2025 Audi A5/Q5 Gearbox P-Lock DTC P288B00 P1D4700

Owners of certain 2025 Audi A5 (FU) and Q5 (GU) variants may encounter a situation where the transmission position P (parking lock) cannot be selected, preventing the vehicle from being securely locked. This issue is often accompanied by a yellow engine warning lamp illuminating and the message "Drive system: fault" appearing in the instrument cluster. Audi has released TSB 2078844/1, dated August 26, 2025, to provide guidance on this specific problem.

This TSB acknowledges the problem and offers interim advice while a permanent repair is developed. The 2025 Audi A5 gearbox P-lock issue is a known concern, and owners should be aware of the manufacturer's recommendations.

Symptoms Owners May Notice

If you own a 2025 Audi A5 or Q5, you might experience the following symptoms related to the 2025 Audi A5 gearbox P-lock:

• Inability to select parking position P: The transmission may not engage the parking lock, making it impossible to secure the vehicle.
• Yellow warning lamp: A yellow warning lamp will appear on the instrument cluster.
• Instrument cluster message: The verbatim message "Drive system: fault" will be displayed.
• Specific warning: A more detailed yellow warning message, "P cannot be selected. Vehicle may roll away! Please contact workshop," may also appear in the instrument cluster.

Fault Codes (DTCs)

When diagnosing the 2025 Audi A5 gearbox P-lock issue, technicians may find specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in various control units. These codes pinpoint the nature of the problem:

• Main Control Unit for Drive System and Running Gear System, J1312 (address word 812C):

DTC Code	Description	Symptom Code
P1D4700	Parking lock timeout when disengaging	262145
P288B00	Parking lock actuator, invalid signal	401414

• Transmission Control Unit J217 (diagnostic address 0002): If DTCs are present in the event memory of the transmission control unit J217, technicians are advised to read out all measured values and upload the log to GFF paperless. They should also check if TSB 2078831 applies to the specific DTCs found in this module.

Important Owner Information and Warnings

Audi has provided critical instructions for this condition, emphasizing that a permanent solution is not yet available. Owners should be aware of the following:

• Postpone repair: "Please postpone the repair as there is currently no effective repair for the complaint described by the customer."
• Solution timeline: "Explain to the customer that a solution is expected to be available by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025 (subject to change) and that no repairs are necessary at this point."
• Do not replace components: "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern."
• Electronic Parking Brake (EPB): "Please inform the customer that the electronic parking brake (EPB) will continue to function and can be used to park the vehicle." This means the vehicle can still be safely secured using the EPB.

These warnings are crucial to prevent unnecessary repairs or component replacements that will not resolve the underlying issue. The focus is on managing the symptom until a definitive fix is released.

Temporary Workaround for 'P Cannot Be Selected'

If you encounter the "P cannot be selected" message in your 2025 Audi A5 or Q5, Audi suggests a temporary procedure to potentially resolve the immediate issue and allow selection of the parking position:

1. Switch off ignition: Turn off the ignition to ensure the instrument cluster and the selector lever position display turn off completely.
2. Wait: Wait for at least three minutes without operating the vehicle. This includes refraining from opening any doors or using the MMI (Multi Media Interface).
3. Start vehicle: Start the vehicle in combustion mode.
4. Drive forward: Drive forward approximately 20 inches in driving program S.
5. Drive reverse: Reverse approximately 20 inches in driving program R. (These two steps can be performed in the opposite order if needed).
6. Press P button: Press the P button on the selector lever to attempt to engage the parking lock.

If this issue recurs multiple times after performing the workaround, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer. They will need to open a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) case, providing details of your original customer statement, the exact time the complaint occurred, and any workshop findings as accurately as possible. Reference TSB 2078844/1 in the first line of the TAC case.

Warranty Information

For vehicles experiencing the 2025 Audi A5 gearbox P-lock issue, warranty claims are handled under specific codes and procedures:

• Claim Type: If your vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only.
• Service Number: 3410
• Damage Code: 0010
• Labor Operations:

Labor Operation	Description	Time Units	Associated Operations
GFF / Guided Functions	0150 0010	See SRT	with associated operations
GFF / Guided Functions	0150 0060	See SRT	with associated operations

• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2078844/1.

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.

Next Steps for Owners

Given that a permanent repair for the 2025 Audi A5 gearbox P-lock issue is still under development, owners should heed Audi's advice to postpone any repairs related to this specific condition. If you experience the symptoms described, utilize the temporary workaround if necessary, and be aware that your electronic parking brake remains functional for securing the vehicle. Stay in contact with your authorized Audi dealer for updates on the expected solution, which is anticipated by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025. All part and service references provided in this TSB (2078844) are subject to change and/or removal, so always check with your Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins.

NHTSA ID: 11022701