This can lead to individual cells being overloaded and aging prematurely.

This 2021 Audi e-tron battery software update specifically targets a possible error in cell voltage measurement that could affect the efficiency of the battery's balancing function. By updating the software for the Battery Modules Control Unit, Audi aims to optimize the balancing process and stabilize cell voltage measurements, thereby preventing these potential issues from occurring.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Owners and technicians should be aware of several critical advisories related to this update:

• Radiator Fan Safety: "Radiator Fan(s) may cycle ON high speed during the Update Process! There is a serious risk that personal injury may result if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from Radiator Fan(s) during Update Process!"
• Vehicle Delivery: Applicable vehicles in dealer inventory "cannot be delivered until the Update is completed."
• Pre-existing Recalls: If safety recalls 93V2 or 93U9 are open for your vehicle, their evaluation steps must be completed before the 93N6 UPDATE. The 93N6 software update will erase high-voltage battery historical data, which could lead to inaccurate evaluations for 93V2 or 93U9 if performed out of order. "All Safety Recalls must be completed prior to completing this campaign."
• Diagnostic Tool Usage: Technicians are explicitly instructed: "DO NOT USE Guided Fault Finding (GFF) to perform this flash." and "Using GFF will cause the flash to take longer. Requests for additional time will not be considered." Also, "Performing a software update using a Bluetooth or WiFi connection increases the risk of losing connection during the update, which could result in damage to the control module. It also greatly increases the time required to perform the update. Requests for additional time or parts will be denied if the GFF log shows the update was performed using Bluetooth or WiFi."
• Battery Charger Connection: When connecting a charger, technicians must "DO NOT connect the ground cable directly to negative terminal of the battery." Instead, the negative cable should be connected to a grounding lug on the chassis.
• Voltage Maintenance: Battery voltage "must remain above 12.5 volts for the duration of the software update. Failure to do so may cause the update to fail, which could result in damage to the control module. Control modules damaged by insufficient voltage will not be covered."
• Diagnostic Tester Power: "Under no circumstances should the tester be used on battery power alone during the software update. Failure to do so may result in the tester powering off during the update, which could result in damage to the control module."
• Hazard Warning Lights: "The procedure may cancel itself if the hazard warning lights are not switched on. The hazard warning lights prevent the system from switching to bus sleep mode during the update."
• Warranty Claim Reimbursement: "A warranty claim may not be reimbursed if there is no confirmation response to support the claim."

Repair Procedure Summary

The 93N6 UPDATE involves a software flash for the Battery Modules Control Unit. The procedure requires specific conditions and tools to be met, and must be performed by an authorized Audi technician.

Eligibility and Pre-Conditions

1. Eligibility Check: The vehicle must show the 93N6 code in the Elsa Campaign/Action Information screen on the day of repair to confirm eligibility. Elsa is the only valid inquiry/verification source. Technicians must print the Elsa screen showing an "open" status for the campaign.
2. ODIS Software: The ODIS software on the VAS Diagnostic Tester must be completely up to date. Technicians should refer to the "Alerts" section on ServiceNet for the current ODIS version.
3. Battery Charger: A battery charger, such as the GRX3000VAS (or equivalent), must be connected to the vehicle battery and remain connected throughout the update. Battery voltage must be maintained above 12.5 volts.
4. Diagnostic Tester Settings: Screen saver and power saving settings on the diagnostic tester must be turned off to prevent the tester from entering power save mode during the update.
5. Tester Power Supply: The VAS Diagnostic Tester must be plugged in using its supplied power adapters, not relying on battery power alone.
6. Connection Method: The VAS Diagnostics Interface MUST ONLY be connected to the tester with a USB cable. Bluetooth or WiFi connections are prohibited.
7. Hot-Fix Patches: Any ODIS "Hot-Fix" patches installed must be removed from the scan tool before beginning this operation.

Step-by-Step Update Process

1. Vehicle Preparation: Open the hood and the battery cover. Attach the GRX3000VAS Tester/Charger (or equivalent) in power supply mode to the vehicle battery or underhood charging posts. Connect the positive cable to the positive terminal and the negative cable to a grounding lug on the chassis (DO NOT connect to the negative terminal of the battery).
2. Hazard Lights: Switch on the hazard warning lights to prevent the system from entering bus sleep mode.
3. Connect Diagnostic Tester: Connect the VAS6150X/VAS6160X Diagnostic Tester to the vehicle using a USB cable. Start the ODIS program.
4. Confirm USB Connection: Confirm that the scan tool is communicating with the diagnostic head via USB. If Bluetooth or WiFi symbols are shown, disconnect and reconnect the USB cable.
5. Initiate Flash: From the ODIS home screen, highlight "Flash" (not "Diagnosis" or Guided Fault Finding). Select "Starting Flashing" and follow the on-screen prompts. When prompted for an RO, select "No RO".
6. SVM Code Input: Highlight "SVM – Code Input" and select "Perform test." Enter the corrective action code 93N6A268. Select "Accept" and follow any further on-screen prompts.
7. Post-Flash Procedures: After the flash is successfully completed, select "Send" to send the diagnostic protocol online. Click "Flash" to exit the flash session. To clear any event memory entries generated during the flashing, put the vehicle into bus sleep mode by disconnecting the diagnostic tester, removing the key from the vehicle, and locking the vehicle with the remote for 6 minutes.

Required Tools

Authorized Audi service centers will utilize specific equipment for this software update:

• Battery Tester/Charger: GRX3000VAS (or equivalent)
• Diagnostic Tester: VAS6150X/VAS6160X (or equivalent)

Warranty Information

This 2021 Audi e-tron battery software update is performed under the High-Voltage Battery Warranty. After the update, the claim must be entered as soon as possible to prevent work from being duplicated. The Service Number for this campaign is 93N6, with a Damage Code of 0099 and Parts Vendor Code 002. The Causal Indicator should be marked as "Mark labor as causal."

Claim Types are 710 for sold vehicles and 790 for unsold vehicles. The following labor operations and time units are specified:

Labor Op	Time Units	Description
2706 89 50	10	Connect battery charger
9301 25 99	Time stated on diagnostic protocol	Update battery module control module software
9035 33 99	10	Activate bus sleep mode

If the customer refused campaign work or the vehicle is outside the specified warranty parameters, U.S. dealers must submit a request through Audi Warranty Online under the Campaigns/Update option. Canadian dealers must upload the repair order to Audi WIN/Operations/Campaign Closure.

Owner Action

If you own a 2019-2022 Audi e-tron or e-tron Sportback, it is recommended to contact an authorized Audi dealer. They can check your vehicle's eligibility for the 93N6 UPDATE using the Elsa Campaign/Action Information screen. This proactive software update is performed under the High-Voltage Battery Warranty. The dealer will inform you in writing of all work performed, including this 2021 Audi e-tron battery software update.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11009284