2021 Audi A6 DL 382 Transmission Malfunction TSB

Owners of certain 2020-2021 Audi models, including the 2021 Audi A6, may experience various transmission-related issues, often accompanied by warning messages or unusual vehicle behavior. This technical service bulletin, identified as 2067653/1 (also referenced as 34 22 59), addresses specific conditions related to the DL 382 transmission. The bulletin provides diagnostic guidance and repair procedures for intermittent faults within the transmission control unit (TCM), specifically for vehicles manufactured within a particular date range. This TSB aims to resolve instances of the 2021 Audi A6 transmission malfunction.

Symptoms of a DL 382 Transmission Malfunction

Owners might notice one or more of the following symptoms if their vehicle is affected by this 2021 Audi A6 transmission malfunction:

• A prominent warning message stating "Gearbox Malfunction" is displayed in the instrument cluster, alerting the driver to a potential issue.
• The vehicle may intermittently fail to shift gears, either up or down, leading to unpredictable driving behavior.
• The vehicle could enter a "limp home mode," which significantly restricts engine power and transmission function to prevent further damage.
• A specific message indicating "Reverse gear unavailable" might appear in the instrument cluster, preventing the vehicle from moving backward.
• The instrument cluster might also display "You can continue driving (functions limited)," suggesting that while the vehicle is operable, its full capabilities are compromised.

These symptoms collectively point to an underlying issue with the transmission's operation, particularly concerning the DL 382 transmission control system.

Fault Codes (DTCs)

When diagnosing the 2021 Audi A6 transmission malfunction, technicians may find specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the transmission control module (TCM), identified as J217 (address word 0002). These codes indicate the nature of the fault:

DTC Code	Description	Symptom Code
P071800	"Input/Turbine Speed Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent"	20736
P276800	"Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor 'B' Circuit Intermittent"	20737
P081100	"Excessive Clutch Slippage"	20870
P081E00	"Clutch 2 excessive clutch slippage"	20872

DTCs P081100 and P081E00 may also appear in combination with P071800 or P276800. The status of these DTCs (active/static or passive/sporadic) is critical for determining the appropriate repair path.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

This TSB specifically targets transmissions manufactured within a narrow window: between June 15, 2020, and March 31, 2021. To confirm if a vehicle's transmission falls within this affected range, technicians must physically inspect the transmission data stamps. These stamps are located on the bottom of the front differential and the top of the bellhousing. The presence of the aforementioned DTCs, particularly P071800 or P276800, along with the specified manufacturing date, indicates that the vehicle may be subject to the repair procedures outlined in this bulletin.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi has issued several critical advisories within TSB 2067653/1 to ensure correct diagnosis and repair of the 2021 Audi A6 transmission malfunction. Adhering to these warnings is essential to prevent misdiagnosis or incorrect repairs:

• Do not delete any learned values for the transmission in the Transmission Control Module (TCM) during diagnosis. This could erase critical adaptation data.
• Do not perform the ODIS test plan for replacing the transmission during diagnosis or the repair process. This TSB focuses on specific component replacement, not the entire transmission.
• Do not perform the ODIS test plan for replacing the mechatronics unit during diagnosis or the repair. The mechatronics unit is a complex component, and its replacement is not the primary solution here.
• Do not perform the ODIS test plan for replacing the valve body during diagnosis or the repair. Similar to the mechatronics unit, this is not the specified fix.
• Do not perform any SVM updates to the TCM during diagnosis. Software updates should not be applied without specific instructions related to this particular issue.

These instructions are crucial to avoid unnecessary repairs and ensure the correct resolution of the transmission issue.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for the 2021 Audi A6 transmission malfunction depends critically on the specific DTCs stored and their status (active/static versus passive/sporadic):

• For active/static DTCs P071800 or P276800: If the event memory entry for P071800 ("Input/Turbine Speed Sensor 'A' Circuit Intermittent") or P276800 ("Input/Turbine Shaft Speed Sensor 'B' Circuit Intermittent") is logged as active/static, the repair outlined in this TSB does not apply. In these cases, technicians are instructed to follow the ODIS test plan thoroughly, open an Audi Technical Assistance (TAC) Contact, and upload all diagnosis data for repair authorization. Claims for this scenario should be made under Service Number 3484 with damage code 0015 (for P071800 active/static) or 0017 (for P276800 active/static).
• For passive/sporadic DTCs P071800 or P276800: If the event memory entry for P071800 or P276800 is logged as passive/sporadic (intermittent), the recommended repair is to replace the transmission control unit (J217) according to the Workshop Manual. This specific action is designed to address the intermittent nature of the sensor circuit faults. Claims for this scenario should be made under Service Number 3484 with damage code 0016 (for P071800 passive/sporadic) or 0018 (for P276800 passive/sporadic).

Following any repair, a comprehensive road test is required to confirm that the transmission concern is fully resolved and that no further warnings or malfunctions appear.

Required Parts and Tools

For repairs involving the replacement of the transmission control unit J217, the following parts may be required:

• Control unit for 7-speed gearbox (Quantity: 01)
• Gasket for oil pan
• Plugs
• Tube from oil pan to transmission cooler
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws as needed per the Repair Manual

Technicians should always consult ETKA/ELSA for the latest information and parts bulletins to ensure the correct components are ordered and installed.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this 2021 Audi A6 transmission malfunction are typically covered for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage falls under claim type G10, subject to owner verification. If the vehicle is outside of its applicable warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only, and repair costs may be borne by the owner. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

NHTSA ID: 10216840