2019-2024 Audi Drained 12V Battery TSB 2069747/2

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2069747/2, superseding previous bulletin 23-48, to address concerns regarding a drained 12V battery in various 2019-2024 Audi vehicles. This TSB provides guidance for technicians to diagnose and resolve issues where an Audi e-tron drained battery or other Audi models experience a loss of 12V battery power, leading to starting or ignition failures. The bulletin emphasizes proper diagnostic procedures to identify the root cause before battery replacement.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may experience the following issues related to a drained 12V battery:

• "The vehicle doesn't start due to a drained 12V battery (A)": The car fails to crank or start entirely.
• "The ignition in the vehicle can't be turned on due to a drained 12V battery (A)": The vehicle's electrical system may be completely unresponsive, preventing the ignition from engaging.

Upon inspection, workshops have identified these common findings:

• "Multiple low voltage DTCs are stored throughout the vehicle": Diagnostic Trouble Codes indicating low voltage conditions are present across various control modules.
• "The vehicle's 12V battery (A) tests as defective using the GRX-3000 tool": A specific battery testing tool, the GRX-3000, confirms the 12V battery is no longer holding an adequate charge.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has issued critical notices to ensure proper diagnosis and prevent unnecessary warranty denials related to a drained 12V battery:

• External Influence: Audi explicitly states, "Please make sure that the battery is not drained due to external influence." This includes leaving the ignition on for extended periods, parking the vehicle for over 90 days without a battery maintainer, or using non-OEM accessories that draw power while the vehicle is parked. Replacements for batteries drained due to these external factors are not covered under warranty, and claims may be denied.
• Service Center State of Charge: Technicians are advised, "Please make sure that vehicle batteries are at an acceptable state of charge when the vehicle arrives at the service center." If a vehicle is parked for a prolonged time (e.g., awaiting parts), monthly checks of the battery's state of charge are required. If the battery drops below 80% charge, it must be recharged immediately.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure

When an Audi e-tron drained battery or another Audi model requires a 12V battery replacement, technicians must follow a specific procedure to ensure accurate diagnosis and proper installation:

1. Connect a 12V Battery Charger: Before any further steps, a 12V battery charger must be connected to the vehicle.
2. Jumpstarting for Charger Activation: In cases where the battery is too low for the charger to initiate, the battery can be temporarily "jumpstarted." This involves connecting jumper cables from a known good battery to the damaged battery for a brief moment, allowing the charger to then take over.
3. Perform ODIS Test Plan: Technicians must execute a specific test plan within the ODIS diagnostic system:
   • Navigate to GFF -> 19 - Diagnostics interface for databus -> Guided Functions -> Reading history data.
   • Select Option 1 (all) to read all available history data.
4. Upload GFF Log: After the data is successfully read, the GFF log must be uploaded to the paperless system. This step is crucial for documenting the diagnostic findings and determining the root cause of the drained battery.

This procedure ensures that comprehensive data is collected to understand why the battery drained, preventing recurrence and supporting warranty claims where applicable.

Warranty Information

Audi specifies that the time spent performing the GFF diagnostic procedure, as required by this TSB, should be claimed on the same warranty claim that covers the battery replacement. This ensures that the diagnostic effort is properly compensated.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10234565