2024-2025 Audi A5 Steering Warning Lamp TSB

Introduction to Audi TSB 2074847/5

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2074847/5, dated March 1, 2025, to address a specific software-related concern affecting various 2024-2025 Audi models, including the A4, A5, S4, S5, and RS 5. This bulletin details a condition where owners may observe a "yellow steering warning lamp on" when starting the engine. In some instances, this issue can also lead to a reduction in power steering assistance, which can impact vehicle handling and safety. The problem is rooted in the vehicle's electromechanical power steering system and is resolved through a targeted software update.

This TSB is a revision of previous guidance, specifically superseding Pending Service Solution (PSS) TSB 2073087, which also addressed the "yellow steering warning lamp on" with DTCs B200000 and B200FF4 stored in the J500 control unit. The latest revision, Revision 5, dated February 5, 2025, includes updated procedures and information.

Symptoms Owners May Experience

Owners of affected 2024-2025 Audi A4, A5, S4, S5, or RS 5 vehicles may notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• Yellow Steering Warning Lamp Illumination: The primary symptom is the illumination of the yellow steering warning lamp on the instrument cluster, typically occurring when the engine is started. This warning may be intermittent and could disappear after the engine is restarted.
• Reduced Power Steering: Drivers might experience reduced power steering functionality, making the steering feel heavier or more difficult to turn. This can manifest as the complaint "chassis -> steering, steering assist -> electromechanical power steering functionality -> too difficult to move" or "chassis -> steering, steering assist -> electromechanical power steering functionality -> operation performance incorrect."
• Dashboard Messages: The vehicle's display may show a "power steering malfunction display" message, indicating a fault within the steering system. This is categorized as "information, navigation, communication, entertainment -> malfunction display symbols -> power steering malfunction display."

This TSB specifically addresses the Audi A5 steering warning lamp and related power steering issues, ensuring a proper diagnosis and repair.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

When diagnosing this issue, technicians may find several diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's control units. These codes help pinpoint the nature of the software malfunction. It is important to note that in some isolated cases, the Audi A5 steering warning lamp issue may occur even without any DTCs being logged.

Diagnostic Address	Diagnostic Trouble Code	Fault Symptom	Storage State
0044 - Power steering	B200000	Control module faulty	Intermittent
0044 - Power steering	B200FF4	Internal malfunction	Intermittent
0074 - Chassis control	U103100	FlexRay data bus No synchronization	Intermittent
0074 - Chassis control	U103100	FlexRay data bus No synchronization	Static

Specifically, the TSB notes that in the steering control unit (diagnostic address 0044), with software version SW 0172 and VW-Audi part number 8W0909144N, the following DTCs may be logged:

• B200000 symptom 4176 and/or B200FF4 symptom 16712020.
• B200000 symptom 4432.

Alternatively, in the suspension control unit (diagnostic address 0074), DTC U103100 symptom 323584 may be logged. These codes indicate issues within the power steering control module (J500) and the chassis control unit, specifically related to internal malfunctions and communication errors on the FlexRay data bus.

Technical Background and Cause

According to Audi, the root cause of the yellow steering warning lamp and associated power steering issues is a software anomaly within the steering system. The vehicle's control units, particularly the Power Steering Control Module (J500), may contain an older or unoptimized software version that can lead to these symptoms. Vehicles with software version SW 0172 and VW-Audi part number 8W0909144N are specifically identified as potentially experiencing this problem. The production solution involves deploying optimized software through after-sales service to correct this underlying issue.

Important Warnings and Considerations

Audi has provided several crucial warnings within TSB 2074847/5 for technicians and owners:

• SVM Code vs. Login Code: "Please ensure that you do not confuse the SVM code with the login code when entering the code!" These are distinct codes used for different purposes during the diagnostic and repair process.
• Start/Stop System Check: "Use the PR number to check whether the vehicle has a start/stop system." This is vital because the repair procedure varies depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with a start/stop system (PR.7L4/7L8) or not (PR. 7L7).
• Warranty Claim Conditions: "Try to reproduce the customer complaint (based on the description/cause of the issue), so that it can be clearly assigned to this TSB. The following repair must only be carried out if all the criteria (model/type, VIN number, engine/motor and gearbox code, PR number(s), part number, software version, code etc.) apply exactly. Otherwise, this solution will not eliminate the problem and repeat repairs will be necessary. In such a case, we may reject the warranty claim and charge back the cost of the parts." This emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis and adherence to the specified repair criteria to ensure the fix is effective and covered under warranty.

Repair Procedure Summary

Audi TSB 2074847/5 outlines a software update procedure to resolve the Audi A5 steering warning lamp and related power steering issues. The specific steps vary slightly depending on whether the vehicle is equipped with a start/stop system (PR.7L4/7L8) or not (PR. 7L7).

Technicians must follow all instructions detailed in TSB 20117352: 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions, for proper SVM code input and procedure execution.

For Vehicles Without Start/Stop System (PR. 7L7)

1. Software Update: Technicians will perform a software update on the steering system using specific SVM (Software Version Management) codes. The first code to be entered is 44A041, followed by the second code, 44B041.
2. Post-Update Cycle: After the software update, the red steering warning lamp may illuminate. The technician must switch the ignition off and on again and then erase all stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

For Vehicles With Start/Stop System (PR.7L4/7L8)

1. Steering Control Unit Reset: The steering control unit at diagnostic address 0044 (J500) must first be reset to factory settings. This is done through Guided Functions in the diagnostic tool. The technician will select option "2" as shown in Figure 1 of the TSB, which illustrates the diagnostic tool interface for "J500 factory settings reset – Guided Functions."
2. Adaptation Values Reset: To perform the reset, technicians will navigate to the basic settings for the test program and use login code 1181 for the program "0044 - Reset all adaptation values / adapt end stops."
3. Coding Verification: The diagnostic tester may not automatically confirm the reset is complete. Technicians must manually click the "Done/Continue" button and then verify that the coding in control unit J500 (address 0044) under Identification has been set to "00000000000000."
4. Conditional Software Update:
   • If the J500 coding is confirmed as "00000000000000," the software update proceeds with the specified SVM codes.
   • If the coding is not confirmed, the steering control unit must be reset to factory settings again.
5. Software Update: Perform a software update of the steering system using the SVM codes: First code: 44A041, then second code: 44B041.
6. Post-Update Cycle: Similar to vehicles without start/stop, after the software update, the ignition must be cycled off and on, and all DTCs must be erased.

Software and SVM Code Details

The TSB includes a table outlining the old and new software part numbers and versions, along with the corresponding SVM Code Input for models A4 and A5:

Model	Old Software Part Number	Old Software Version	New Software Part Number	New Software Version	SVM Code Input
A4, A5	8W0909144N	0172	8W0909144P	1181	44A041
A4, A5	8W0909144P	1181	8W0909144P	1181	44B041

This table indicates that an old software part number 8W0909144N with version 0172 is updated to 8W0909144P with version 1181 using SVM code 44A041. Subsequently, if the vehicle already has 8W0909144P with version 1181, a further update using SVM code 44B041 is performed, maintaining the same part number and version but ensuring the latest configuration.

Required Tools and Software

To perform this repair, an authorized Audi dealership will utilize specialized diagnostic equipment capable of performing software updates and control unit resets. Key elements include:

• Diagnostic Tool: Required for accessing Guided Functions, resetting control units, and performing software updates.
• SVM Codes: Specific SVM codes 44A041 and 44B041 are required for the software update process.
• Login Code: Login code 1181 is necessary for the "0044 - Reset all adaptation values / adapt end stops" program during the reset procedure for vehicles with start/stop systems.
• PR Number Check: The PR number is used to identify the vehicle's configuration regarding the presence of a start/stop system (PR.7L7 or PR.7L4/7L8).

Warranty Information

This repair is generally covered under warranty if the vehicle meets the specified criteria. The TSB provides the following warranty details:

• Claim Type: If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only.
• Service Number: 4835
• Damage Code: 0040
• Labor Operations:
  • Software update: 0151 0010 (Associated with SRT operations)
  • Software update: 0151 0060 (Time stated on the diagnostic protocol)
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2074847/5

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. It is crucial for technicians to accurately diagnose and apply the repair according to the TSB's criteria, otherwise, the warranty claim may be rejected, and the cost of parts charged back.

Owner Action

If you own a 2024-2025 Audi A4, A5, S4, S5, or RS 5 and are experiencing the Audi A5 steering warning lamp illuminating or reduced power steering, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi dealership. They have access to TSB 2074847/5 and the necessary tools and software to diagnose and perform the required software update. Ensure you mention any specific symptoms or warning messages you have observed.

NHTSA ID: 11016531