A551537 2031273-

Technical Service Bulletin
55 Hands free trunk release intermittently inoperative
55 15 37 2031273/5 May 19, 2015. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 55 number 14-34 dated March
21, 2014 for reasons listed below.
Model(s)
Year
VIN Range
A6
2014 – 2017
All
A7
2014 – 2017
All
A8
2012
017050 - 999999
Vehicle-Specific Equipment
Hands free trunk release
(Advanced key, PR 4I3)
A8 from CW 45/11
A6/A7 from CW 22/13
A8
2013 - 2017
All
Condition
REVISION HISTORY
Revision
Date
Purpose
5
-
Revised header data (added model years)
4
3/21/2014
Revised Condition and header data (added A6/A7 and model year)
3
3/29/2013
Revised Technical Background (additional information)
The movement-activated rear lid opening (also known as “Hands-free trunk release”) is sporadically inoperative.
This feature is installed on the following vehicles with Audi advanced key (PR No. 4I3):
• A6/A7 from CW 22/2013 production.
• A8 from CW 45/2011 production.
Technical Background
Hands-free trunk release system, operating parameters
1. The system is only active when the ignition is switched off.
2. The function works via the advanced key system. Operation may temporarily be affected from other signal
transmitters. Examples include additional remote keys or a cell phone in the same pocket as the vehicle key or
interference from nearby transmitters of the same frequency (TV transmitters, wireless headphones, other vehicle
remote controls, etc.).
3. The optimal movement is a straight forward and backward motion of the foot under the rear bumper (Figure 1).
Other movements, such as from left to right or holding the foot under the bumper, may not be recognized by the
system.
© 2015 Audi of America, Inc.
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All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.
Technical Service Bulletin
4. The optimal foot position is at an angle of 90° between foot
and leg (Figure 1). If the foot is stretched out, the detection
range of the lower sensor cable may not be reached.
Figure 1. Optimal foot position and movement
for recognition.
5. The optimal area for detecting foot movement is shown in the
illustration; areas to the left and right may not recognize the
movement (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Optimal area for foot recognition.
6. When performing the foot movement you should stand at least eight inches behind the vehicle. If you are closer
than eight inches to the vehicle, your foot movement may not be recognized.
7. The system can detect moving water underneath the vehicle. If moving water is detected, the hands-free trunk
release is deactivated for safety reasons for about a minute. This also prevents the trunk from opening
unnecessarily (for example, in a car wash or during heavy rain). The moving water detection may also be activated
with movements other than those described in point 3.
8. Dirt and salt on the rear bumper and rear underbody of the vehicle (where the sensor cables are installed) can
affect the electric field that recognizes the foot movement. This area must be clean for proper system operation.
9. Immediately after closing the trunk lid, the hands-free trunk release is disabled for a few seconds.
© 2015 Audi of America, Inc.
Page 2 of 3
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.
Technical Service Bulletin
Production Solution
Not applicable.
Service
Explain the system behavior and concept related-restrictions to the customer.
Warranty
This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi warranty.
Additional Information
More information on this system can be found in the following resources:
• Owners Manual insert: Owner’s Manual Model Year 2013 Audi A8 Movement-activated rear lid opening (Part #:
MY13A8OMINSUS)
All parts and service references provided in this TSB (2031273) are subject to change and/or removal. Always
check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.
© 2015 Audi of America, Inc.
Page 3 of 3
All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.