2021 Audi A4, A5, S4, S5, RS 5 Brake Pad Warning Light TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061403/2 to address an issue affecting various 2017-2021 Audi models where the brake pad wear indicator illuminates incorrectly. This TSB, which supersedes previous bulletin 20-18, provides detailed instructions for diagnosing and repairing the root cause of this false warning.

Specifically, this TSB applies to 2017-2021 Audi A4 and A4 allroad models, 2018-2021 Audi S4, A5, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Sportback, S5, S5 Cabriolet, and S5 Sportback models, and 2018-2019 and 2021 Audi RS 5 and RS 5 Sportback models. If you own a 2021 Audi A5 brake pad wear indicator warning, this information is particularly relevant.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may observe the following symptom:

• "The brake pad wear indicator is displayed on the instrument cluster."

Workshop findings confirm that despite this warning, "The brake pads have not yet reached their pad wear limit despite the warning."

Technical Background

Audi has identified that the primary cause of the incorrect brake pad wear indicator warning is an improperly crimped brake pad sensor wire. This issue occurs where the sensor wire connects to the pin of the sensor connector.

Important Warning

• "If the wire is crimped properly then this TSB does not apply. Please continue with normal diagnosis."

Diagnosis

If your vehicle exhibits the symptom of an illuminated brake pad wear indicator despite healthy brake pads, a technician should first confirm that the brakes have not reached their wear limit and that the sensor is properly connected. The next step involves inspecting the crimp on the harness side of the brake pad wear connector. Technicians will look for strands of the wire that are not protruding past the crimp sleeve, indicating an improper crimp (as illustrated in Figure 2 of the TSB).

Repair Procedure Summary

If an improperly crimped wire is identified, the repair involves replacing the affected harness for the front speed sensor and brake pad wear indicator. Technicians will use the ETKA illustration 927-010 to correctly identify the necessary harness. The repair process generally includes:

1. Removing and installing the wheel.
2. Removing and installing the front wheel arch liner.
3. Checking the front wiring harness.
4. Removing and installing the front wiring harness, which may require loosening the engine control unit and coolant expansion tank if necessary.
5. Repairing the wiring harness as needed.

Various labor operations are outlined in TSB 2061403/2, including Service Number 9715 for the left side and 9716 for the right side, with a Damage Code of 0021.

Required Tools or Parts

Technicians will need to consult ETKA for the latest information on fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws. A repair kit for the front speed sensor and brake pad wear indicator may be required, depending on the diagnosis.

Warranty Information

This repair may be covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage is under claim type G10. If the vehicle is outside of these warranty parameters, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only. All warranty claims must adhere to Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual standards, with a claim comment referencing "TSB 2061403/2."

NHTSA ID: 10251648