2021 Audi A4/A5/S4/S5 Instrument Cluster Blank TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2063913/5 to address a condition where the driver information system display in the instrument cluster appears blank. This bulletin, dated July 25, 2023, supersedes an earlier TSB, Group 90 number 23-27, and provides updated instructions for diagnosis and repair.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021 Audi A4, A5, S4, and S5 vehicles may observe the following:

• The driver information system (DIS) in the instrument cluster (PR Code 9S7) is blank.
• Despite the blank DIS, the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and coolant temperature gauges function normally.

Technical Background

Audi has identified that the blank driver information system display is caused by a hardware defect within the instrument cluster. An optimized instrument cluster hardware has since been introduced in series production to prevent this issue in newer vehicles.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

• If the software update for the 2021 Audi A5 instrument cluster blank condition does not run successfully on the first attempt, technicians should try again.
• Should the update fail a second time, the vehicle must be put into bus sleep mode for at least 30 minutes before attempting the update process again.
• If the update is aborted after receiving the message "The following event has occurred: The coding of the following control module could not be performed: 0017 – dash panel insert," technicians should select option "2. Cancel coding of the following control module and complete any repair suggestions: 00174 – dash panel insert" and follow the instructions on the diagnostic tester.
• The update procedure can require multiple attempts. Technicians are advised to try the update up to 12 times before considering parts replacement.
• This TSB will be updated if any improvements to the update process become available.
• If your vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only, and repair costs may not be covered.

Repair Procedure Summary

The primary repair for the 2021 Audi A5 instrument cluster blank issue involves a software update to the instrument cluster. Technicians should follow these steps:

1. Refer to TSB 2011732, "00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions," for detailed SVM guidance.
2. Update the instrument cluster, identified as J285 (address word 0017), using the SVM action code 17A036. This update addresses the hardware defect.
3. Perform necessary diagnostic checks and road tests before and after the service procedure to ensure the issue is resolved and no new problems arise.

Required Tools or Parts

The repair primarily involves a software update. The TSB references specific part numbers and software versions for the instrument cluster:

• Old Software Part Numbers: 8W5920K, 8W5920L
• Old Software Versions: 0761, 0759
• New Software Part Numbers: 8W5920K, 8W5920L
• New Software Versions (or higher): 0762
• SVM Code Input: 17A036

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty for vehicles 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, this bulletin serves as informational guidance.

• Service Number: 9025
• Damage Code: 0039
• Labor Operations:
  • Software Update (includes checking for DTCs): 0151 0000 (Time stated on diagnostic protocol, max 200 TU)
  • Initiate bus sleep mode (if needed): 0689 1099 (10 TU)
  • Diagnostic Time (GFF): No allowance
  • Road test prior to service procedure: No allowance
  • Road test after service procedure: No allowance
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2063913/4.

All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review by Audi Warranty.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021 Audi A4, A5, S4, or S5 and are experiencing a blank driver information system display, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer. Inform them about the symptoms you are observing and mention Technical Service Bulletin 2063913/5. The dealer will be able to perform the necessary software update to resolve the issue.

Source: NHTSA ID 10239691