2021-2022 Audi A6/A7/S6/S7 Steering Malfunction

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021-2022 Audi A6, A7, S6, and S7 models may observe a specific warning message in their vehicle's instrument cluster. The primary symptom indicating this issue is a "Steering malfunction warning in the instrument cluster". This warning suggests a problem with the vehicle's steering system, particularly concerning the rear axle wheel steering functionality.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing the "Steering malfunction warning in the instrument cluster", technicians may find specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) logged in the rear axle wheel steering control module, identified as J1019 (address word 00CB). The relevant fault codes are:

• B200FF0 with symptom code 251 and/or 129
• C12A329 with symptom code 224

These codes indicate that the control module has detected an internal software-related issue affecting the steering system's operation. If you experience an Audi A6 steering malfunction, these codes will likely be present.

Technical Background

The root cause of the steering malfunction and associated DTCs is identified as outdated software within the rear axle wheel steering control module. This module, designated J1019, requires an update to resolve the underlying software anomaly that triggers the warning message and fault codes.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the Audi A6 steering malfunction, Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2066318/1 outlines a specific software update procedure. The process involves several key steps:

1. SVM Update Instructions: Technicians must follow the instructions provided in TSB 2011732: 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions, which details the general procedure for software updates.
2. Basic Setting: For vehicles presenting DTC B200FF0 with symptom code 251, a basic setting procedure for "1478 FSP_dev" must be performed within the self-diagnosis of the J1019 control unit. This step requires using service login 20103.
3. Module Update: The J1019 (00CB) control module is updated using the SVM action code CBA002. This updates the software from an older version (e.g., 0398) to the new version (0399) using part number 4N0909145C.
4. Wheel Alignment: After the software update, a wheel alignment is mandatory. Recommendations include adjusting the rear axle to the tolerance limits for negative camber and positive toe (toe-in), and setting the front axle toe to the center of its tolerance range.

Required Software and Parts

The primary requirement for this repair is the updated software for the rear axle wheel steering control module. The relevant software part number is 4N0909145C, with the new software version being 0399 (or higher). The SVM Code Input required for the update is CBA002. No specific hardware parts are listed for replacement, as the issue is software-based.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under Audi's warranty program for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles are also covered under the G10 claim type, requiring owner verification. The service number for this procedure is 4841, with a damage code of 0040. Labor operations include software update (0151 0000, max 60 TU), perform wheel alignment (4495 0300), and road tests (0121 0004, 10 TU for after service). The claim comment should reference TSB 2066318/1.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that if their vehicle is outside of the specified warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only. In such cases, the cost of diagnosis and repair may not be covered by Audi.

NHTSA ID: 10208902

### FAQs
[
  {
    "question": "What does 'Steering malfunction warning in the instrument cluster' mean for my Audi?",
    "answer": "This warning, often accompanied by DTCs B200FF0 or C12A329, indicates a software issue within your vehicle's rear axle wheel steering control module (J1019). It suggests that the system responsible for rear wheel steering is not functioning correctly."
  },
  {
    "question": "Which Audi models and years are affected by TSB 2066318/1?",
    "answer": "Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2066318/1 applies to various 2021-2022 Audi models, including the A6, A7, S6, S7, A8, S8, A6 allroad, RS 6 Avant, A7 e quattro, RS 7, and A4 allroad, that are equipped with rear wheel steering."
  },
  {
    "question": "How is the Audi A6 steering malfunction addressed by this TSB?",
    "answer": "The issue is resolved by updating the software of the rear axle wheel steering control module (J1019) using SVM action code CBA002, followed by a necessary wheel alignment. This procedure is detailed in TSB 2066318/1."
  },
  {
    "question": "Will I have to pay for the repair if my Audi displays DTC B200FF0 or C12A329?",
    "answer": "If your vehicle is within the 48-month/50,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty or is a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle, the repair should be covered by Audi. If your vehicle is outside of these warranty periods, the TSB is informational, and you may be responsible for the costs."
  }
]