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Technical Service Bulletin Transaction No.: 2079214/2
57 Workshop info: Fault finding and repair information for electric tailgate Release date: Jan 21, 2026
Condition

Model(s) Year(s) VIN Range Vehicle Specific Equipment

With PR: 4E6 or 4E7 (Tailgate/trunk lid power

All Audi vehicles 2017 - 2026 All closing)

REVISION HISTORY

Revision | Date Purpose

2 - Revised header (Add Model Years)
1 09/09/2025 | Initial publication

Customer states:

The electric tailgate does not work. It does not open or close as desired.
Workshop findings:
The electric tailgate does not work. It does not open or close as desired.

Event memory entries may be present.

Technical Background

This document explains how the electric tailgate works in detail. Repair instructions are also provided. In addition to
event memory-based fault finding using the ODIS workshop tester, these enable the targeted identification of
defective components in the electric tailgate, thereby reducing the repair process.

Production Solution
Not applicable.

Service

Electric tailgates have been used in Audi vehicles for some time now. An overview of the breakdown by Group
platform is shown in figure 1 below. The platform abbreviations written out in full: MQB - modular transverse matrix,
MEB - modular electric drive matrix, MLB - modular longitudinal matrix, PPE - premium platform electric, PPC -
premium platform combustion.

MQB A3, Q3
MEB Q4 e-tron
MLB A4, A5 (F5), AG (44), A’, AB, G5 (FY), 8 (4M), O8 e-tron (GE), e-tron GT

PPE, PPG A5 (FU), AG (FN), AG e-tron (GH), Q5 (GU), and Q6 e-tron (GF)

Figure 1. Use of electric tailgates by Group platform.
Functional overview of the electric tailgate

The following functional overview applies to the MQB, MEB and MLB platforms at Audi (see Figure 2). The
abbreviations used in the illustration are as follows: BCM - Body Computer Module, ICAS - In-Car Application
Server, SAM - Sensor Actor Module, SAR - Sensor Actor Rear, HCP - high-performance computing platform.

The remote key (A1) and interior door button (A2) control points communicate directly with the BCM (diagnostic
address 0009) / ICAS (diagnostic address 0019) / BCM2 (diagnostic address 0046). The signal from the optional
sensor-controlled tailgate (A4) communicates directly with the BCM / ICAS / BCM2 via its control unit (B3, diagnostic
address 064E). The handle (A3, soft touch) and the tailgate interior button (A3) control points are directly connected
to the tailgate control unit (B2, diagnostic address OO6D), as are the power latching system (closing aid, C2) and the
tailgate drive (C3). On the other hand, the tailgate lock (C1) is directly connected to the BCM / ICAS / BCM2.

Funktionsablauf der elektrischen Heckklappe MQB, MEB, MLB
Functional sequence of the MQB, MEB, MLB electric tailgate

BCM (MQB) Bedienstellen / Control points
SAM/ICAS (MEB) Funkschliissel / Remote key

Tirinnentaster / Interior door.

BCM 2 (MLB)

“F Griffstiick (Softtouch) &
BCM > Body Computer Module Heckklappeninnentaster / Handle yah
SAM > Sensor Actor Module (Softtouch) & tailgate interior

ICAS > In Car Application Server button

Sensorgesteuerte Heckklappe
(Virtuelles Pedal) / Sensor-
controlled tailgate (virtual pedal)

[A4] tip to run /-

Heckdeckel-Steuergerat /
Tailgate control unit

(HDSG) Je

Steuergerat fiir
sensorgesteuerte Heckklappe /
Control unit for sensor-
controlled tailgate

Heckklappenschloss / Zuziehhilfe / Power latching Heckklappenantriebe / =

Tailgate lock _ system (closing aid) Tailgate drive

a

Figure 2. Functional overview of the electric tailgate for MQB, MEB, MLB

For the newer PPE and PPC platforms with modified architecture, the function overview shown in Figure 3 applies.
For these platforms, the HCP4 control unit (B4) replaces the BCM / ICAS / BCM2 (B1), and the tailgate control unit
(B2) is replaced by the SAR (B5, diagnostic address 0046). In addition, the tailgate lock (C1) is connected directly to
the SAR (B5).
Funktionsablauf der elektrischen Heckklappe PPE, PPC
Functional description of the PPE, PPC electric tailgate

HCP4 (PPE & PPC) Bedienstellen / Control points

HCP > High Performance Computing button

Funkschlissel / Remote key

A2 |Tirinnentaster / Interior door

()\_-53] Griffstiick (Softtouch) & ~

Heckklappeninnentaster / Handle
(Softtouch) & tailgate interior

Heckklappenschloss / Zuziehhilfe / Power latching Heckklappenantriebe / =

Tailgate lock | system (closing aid) Tailgate drive

Sensorgesteuerte Heckklappe
(Virtuelles Pedal) / Sensor-

SAR (Sensor Actor Rear)

[A4] Tip to run /-

SAR > Sensor Actor Rear

Steuergerat fur
sensorgesteuerte Heckklappe /
Control unit for sensor-

| controlled tailgate

Figure 3. Functional overview of the electric tailgate for PPE and PPC vehicles.

Figure 4 below illustrates the functional sequence of the electric tailgate when it opens. The individual signals are
presented in the form of X-Y diagrams, with the respective signal shown at the top and the passage of time going
from left to right. On the left is the time step at the start of the opening process. The time step at the end of the
tailgate movement is shown on the far right. The tailgate starts moving with a signal at the control point (A). One
example would be pressing the tailgate button on the vehicle key twice.

1.

The request to open the tailgate is sent to the BCM / HCP4 (B1, B4) via the control point (A) and releases the
tailgate lock main latch (D2). The spring pre-tension pushes the tailgate out of the end position slightly which
activates the tailgate lock pre-latch (D1).

The pre-latch signal (D1) is the most important signal, as it starts and stops the tailgate movement. In this
case, it controls the tailgate drive current (D4) via the control units.

Hall sensors in the tailgate drive measure the current position of the tailgate (D5). The desired end position is
approached (soft stop position or adapted intermediate position/PUE - programmed upper end position).

After a value of approx. 15% of the tailgate remains, the speed at which the tailgate moves is reduced.
When the desired end position is reached, the tailgate drive current (D4) stops.

The tailgate has reached the target opening dimension and the process is complete. The power latch current
(D3) is not required when opening the tailgate.
Bedienstelle / Aktuator
Control point / actuator

Vorraste Heckklappenschloss
Tailgate lock pre-latch

Hauptraste Heckklappenschloss
Tailgate lock main latch

Bestromung Zuziehhilfe
Power latch current

*

Bestromung Antrieb
Tailgate drive current 6

Position Heckklappe @
Tailgate position we

Figure 4. Functional sequence of the electric tailgate when it opens.

Figure 5 illustrates the functional sequence of the electric tailgate when it closes.
1. The closing request is sent to the BCM / HCP4 via the control point (A).
2. The BCM / HCP4 forwards the signal on to the HDSG / SAR. This activates the rear lid drives (D4).

3. Hall sensor values for the tailgate drive are processed in the tailgate control unit / SAR and the desired end
position is approached (D5).

4. After a value of approx. 15% of the tailgate remains, the speed at which the tailgate moves is reduced.

5. As soon as the lock has reached the pre-latch (D1), the tailgate drive current is switched off (D4). After a slight
delay, the power latch starts the closing process (D3) and brings the tailgate lock into the main latch (D2).

6. The signal from the main latch (D2) acts as feedback for the tailgate control unit / SAR that the tailgate has
successfully completed all movement.

7. Finally, the power latch (D3) reverts to its starting position (S3 switch).
Bedienstelle / Aktuator
Control point / actuator

Vorraste Heckklappenschloss
Tailgate lock pre-latch

Hauptraste Heckklappenschloss
Tailgate Lock main latch

Bestromung Zuziehhilfe
Power latch current

Bestromung Antrieb
Tailgate drive current

Position Heckklappe

Tailgate position O@

Figure 5. Functional sequence of the electric tailgate when it closes.

Manual fault finding via functional check for tailgate lock and power latch

Now that the signal from the tailgate lock pre-latch has been identified as the most important signal for the operation
of the tailgate, manual fault finding can be attempted. This can be done if the ODIS workshop tester does not
provide a suggested repair or an event memory as a guide for repairs.

Proceed as follows when searching for defective parts on MQB, MEB and MLB vehicles:
* Close the tailgate from the upper end position.
« Use a screwdriver or pen to manually press the lock’s pre-latch.

* The tailgate should stop moving immediately. If this does not happen, this may mean the tailgate lock is
defective.

* — Now open the tailgate so that the tailgate lock pre-latch pops out again.

*« Then immediately close the tailgate again and stop it a second time via the pre-latch. The power latch should
now also be activated after stopping it a second time. This pulls the tailgate lock into the main latch and then
reverts to its original position. If this does not happen, this may mean the power latch is defective.

* Also watch the video of the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback at https://audi-
external.kzoplatform.com/player/medium/3090973936389723283 or scan the QR code below:

Figure 6. A video demonstrating the above steps can be found by scanning the QR code.

Proceed as follows when searching for defective parts on PPE and PPC vehicles:

* Close the tailgate from the upper end position.
* Use a screwdriver or pen to manually press the lock's pre-latch.

* The tailgate should stop moving immediately. If this does not happen, this may mean the tailgate lock is
defective.

* — If the remaining opening angle of the tailgate is less than 13%, the power latch is also automatically started on
PPE and PPC vehicles.

* The power latch can be conveniently tested from the inside of the vehicle. To do this, move the tailgate to a
position with an opening angle of less than 13% remaining and operate the tailgate lock pre-latch from the
inside.

* Also watch the videos of the Audi A6 e-tron, found at https://audi-
external.kzoplatform.com/player/medium/3090976688507458783 and https://audi-
external.kzoplatform.com/player/medium/309097984 1575490871.

Figure 7. A video demonstrating the above steps can be Figure 8. A video demonstrating how to test the latch
found by scanning the QR code. from inside the vehicle can be found by scanning the QR

code.
Ay warninc

NOTE: The basic setting of the tailgate must be performed, otherwise there is a risk of excessive force
not being detected.

Fault finding using complete measured value blocks

Further analysis is possible with the aid of complete measured value blocks from control unit data using the ODIS
workshop tester. The control units for the tailgate and the central locking addresses are of interest for the tailgate

fault analysis.

Complete measured value blocks from the tailgate control unit:

The correct diagnostic address and the details of the complete measured value block from the tailgate control unit
can be found in the following overviews:

* Diagnostic address 006D: relevant for MQB vehicles (Audi A3, Q3), MEB vehicles (Audi Q4 e-tron), MLB
vehicles (Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8, Q8 e-tron, e-tron GT).

* Diagnostic address 0046: relevant for PPE and PPC vehicles (new A5, new A6, AG e-tron, new Q5, Q6 e-tron).

Details in the measured value blocks:

* The last 5 reasons why the tailgate stopped moving.

If the tailgate has been correctly initialized (basic setting done).

* The last 5 reasons why the basic setting/initialization was aborted.

* The last 5 reasons why the luggage compartment cover malfunctioned.
* The last 5 reasons why the power latch malfunctioned.

* The current lock status, power latch status and control point status at the time of reading.

Complete measured value blocks from the central locking addresses:

The correct diagnostic address and the details of the complete measured value block from the central locking
addresses can be found in the following overviews:

* Diagnostic address 0019: relevant for MEB (ICAS).
* Diagnostic address 0009: relevant for MQB, PPE, PPC.
* Diagnostic address 0046: relevant for MLB.

Note: Diagnostic address 0046 contains all closing signals for the tailgate on the PPE and PPC.

Details in the measured value blocks:
* The current lock status at the time of reading.
* Alist of lock faults.

* The last 20 control point entries shown chronologically according to Greenwich Mean Time (UK time zone,
please note the time difference to your country and take this into account for the time assigned to errors,
number of entries may vary for different vehicles).

The analysis of the malfunction set time is of particular interest for analyses where a rear lid appears to have
opened automatically. It often provides proof that the key was operated unknowingly in a pocket or similar. Please
also refer to further details on this subject in TSB 2022032: 57 Vehicle locking system, diagnostic information.

©

Note: The measured value blocks should be read out immediately after a customer complaint, otherwise
the measured values will be overwritten.

Warranty

This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty.

Additional Information
All part and service references provided in this TSB (2079214) are subject to change and/or removal. Always check
with your Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins. Please check the Repair
Manual for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during the repair.

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