2023-2026 Audi Electric Tailgate Not Working TSB

Owners of various 2023-2026 Audi models may experience issues with their electric tailgate not functioning correctly. This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2079214/2) provides comprehensive fault finding and repair information for situations where the electric tailgate does not open or close as desired.

Symptoms

Customers may report that the electric tailgate does not work as expected. This typically manifests as the tailgate failing to open or close properly, or not responding to commands. Technicians may find event memory entries related to the tailgate system.

Technical Background

Audi vehicles utilize electric tailgates across various platforms, including MQB, MEB, MLB, PPE, and PPC. The system involves multiple control units and components such as the Body Computer Module (BCM), In-Car Application Server (ICAS), Sensor Actor Rear (SAR), High-Performance Computing Platform (HCP4), and the Tailgate Control Unit (HDSG).

Control signals can originate from the remote key, interior door button, handle (soft touch), tailgate interior button, or the sensor-controlled virtual pedal. These signals are processed by the relevant control units, which then manage the tailgate lock, power latching system, and tailgate drive to execute opening and closing movements.

Diagnosis and Fault Finding

This TSB outlines detailed procedures for diagnosing an electric tailgate not working, focusing on both manual functional checks and advanced diagnostic tool analysis.

Manual Functional Check (MQB, MEB, MLB Platforms)

If the ODIS workshop tester does not provide clear guidance or event memory entries, a manual check of the tailgate lock and power latch can be performed:

1. Close the tailgate from its fully open position.
2. Manually press the lock's pre-latch using a screwdriver or pen.
3. The tailgate should immediately stop moving. If it continues to move, the tailgate lock may be defective.
4. Open the tailgate again to allow the pre-latch to pop out.
5. Immediately close the tailgate and stop it a second time via the pre-latch. The power latch should then activate, pulling the tailgate lock into the main latch and returning to its original position. Failure here may indicate a defective power latch.

Manual Functional Check (PPE, PPC Platforms)

For newer PPE and PPC platforms, the procedure is similar, with an additional check for the power latch:

1. Close the tailgate from its fully open position.
2. Manually press the lock's pre-latch using a screwdriver or pen.
3. The tailgate should immediately stop moving. If it doesn't, the tailgate lock may be defective.
4. If the remaining opening angle of the tailgate is less than 13%, the power latch should automatically start.
5. To test the power latch from inside the vehicle, move the tailgate to a position with less than 13% remaining opening angle and operate the tailgate lock pre-latch from the inside.

WARNING: A basic setting of the tailgate must be performed after any repairs, otherwise there is a risk of excessive force not being detected, which could lead to further issues or damage.

Measured Value Blocks Analysis

For more in-depth analysis, technicians should use the ODIS workshop tester to read complete measured value blocks from the relevant control units. This allows for targeted identification of defective components, reducing repair time.

Tailgate Control Unit Diagnostic Addresses:

• Diagnostic address 006D: Relevant for MQB vehicles (Audi A3, Q3), MEB vehicles (Audi Q4 e-tron), and MLB vehicles (Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8, Q8 e-tron, e-tron GT).
• Diagnostic address 0046: Relevant for PPE and PPC vehicles (new A5, new A6, A6 e-tron, new Q5, Q6 e-tron).

Measured value blocks provide details on the last five reasons for tailgate movement stoppages, basic setting status, luggage compartment cover malfunctions, power latch malfunctions, and current lock/power latch/control point statuses.

Central Locking Control Unit Diagnostic Addresses:

• Diagnostic address 0019: Relevant for MEB (ICAS).
• Diagnostic address 0009: Relevant for MQB, PPE, PPC.
• Diagnostic address 0046: Relevant for MLB. Note that Diagnostic address 0046 also contains all closing signals for the tailgate on PPE and PPC platforms.

These measured value blocks provide current lock status, a list of lock faults, and the last 20 chronologically ordered control point entries. This data is crucial for understanding the sequence of events leading to the fault, especially if the Audi e-tron electric tailgate not working issue involves unintended opening.

NOTICE: Measured value blocks should be read immediately after a customer complaint, as they can be overwritten.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing an electric tailgate not working as desired in your 2023-2026 Audi, it is recommended to visit an authorized Audi service center. Technicians have access to the specific diagnostic tools and information, such as TSB 2079214/2, to accurately diagnose and repair the issue. This TSB is informational only and does not apply to any Audi Warranty.

Source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 11028439