Technical Service Bulletin
20 Pump nozzle cannot be inserted into fuel tank filler neck, vehicle cannot be refueled
20 14 40 2033836/2 October 6, 2014. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 20 number 13-26 dated May
15, 2013 for reasons listed below.
Model(s)

Year

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

A3, A6, A8, Q7

2009 - 2015

All

TDI clean diesel

Condition
REVISION HISTORY
Revision

Date

Purpose

2

-

Revised header data (Added models)
Revised Condition (Added additional condition)
Revised Service (Added descriptions)

1

5/15/2013

Initial publication

Customer states that the vehicle cannot be refueled due to difficulty inserting the fuel pump nozzle into the filler
neck. Customer may also state that the flap is stuck in a locked position and it cannot be moved with fingers.

Technical Background
Beginning with MY2009, the filler necks of
various TDI clean diesel vehicles were
equipped with a misfueling guard (Figure
1). The guard minimizes the likelihood
that fuel other than ultra-low sulfur diesel
will be put into the vehicle.
The misfueling guard is designed to
remain in a locked position when a nozzle
with a diameter typically suited for nondiesel fuels (approximately 13/16”, or
20.6mm) is inserted, to prevent further
insertion of the nozzle into the filler neck.
A nozzle with a larger diameter typically
suited for diesel fuel (approximately
15/16”, or 23.8mm) will unlock the
misfueling guard when inserted, allowing
the nozzle to be further inserted into the
filler neck.

© 2014 Audi of America, Inc.

Figure 1. Misfueling guard, indicated by red arrow. (2013 A3
TDI pictured. Other vehicles may appear slightly different.)

Page 1 of 2

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 to the customer the purpose of the misfuel guard, and how the guard is designed to function. It is normal
operation for the flap inside the fuel filler neck to be in a locked position. It will only be released (free to swing
open) when a nozzle of the appropriate diameter is inserted.
Also explain that some refueling stations may have damaged or worn nozzles with diameters that are out of
specification, and that such nozzles may not be able to unlock the misfueling guard. Suggest that in such cases,
the customer try turning the nozzle before inserting it into the fuel filler neck, try using a different fuel pump, or see
an authorized Audi dealer or authorized repair facility for assistance.
Do not replace the fuel tank for this concern, as this is a normal condition. The operation of the misfuel
guard can easily be checked by inserting Diesel Fueling Adapter (part number 000072709) into the filler neck. If
the flap opens and allows the adapter to be inserted, the misfuel guard is operating as designed. See attached
video of A6 TDI fuel tank being tested. Note that the flap cannot be opened by finger.

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

Additional Information
All parts and service references provided in this TSB (2033836) are subject to change and/or removal. Always
check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.

© 2014 Audi of America, Inc.

Page 2 of 2

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.