2023 Audi Emissions Recall 37P3: TCM Software Update

Why This Matters

Audi has identified a software error within the Transmission Control Module (TCM) of certain 2023 models equipped with DSG transmissions. This error prevents specific fault codes from being cleared, even after underlying transmission problems that triggered the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) have been resolved. While this issue does not affect tailpipe emissions or vehicle drivability, the inability to clear these stored fault codes can prevent your vehicle from passing required state inspection and maintenance testing.

This 2023 Audi 37P3 emissions recall ensures that your vehicle's emissions system functions as intended and can pass necessary inspections.

What's Being Recalled

This emissions recall, identified by campaign code 37P3, involves a software update for the Transmission Control Module (TCM) in affected Audi vehicles. The issue specifically targets a software glitch in DSG transmissions that prevents certain fault codes from being cleared, leading to a persistent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.

How to Check if Your Vehicle is Affected

Owner notification for the 2023 Audi 37P3 emissions recall is scheduled to take place in May 2024. However, you can check if your specific vehicle is included in this campaign by visiting www.audiusa.com and using the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Manufacturer's Remedy

Your authorized Audi dealer will update the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software in your vehicle to correct the error. This repair will be performed free of charge. The software update is estimated to take approximately one hour, though dealers may require additional time for preparation and to accommodate their workshop schedule.

Important Warnings and Owner Information

Audi has provided several critical advisories regarding this 2023 Audi 37P3 emissions recall:

• Modified Control Modules: If any control module(s) in your vehicle have been “chipped,” “tuned,” or otherwise modified from factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or software, any work needed to repair, replace, or return these modules to factory specifications is NOT covered under this recall action.
• Dealer Inventory: Dealers are required to complete this campaign on every affected inventory vehicle before delivery to consumers.
• Radiator Fan Safety: The radiator fan(s) may cycle on at high speed during the software update process. There is a serious risk of personal injury if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from the radiator fan(s) during the update.
• Warranty Reimbursement: A warranty claim for this service may not be reimbursed if the SVM (Software Version Management) process is not completed in its entirety, ensuring the database receives the update confirmation response. Refer to Technical Bulletin 2011732 (US) or 2037026 (Canada) for SVM operating instructions.
• Diagnostic Tool Usage: Do NOT use Guided Fault Finding (GFF) to perform this flash, as it will cause the flash to take longer. The VAS Diagnostics Interface MUST ONLY be connected to the diagnostic tester with a USB cable; using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi increases the risk of connection loss and potential damage to the control module.
• Battery Voltage: The battery charger must be connected to the vehicle battery and maintain a voltage above 12.5 volts throughout the software update. Control modules damaged by insufficient voltage will not be covered.
• California Emissions Requirements: For California owners, state regulations require this campaign to be completed before vehicle registration renewal. Upon completion, your dealer will provide a signed "Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU). This certificate must be retained for your records and provided to the DMV only if requested.

Warranty Information

For authorized Audi dealers, the warranty claim details for this campaign are as follows:

• Service Number: 37P3
• Damage Code: 0099
• Parts Vendor Code: 002
• Claim Type: Sold vehicle: 7 10; Unsold vehicle: 7 90
• Causal Indicator: Mark labor as causal
• Vehicle Wash/Loaner: Do not claim wash/loaner under this action.
• Criteria I.D.: 01

Labor operations include:

• 0151 00 10: Software update (setup + connect battery charger) – Time units as per ELSA.
• 0151 00 60: Software update (Update TCM Software) – Time units based on diagnostic protocol.

Repair Procedure Summary

The software update for the 2023 Audi 37P3 emissions recall involves several key steps performed by an authorized Audi technician using specific tools and procedures:

Required Tools

Technicians will utilize the following specialized equipment:

• Battery Tester/Charger: VAS-5908 (or equivalent) with a current rating of at least 90A.
• Diagnostic Tester: VAS6150X/VAS6160X (or equivalent).

Section A - Check for Previous Repair

1. Vehicle Eligibility: The technician must enter the VIN into the Elsa system and navigate to the "Campaign/Action" screen to verify if the vehicle qualifies for the repair.
2. Campaign Status: On the day of repair, the technician will print this screen and confirm the Campaign/Action status is "open". If the status is "closed", no further work is required.
3. Applicable Criteria ID: The "Applicable Criteria ID" (e.g., '01') must be noted to ensure the correct work and associated parts are used.
4. Multiple Updates: If multiple software update campaigns are open, they must be performed in order of their "Start date", with the oldest being performed first.
5. Safety Recalls: All outstanding Safety Recalls must be completed before proceeding with this emissions campaign.

• Note: Audi explicitly states that damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer's responsibility and will not be reimbursed. Additionally, diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action.

Section B - Transmission Control Module Software Update

Before launching the VAS Diagnostic Tester and initiating the update, several critical conditions must be met:

• ODIS Software: The ODIS software must be completely up to date, referencing the "Current ODIS Service Version" circular in Elsa2Go Service References.
• Battery Charger: The battery charger must be connected to the vehicle battery and remain connected throughout the software update to maintain voltage above 12.5 volts. Insufficient voltage can damage control modules, and such damage will not be covered.
• Tester Settings: The screen saver and power saving settings on the diagnostic tester must be turned off to prevent the tester from entering power save mode during the update, which could cause damage to the control module.
• Tester Power: The VAS Diagnostic Tester must be plugged in using its supplied power adapters. It should never be used on battery power alone during a software update.
• Flash Process: The update must be performed using "Audi Flashing", not Guided Fault Finding (GFF). Using GFF will prolong the flash process, and requests for additional time will not be considered.
• Diagnostic Interface Connection: The VAS Diagnostics Interface MUST ONLY be connected to the tester with a USB cable. Using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections increases the risk of connection loss and potential damage to the control module, and will also significantly increase the update time. Requests for additional time or parts will be denied if the GFF log indicates a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection was used.

Update Steps:

1. Switch off all vehicle consumers, including air conditioning, heater blower motor, lights, and heated seats.
2. Ensure the latest version of ODIS is downloaded.
3. Confirm the diagnostic head is connected to the ODIS tester via a USB cable.
4. Move the selector lever to the 'P' (Park) position.
5. Select the operating mode "FLASH".
6. Choose "SVM – Code Input".
7. Enter the SVM code 37P3A008 and follow the on-screen prompts.
8. Upon exiting the FLASH program, ensure the diagnostic log is sent to GFF Paperless.

• Note: All campaign software updates must be completed during a single, standalone ODIS Diagnostic Session. Any ODIS “Hot-Fix” patches installed must be removed from the scan tool before starting this operation, as they may affect the update process.

• WARNING: The radiator fan(s) may cycle ON at high speed during the update process. There is a serious risk of personal injury if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from the radiator fan(s) during the update process.

Section C - Campaign Stamp

After the campaign is completed, the technician will stamp the repair order. Stamps can be ordered using item# AUD4927ENG or AUD4927FRE.

Section D - Campaign Completion Label

Technicians must fill out and affix a Campaign Completion Label (part number CAMP 010 000) next to the vehicle emission control information label. The label should not cover any existing labels.

Section E - California Only Requirements

For vehicles registered in California, the California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require emissions-related campaigns to be completed before vehicle registration renewal. Upon completion of the work, the owner must be provided with a signed "Vehicle Emission Recall - Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMIS_CAL VW). These certificates can be ordered online via the Compliance Label Ordering portal. Owners should retain this certificate for their records and only mail it to the California DMV if specifically requested.

NHTSA Source: 37P3 Page 1 of 8