2021 Audi MIB3 Navigation Malfunction TSB

Symptoms

Owners of 2021 Audi vehicles equipped with MIB3 navigation may experience issues with their navigation system after an over-the-air map update. The primary symptoms include:

• The navigation system is permanently initializing.
• The navigation map is corrupt or incomplete.

These issues indicate a problem with the navigation database, preventing the system from functioning correctly.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When these symptoms occur, a specific diagnostic trouble code (DTC) may be stored in the information electronics control module, J794 (address word 005F). Technicians will find:

Code	Description	Module
B126CF0	Navigation system Navigation database malfunctioning	Information electronics control module

This DTC confirms that the navigation database has been corrupted, leading to the malfunction of the Audi e-tron MIB3 navigation system.

Technical Background

The root cause of this problem is an internal reset that can occur during an over-the-air navigation map update. This reset can lead to the corruption of the navigation database, rendering the map data unusable or causing the system to get stuck in a permanent initialization loop. This affects the Audi e-tron MIB3 navigation and other MIB3-equipped Audi models.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair involves reinstalling the navigation database using a formatted USB drive. Here is a summary of the steps technicians follow:

1. Contact the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to obtain a download link and instructions for the current MIB3 navigation database.
2. Download both necessary files from the provided link to the PC's C drive. It is recommended to avoid using Internet Explorer for this step.
3. Prepare a 32GB or larger USB flash drive by formatting it to FAT32. This is a critical step, as other formats will not work.
4. Extract the downloaded navigation files directly to the root directory of the formatted USB drive. The files must not be placed within a subfolder.
5. Safely eject the USB drive from the computer.
6. In the ODIS diagnostic system, navigate to Guided Fault Finding/Guided Functions. Execute the test plan: "Self test >> Diagnostic capable system >> 005F - Information Electronics Control Module 1 -J794- (MIB 2+ or MIB 3) >> 005F - Information Electronics 1, functions / 005F – Basic Setting >> Erase navigation databank."
7. End the diagnostic session and allow the vehicle to enter a sleep cycle.
8. Insert the prepared USB drive into the vehicle. Access the MMI settings and select "system maintenance," then "software update." The update should now be available for installation.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, the following is needed:

• USB Flash Drive: A 32GB or larger USB flash drive, locally sourced.

Important Warnings

Audi has provided specific instructions and warnings regarding this procedure:

• Please keep the USB flash drive with the navigation data as a workshop tool.
• It is not required to call into TAC or re-download the navigation data if the USB flash drive has already been created and is available.
• It is not required to keep the vehicle in a service bay or to supervise the update after it has been started.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty for qualifying vehicles. The claim type is 110 for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10. If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

• Service Number: 9196
• Damage Code: 0039
• Labor Operations: Reinstall the Navigation Database (9196 9999, 20 TU), Diagnostic Time (0150 0000, Max 15 TU).

Additional Information

This TSB (91 21 88 2062115/4, Revision 4, dated April 8, 2021) supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 21-82, dated March 15, 2021. It also references TSB 2037809, "91 MIB: MMI navigation map update 'How-to guide' - potential customer concerns," for further information.

Source: NHTSA ID 10190286