2024 Audi A4/A5/A6/A7/Q5 MIL Fault Emissions Recall 37P2

Why This Matters

Audi has issued emissions recall 37P2 for certain 2024 Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, and Q5 vehicles. This recall addresses a specific software issue that, while not impacting tailpipe emissions or vehicle drivability, can lead to significant inconvenience for owners. The primary concern is that a persistent "Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)" due to un-clearable fault codes may prevent your vehicle from passing subsequent state inspection and maintenance testing.

What's Being Recalled

This recall, identified as 37P2, involves a software error within the transmission control unit (TCM) of affected DSG transmissions. This error prevents certain fault codes from being cleared even after the underlying transmission problem has been resolved. As a result, the "Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)" remains illuminated on the dashboard.

Approximately 22,944 vehicles are affected in the U.S. market, including various 2024 Audi A4 Allroad, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A5 Sportback, A6 Allroad, A6 Sedan, A7, Q5, and Q5 Sportback models. The campaign code 37P2 was applied to affected vehicles on or about June 27, 2024.

Symptoms

The main symptom of this issue is the persistent illumination of the "Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)" on your dashboard. Even if previous repairs have been performed to address a transmission-related problem, the MIL light may not turn off because the associated fault codes cannot be cleared due to the software error. This can be particularly frustrating if you're trying to pass a state inspection.

Fault Codes / DTCs

The recall document indicates that "certain fault codes" cannot be cleared due to the software error. However, specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are not listed in the provided information. The core issue is the inability to clear these codes, rather than a specific code itself, which keeps the "Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL)" active. This inability to clear fault codes directly contributes to the persistent illumination of the 2024 Audi MIL fault 37P2.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of several critical points regarding this recall:

• Modified Control Modules: "IMPORTANT! Please note that if any control module(s) in your vehicle has been 'chipped,' 'tuned,' or otherwise modified from factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the control module(s) to factory specifications is NOT covered under this action." If your vehicle has such modifications, you may incur costs for returning it to factory specifications before the recall repair can be performed.
• Radiator Fan Safety: During the software update, the "Radiator Fan(s) may cycle ON high speed." There is a serious risk of personal injury if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Owners and technicians must "Keep hands and all objects away from Radiator Fan(s) during Update Process!"
• Dealer Inventory: Audi requires dealers to ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers. This means new vehicles cannot be delivered until the update is performed.
• California Emissions Requirements: For California owners, regulations require that this campaign be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. You must furnish proof of completion to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the form of a signed "Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU). "DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM to the DMV, unless requested."
• Reimbursement for Previous Repairs: If you have previously paid for clearing Permanent DTCs from Mode$0A in your vehicle's emissions control computer memory, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact Audi Customer Experience for details on how to submit a request.
• Dealer Service Issues: If your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a reasonable time, or if you have questions, you can contact Audi Customer Experience at 1-800-253-2834 or visit www.audiusa.com.

Manufacturer's Remedy

The corrective action for emissions recall 37P2 is a software update for the transmission control unit (TCM). Your authorized Audi dealer will perform this update free of charge. The procedure is estimated to take about one hour, though additional time may be needed for dealer preparation and scheduling. The update involves using specific diagnostic tools and following a precise flashing process to ensure that fault codes can be properly cleared, resolving the persistent 2024 Audi MIL fault 37P2.

Required Tools or Parts

While these are primarily for technicians, it's good for owners to know the complexity involved:

• Battery Tester/Charger: VAS 5908 (or equivalent) with a current rating of at least 90A.
• Diagnostic Tester: VAS 6150X / VAS 6160X (or equivalent).
• Campaign Completion Label: CAMP 010 000, which must be affixed after the work is completed.
• Proof of Correction Certificate: For California owners, a signed "Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU) is required.

Repair Procedure Summary

Your Audi dealer will follow a detailed procedure to apply the TCM software update for emissions recall 37P2:

Pre-Repair Checks and Preparations

Before initiating the software update, technicians must perform several critical checks:

1. VIN Verification: The vehicle's VIN must be entered into the Elsa system to access the "Campaign/Action" screen. This confirms eligibility and ensures the campaign status shows "open." If other open actions exist, the customer will be informed so all work can be completed concurrently.
2. ODIS Software Update: Ensure the ODIS diagnostic software is fully up to date by checking the "Alerts" section on the ServiceNet homepage.
3. Battery Management: A battery tester/charger (VAS 5908 or equivalent with at least 90A) must be connected to the vehicle battery and remain connected throughout the update. Battery voltage must stay above 12.5 volts; failure to do so can damage the control module, and such damage will not be covered by warranty.
4. Diagnostic Tester Setup: The VAS Diagnostic Tester (VAS 6150X / VAS 6160X or equivalent) must be plugged in using its supplied power adapters. It should never be used on battery power alone during the update.
5. Screen Saver/Power Saving: All screen saver and power saving settings on the diagnostic tester must be disabled to prevent the tester from entering power save mode during the update, which could also damage the control module.
6. USB Connection: The VAS Diagnostics Interface MUST ONLY be connected to the tester with a USB cable. Using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for connection increases the risk of losing connection, potentially damaging the control module, and will result in warranty claim denial if issues arise.
7. Vehicle State: All non-essential electrical consumers (air conditioning, heater blower motor, lights, heated seats, etc.) must be switched off. The selector lever must be moved to the 'P' (Park) position.

Software Update Process

The actual software update involves flashing the Transmission Control Module (TCM):

1. Operating Mode Selection: The technician will select the "FLASH" operating mode on the diagnostic tester.
2. SVM Code Input: They will then choose "SVM – Code Input" and enter the specific SVM code 37P2A672.
3. On-Screen Prompts: The technician will follow the on-screen prompts to complete the update. The flash process must be performed through "Audi Flashing," not Guided Fault Finding (GFF), as GFF takes longer and requests for additional time will not be considered.
4. Diagnostic Log: Upon exiting the FLASH program, the diagnostic log must be sent to GFF Paperless to confirm completion.
5. Multiple Updates: If multiple software updates or campaigns are open, they must be performed in order of their start date, with the oldest being completed first. All Safety Recalls must be completed prior to this campaign.
6. ODIS Patches: Any ODIS “Hot-Fix” patches installed on the scan tool must be removed before beginning this operation, as they may affect the update process.

Post-Repair and Documentation

After the software update is successfully applied:

1. Campaign Stamp: The repair order will be stamped to certify that the campaign has been performed in strict accordance with Audi repair procedures.
2. Completion Label: A Campaign Completion Label (part number CAMP 010 000) must be filled out and affixed next to the vehicle emission control information label. This label should not cover any existing labels.
3. California Requirements: For vehicles registered in California, a signed “Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction” certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU) must be provided to the owner. This certificate is crucial for vehicle registration renewal and should be retained by the owner.

Warranty Claim Information

Dealers will submit warranty claims using the following details:

• Service Number: 37P2
• Damage Code: 0099
• Parts Vendor Code: 002
• Claim Type: For sold vehicles, use 7 10; for unsold vehicles, use 7 90.
• Causal Indicator: Mark labor as causal.
• Labor Operations:
  • 0151 00 10: Software update (setup + connect battery charger) – Time Units: SEE ELSA
  • 0151 00 60: Software update (Update TCM Software) – Time Units: Time stated on diagnostic protocol

Dealers are instructed not to claim wash/loaner services under this action. Reimbursement for warranty claims is contingent on the SVM process being completed in its entirety and the database receiving the update confirmation response. Claims may be denied if confirmation is missing.

Owner Action

If you own a 2024 Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, or Q5, and your vehicle is affected by emissions recall 37P2, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule the necessary TCM software update. This repair will be performed free of charge and typically takes about one hour. For California residents, it is particularly important to complete this campaign before your vehicle's registration renewal, as proof of correction is required by the DMV. Ensure you receive and retain the signed "Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU) from your dealer. You can check your vehicle's eligibility by visiting www.audiusa.com and using the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

NHTSA Source: 37P2 Page 1 of 8