2021-2023 Audi A5/S5/RS 5 Seat Belt Positioner TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021-2023 Audi A5, S5, and RS 5 models equipped with S Sport Seats (PR Code Q4Q) may experience a condition where the seat belt positioner is "intermittently or statically inoperative". This means the seat belt positioner may not extend or retract as expected, or it may stop functioning altogether. It is important to note that this issue specifically affects vehicles with S Sport Seats (PR Code Q4Q). No diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored in relation to this particular problem.

Technical Background

The intermittent operation of the Audi A5 seat belt positioner stems from the interaction between the seatbelt positioner arm and the seatback. Depending on how the seat is adjusted (e.g., fully upward with the seatback tilted forward), the seatbelt positioner arm could make contact with the seatback. To prevent this, A5/S5/RS 5 Coupe and Cabriolet models with S Sport Seats were programmed to not activate the seatbelt positioner when the seat is in such a position. However, A5/S5 Cabriolet models with S Sport Seats are not at risk for this physical contact due to specific seat-to-belt positioner tolerances.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the intermittently inoperative Audi A5 seat belt positioner, a software update is required for both seat control modules. This update ensures the seatbelt positioner operates correctly in all seat positions. The repair involves following the instructions outlined in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2011732, which details the 00 Software Version Management (SVM) operating procedures.

Technicians will update the seat control modules using specific SVM action codes. For A5/S5/RS 5 Coupe models equipped with PR Code Q4Q, the SVM Code Input is 36A003. For A5/S5 Cabriolet models with PR Code Q4Q S Sport Seats, the SVM Code Input is 36A002. This software update will reprogram the control modules with the latest target data container versions, such as 8W2909866VB, 8W2909866VC, 8W2909866VD, 8W2909856VB, 8W2909856VC, and 8W2909856VD for the Coupe, and 8W5909866D and 8W5909856D for the Cabriolet.

Required Software Updates

The following software updates are necessary to resolve the seat belt positioner issue:

For A5/S5/RS 5 Coupe (Equipped with PR Code Q4Q):

• Address 0006: Update from Old Target Data Container Numbers like 8W2909866B, 8W2909866C, 8W2909866D, or 8W2909866E to New Target Data Container Numbers 8W2909866VB, 8W2909866VC, or 8W2909866VD (Version 0011, 0013, or 0020).
• Address 0036: Update from Old Target Data Container Numbers like 8W2909856B, 8W2909856C, 8W2909856D, or 8W2909856E to New Target Data Container Numbers 8W2909856VB, 8W2909856VC, or 8W2909856VD (Version 0013, 0014, or 0020).
• SVM Code Input: 36A003

For A5/S5 Cabriolet (Equipped with PR Code Q4Q S Sport Seats):

• Address 0006: Update from Old Target Data Container Number 8W5909866B to New Target Data Container Number 8W5909866D.
• Address 0036: Update from Old Target Data Container Number 8W5909856B to New Target Data Container Number 8W5909856D.
• SVM Code Input: 36A002

Warranty Information

This repair, identified by Service Number 6438 and Damage Code 0040, is covered under Audi's New Vehicle Limited Warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the G10 claim type applies, requiring verification of owner eligibility. If your vehicle is outside of any warranty coverage, this Technical Service Bulletin 72 23 48 2048311/7 serves as informational guidance only. The labor operation for the software update is 0151 0000, with a maximum time allowance of 70 labor units (TU).

Important Warnings

If your vehicle is outside of its applicable warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. Owners should be aware that costs associated with the repair may not be covered by Audi if the warranty has expired.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing an intermittently or statically inoperative Audi A5 seat belt positioner in your 2021-2023 Audi A5, S5, or RS 5 with S Sport Seats, you should contact an authorized Audi dealership. Inform them about the symptoms you are experiencing and reference Technical Service Bulletin 72 23 48 2048311/7. The dealership will perform the necessary software update to resolve the issue.

---

Source: NHTSA ID 10238178