2021-2023 Audi Door Lock Not Locking or Fault Messages

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2063236/3, revised on June 8, 2022, provides comprehensive diagnostic and repair information for various 2021-2023 Audi models experiencing door lock malfunctions. This TSB supersedes an earlier bulletin, 21-87, dated December 8, 2021.

The TSB addresses situations where the front or rear door lock is not locking, is without function, or triggers fault messages in the Driver Information System (DIS). These issues are often accompanied by specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) such as B122D29, B14FF29, or B122B13. This bulletin helps technicians accurately diagnose the root cause of the problem, which can range from operational errors to electrical or mechanical failures within the door lock system.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi emphasizes specific diagnostic procedures to prevent unnecessary part replacements. For any customer concerns described in this TSB, technicians are advised:

• "do not replace the door lock immediately! Follow the diagnostic tree starting at the top to determine the root cause (Figure 1)."
• "If the measurements are according to specifications, do not replace the door lock as it is not the root cause of the customer's concern."
• "Parts replacement, without following this TSB, does not resolve this issue. Claims for replaced parts will be subject to review."

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may experience one or more of the following symptoms related to the 2021-2023 Audi e-tron door lock not locking issue:

• The front and/or rear doors cannot be opened from either the outside or the inside.
• Fault messages appearing in the driver information system (DIS), such as those for "exit warning", "central locking", or "child safety lock".
• Doors remain locked, but one of the doors can be opened without a key.
• The front and/or rear doors' closing assist is inoperative or intermittently not operating.

Fault Codes / DTCs

Workshop findings often include specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in various door control modules. These codes help pinpoint the location and nature of the 2021-2023 Audi e-tron door lock not locking problem.

Module	Address Word	DTC	Description
Driver's door control module, J386	0042	B122D29	Lock unit for central locking Implausible signal
		B122B13	Central locking motors Open circuit
Passenger's door control module, J387	0052	B122D29	Lock unit for central locking Implausible signal
		B122B13	Central locking motors Open circuit
Rear driver side door control module, J926	00BB	B122D29	Lock unit for central locking Implausible signal
		B14FF29	Child safety lock motor Implausible signal
		B122B13	Central locking motors Open circuit
Rear passenger side door control module, J927	00BC	B122D29	Lock unit for central locking Implausible signal
		B14FF29	Child safety lock motor Implausible signal
		B122B13	Central locking motors Open circuit

Related TSBs also mention DTC U122800 in conjunction with these door lock issues.

Technical Background

Audi models, such as the A8 (D5), use fully electric door locks, also known as “e-lock” systems, with micro switches located at the inner and outer door handles. Other models, including the Audi A6/A7 (C8), Q8, and Audi e-tron, feature semi-electric door locks where the micro switches are integrated directly into the door locks, not the handles.

When a door handle is pulled, the micro switch sends an electrical signal to the door control module. This module then activates an electric motor within the door lock, releasing the rotary latch and allowing the door to open. Both systems also incorporate Bowden cables, providing a mechanical backup for opening the door in case of an electrical malfunction.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure Summary

The diagnostic process for the 2021-2023 Audi e-tron door lock not locking issue begins with a diagnostic tree (Figure 1 in the TSB) to identify the root cause, which can be an operating error, an electrical error, or a mechanical error.

Operating Error

If the issue is due to incorrect operation, technicians are instructed to explain the electric door lock functions to the customer, referencing the Owner's Manual. This involves asking questions such as whether the issue occurs with the ignition on or off, if the inner door handle is pulled too quickly, or if pulling the inner door handle twice allows the door to open mechanically. An informational video (SoST_0008) is also available via a QR code for further guidance on door handle operation.

Electrical Error

For electrical faults, the procedure varies slightly by model group:

• A6, A7, A8, and Q8: Follow TSB 2055932 to ensure door control modules are at the latest software level. This TSB addresses "Central locking/parking brake warning, alarm or exterior mirror issues" and DTCs B122D29, B14FF29, or U122800.
• Audi e-tron quattro and Audi e-tron sportback quattro: Follow TSB 2055933 to ensure door control modules are at the latest software level. This TSB covers "Exit warning message with various central locking & alarm issues" and DTCs B122D29, U122800, and/or B14FF29.

For all models, after ensuring software is up-to-date:

1. Interrogate the door control module fault memory for any affected door(s).

2. Delete any stored DTCs, cycle the ignition, and open/close the affected door(s).

3. Re-check the fault memory. If DTCs do not return and the door functions correctly, the electrical system is deemed okay. If DTCs persist or cannot be deleted, observe specific measuring value blocks for plausible conditions during door operation:

   • IDE0572 (Door Status: Open/Closed, Locked/Unlocked, Emergency Unlock Mode)
   • IDE04213 (Central Locking Button)
   • IDE02589 (Rotary Latch Status)
   • MAS06256 (Status Door Lock)
   • MAS02099 (Switch For Inside Door Handle)
   • MAS02100 (Switch For Outside Door Handle)

4. If measuring values are implausible, measure resistance directly at PIN #2 and PIN #4 of the door lock using a multimeter. For A8 models with electric door locks, also measure at the inner and outer door handles. Compare readings to the following specifications:

   Component Active/Operated	Resistance in ohms
   Emergency unlock switch	1000
   Inner door handle switch	620
   Outer door handle switch	270
   Emergency unlock switch & inner door handle switch (semi-electric lock)	382
   Emergency unlock switch & outer door handle switch (semi-electric lock)	212
   Emergency unlock switch & inner door handle switch & outer door handle switch (semi-electric lock)	158

   Readings of 1,000, 382, 212, and 158 ohms indicate the emergency unlock function is active, and the door can only be released mechanically. In this scenario, the inner door handle must be pulled twice to its stop, then the door closed, opened, and the measurement repeated. It should then read OL (overload) if the handles are not operated.

5. If measurements are within specifications, the door lock itself should not be replaced. Instead, visually and electrically check the PINs at the door lock, door control module, and connecting wiring, as well as connections at the A-pillar and B-pillar.

Mechanical Error

For mechanical faults, inspect the Bowden cables for issues such as twisting, loose connections, improper routing, damage, or stiffness. Replace any defective components as necessary. Ensure outer door handles return flush to their zero position (refer to TSB 2060196 if they do not). Finally, verify that the doors open and close freely, latch smoothly, and adjust the striker plate, door alignment, and/or door hinges as needed to resolve the 2021-2023 Audi e-tron door lock not locking issue.

Required Tools and Parts

Specialized tools are required for accurate diagnosis and repair:

• VAS 6160/VAS 6150: VAS tester with the current version of ODIS (Windows 10).
• VAG1594D: Auxiliary Measuring Set.
• VAS 1978/35-22: Tool for primary locking.
• VAS 1978/35-2: Tool for secondary locking.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this issue are covered under the following conditions:

• Claim Type 110: Up to 48 Months/50,000 Miles.
• Claim Type G10: For CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) Covered Vehicles, requiring owner verification.

If the vehicle is outside of any warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual, and claims are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

Service numbers associated with various repairs include 5717 (Door lock front), 5719 (Cable front), 5725 (Striker plate front), 5817 (Door lock rear), 5819 (Cable rear), 5825 (Striker plate rear), and 9732 (Door wiring harness). Damage codes 0010 and 0040 are also specified.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing any of the described door lock issues or seeing fault messages in your 2021-2023 Audi, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi dealership. Provide them with details of the symptoms and any fault messages displayed. The dealership technicians will follow the diagnostic procedures outlined in TSB 2063236/3 to accurately identify and resolve the 2021-2023 Audi e-tron door lock not locking problem.

NHTSA ID: 10214744