2021 Audi e-tron Rear Lid Auxiliary Tail Lamp Service Action 94M9

Why this Matters

Owners of the 2021 Audi e-tron may experience issues with their rear lid auxiliary tail lamp. This problem can cause the lamp to flicker or fail to function sporadically, which can be a safety concern, especially when driving at night or in low visibility conditions. While other rear lamps are not affected, a malfunctioning tail lamp can reduce your vehicle's visibility to other drivers.

What's Being Addressed

This service action, 94M9, addresses an issue with the rear lid auxiliary tail lamp in certain 2021 Audi e-tron vehicles. The problem stems from an internal electronics issue within the lamp, specifically increased resistance, which leads to the flickering or intermittent failure. The corrective action involves replacing the faulty rear lid auxiliary tail lamp.

Symptoms

If you own a 2021 Audi e-tron, you might observe the following symptom related to this service action:

• "The rear lid auxiliary tail lamp may flicker due to an internal electronics problem (increased resistance). As a result, the rear lid auxiliary tail lamp may sporadically fail to function."

This issue specifically affects the rear lid auxiliary tail lamp and does not impact the function of other rear lamps on the vehicle.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for the 2021 Audi e-tron rear lid auxiliary tail lamp involves several detailed steps to ensure proper replacement:

1. Pre-Repair Verification (Section A)

Technicians must first access the "Campaign/Action" screen in the ELSA system by entering the vehicle's VIN. It is critical to confirm that the campaign status shows "open." If the status is "closed," no further action is required for this service. The "Applicable Criteria ID" (e.g., "01") must be noted to ensure the correct work and corresponding parts are used.

Critical Repair Step: If multiple software update campaigns are open for the vehicle, they must be performed in chronological order, starting with the oldest. All open safety recalls must be completed prior to proceeding with Service Action 94M9. If working during extreme temperatures, the vehicle should be allowed to acclimate inside the shop to avoid temperature-related component damage or breakage.

2. Disassembly and Removal (Section B)

• Prepare Vehicle: Turn the ignition off and open the rear lid.
• Remove Tail Lamp Cover: Using a Trim Removal Wedge -3409- (or equivalent), carefully insert it between the cover and the rear lid, then pry off the left and right tail lamp covers.
• Remove Rear Lid Closing Button: Release the clips on the closing button and remove it from the rear lid trim panel. Disconnect its electrical connector.
• Remove Rear Lid Lamp: Press the tab on the rear lid lamp with a flat-head screwdriver and pry out the lamp. Disconnect its electrical connector.
• Remove Rear Lid Lower Trim Panel: Turn the quick release (e.g., <1>) 90 degrees counter-clockwise and move the emergency triangle cover (e.g., <2>) to the side. Disengage and remove the cover from the lower trim panel. If installed, remove any bolts securing the trim panel. Starting from the outside, unclip the trim panel from the rear lid using a Removal Wedge -T40233-. Continue unclipping the remaining trim panel clips and remove the panel. Reconnect the rear lid closing button after the trim panel is removed.
• Remove Rear Lid Latch Trim Panel: If necessary, release the retaining tabs using a flat-head screwdriver and remove the rear lid latch trim panel.
• Remove Main Tail Lamp: Disconnect the electrical connector from the tail lamp. Using a Body Socket -T40078- (or equivalent), remove the nuts securing the tail lamp along the entire rear lid. Close the rear lid and ensure that no wiring gets pinched. Carefully remove the tail lamp assembly toward the rear of the vehicle.

3. Installation of New Tail Lamp (Section B)

• Install New Lamp: Install the new rear lid auxiliary tail lamp (Part Number: 4KE-945-095-E) by reversing the removal steps.
• Seal Inspection: Check the self-adhesive seals on the new tail lamp for any damage. A damaged or incorrectly attached seal must be replaced.
• Proper Engagement: Ensure the new tail lamp properly engages on the guides located on the rear lid.
• Tighten Nuts: Gradually tighten the nuts securing the tail lamp in a specific sequence (bolts <1 to 6>) by hand, then torque them to 4 Nm.
• Reconnect Connector: Reconnect the electrical connector to the new tail lamp.

4. Reassembly of Vehicle (Section B)

Reassemble the vehicle in the reverse order of disassembly. If disconnected, temporarily disconnect the rear lid closing button. Remove any remaining trim clips from the rear lid using an Omega Clip Tool -T40280- and reinstall them into the rear lid trim panel. Carefully guide all wiring harnesses through their respective openings in the rear lid trim. Ensure the rear lid latch trim is properly installed before installing the main rear lid trim panel. Reconnect the rear lid closing button and the rear lid lamp before installing them into the rear lid trim. Carefully reinstall the tail lamp covers, ensuring the guide pins on the covers are correctly inserted into the tail lamp.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this service action, specific tools and parts are required:

• Part Number: 4KE-945-095-E (Tail Light)
• Special Tools: Trim Removal Wedge -3409- (or equivalent), Body Socket -T40078- (or equivalent), Omega Clip Tool -T40280- (or equivalent), Wedge Set -T10383- (or equivalent), Removal Wedge -T40233-.

Warranty Information

This service action is processed under Service Number 94M9. The Damage Code for this repair is 0099, and the Parts Vendor Code is 002. For sold vehicles, the Claim Type is 7 10; for unsold vehicles, it is 7 90. The "Tail light*" is designated as the causal part. The Labor Operation (Labor Op) is 9431 55 99, with 60 time units allocated for the "Replace tail light" procedure. One unit of Part Number 4KE-945-095-E (Tail Light) is claimed. Dealers are instructed not to claim for vehicle wash/loaner services under this action.

Important Warnings for Owners

• Campaign Expiration: This service action is available free of charge only until December 31, 2023. If you seek to have this repair performed after this date, your dealership's normal costs will apply.
• New Vehicle Delivery: Dealers are required to ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers.
• Safety Recalls: All open safety recalls for your vehicle must be completed prior to performing this campaign.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021 Audi e-tron and experience the symptoms of a flickering or sporadically failing rear lid auxiliary tail lamp, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment to have Service Action 94M9 performed. This repair will take approximately one hour and will be completed free of charge if performed before the campaign expiration date of December 31, 2023. You can also visit www.audiusa.com to locate a dealer or check your vehicle's eligibility.