2021 Audi A5/RS5/S5 Emergency Call Malfunction TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021 Audi A5, RS5, and S5 vehicles may notice a specific message displayed in the instrument cluster: "Emergency call function: malfunction! Function restricted. Please contact service". This warning indicates a problem with the vehicle's emergency call system, which is a critical safety feature. If you experience this Audi A5 emergency call malfunction, it's important to have your vehicle inspected promptly.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the "Emergency call function: malfunction!" warning appears, technicians may find one or both of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the telematics control module, J949 (address word 0075):

• B18BD11: Mobile phone aerial 1 for emergency call module and communication unit, short circuit to ground.
• B18BD13: Mobile phone aerial 1 for emergency call module and communication unit, interruption.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the Audi A5 emergency call malfunction is often traced back to possible water ingress. This water can damage a seal, leading to either a short circuit or an interruption in the mobile phone aerial 1 (-R263-) which is vital for the emergency call module and communication unit within the telematics control module, J949.

Repair Procedure Summary

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2060197/3 outlines a two-step repair process to resolve the emergency call system malfunction:

1. Replace Mobile Phone Aerial 1: The mobile phone aerial 1 for the emergency call module (-R263-) is replaced. This component is crucial for the proper functioning of the emergency call system.
2. Replace Antenna Wire: The antenna wire connecting the mobile phone aerial 1 to the telematics control module, J949, is replaced. During this step, the defective wire must be carefully unpinned from the 8-pin connector T8bc (or T8cp for vehicles from July 2019 onwards) and the new wire pinned in its place.

Required Parts and Tools

Technicians will need specific parts to perform this repair. Always consult ETKA and/or ELSA for the latest information and part numbers. Key components include:

• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws (as needed per the Repair Manual)
• Mobile phone aerial 1 for emergency call module -R263- (Quantity: 1)
• Adapter antenna cable, part number 4N1971650A (Quantity: 1)
• Adapter antenna cable, part number 000098714 (Quantity: 1)

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under Audi's warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle is outside of warranty coverage, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance for repairs. The service number for this procedure is 9128, with a damage code of 0010. Labor operations include specific codes for removing and installing the aerial (9138 1965), telematics control unit (9170 19XX), and replacing the aerial cable (9128 5599).

NHTSA ID: 10234556