Audi A4 Quattro Sedan # 571387 Date: 130327
Body - Door Can Be Opened From Inside But Not Outside
57 Door cannot be opened from outside, it can only be opened from inside
57 13 87
2029151/4
March 27, 2013
Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 57 number 12-80 dated November 9, 2012 for reasons listed below.
702
Vehicle Information
Condition
The door cannot be opened from outside with the outer door handle, but it can be opened with the inner handle. The complaint is often described as
follows: The customer locks the vehicle and checks by pulling the door handle whether the vehicle is locked. When opening the vehicle again, the
door cannot be opened. It feels as if the handle is slack.
703
Technical Background
When fitting the Bowden cable from the mounting bar to the door lock, the cable can get kinked. In some cases, this can increase the inner friction of
the strand in the Bowden cable. As a result, the door lock stays in pressed position or does not completely return to its zero position (Figure 1).
When the Bowden cable gets twisted during the installation, the rubber grommets can get distorted. Consequently, the Bowden cable has a too-high
inner friction and the door lock does not move to the zero position (Figure 2).
Improved cable with 'L'-shaped attachment (Figure 3). Improved positioning of the locking collar.
Service
1. Replace the cable. The bow does not need to be replaced unless damage to the component is evident. Remove/install the latch carrier ("bow"
according to ETKA) and Bowden cable together, as a set, according to the repair manual:
Repair Manual >> Body >> Body Exterior >> 57 Front doors, Central Locking System >> Removal and Installation >> Door Components >>
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Door Lock, Bracket, Door Lock Actuating Link.
-or-
Repair Manual >> Body >> Body Exterior >> 58 Rear doors >> Removal and Installation >> Rear Door Components >> Door Lock, Bracket,
Door Lock Actuating Link.
Tip:
Do not separate the Bowden cable from the latch carrier ("bow" according to ETKA) while the carrier is installed in the vehicle. Ensure the
Bowden cable does not get damaged during the replacement procedure.
2. Assemble the latch carrier ("bow" according to ETKA) / Bowden cable assembly and the door lock together according to the steps below, before
installing into the vehicle:
a. Position the Bowden cable by holding the yellow sleeve in the lock (Figure 4).
b. Pull down the Bowden cable by holding the yellow sleeve (Figure 5). The locking mechanism is pulled along and the Bowden cable is
locked. Slot in the yellow locking mechanism to the left.
705
c. Do not twist the Bowden cable after the installation. To avoid twisting the cable, turn neither the lock nor the mounting bar (Figure 6).
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Warranty
711
All warranty claims submitted for payment must be in accordance with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Claims are subject to
review or audit by Audi Warranty.
Required Parts and Tools
Additional Information
All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service
manuals for the latest information.
