2019-2022 Audi Phone Box Wireless Charging Issues

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 21 38 2064681/1 to address customer concerns regarding the Audi Phone Box wireless charging feature in various 2019-2022 models. This TSB provides guidance for diagnosing and resolving issues where mobile devices may not charge wirelessly or experience interruptions.

The Audi Phone Box wireless charging system relies on specific conditions to function optimally. Understanding these conditions and common troubleshooting steps can help owners identify the cause of their charging problems.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles equipped with the Phone Box and MIB3 infotainment system may experience one or more of the following issues with their Audi Phone Box wireless charging:

• The mobile device becomes very hot during charging, leading to charging cancellation or the phone entering thermal protection mode.
• The phone is not charged, and the MMI displays the message: "The device cannot be charged as there is another object in the charging cradle."
• The phone does not start charging after it has been placed in the charging cradle.

Technical Background

The wireless charging functionality in Audi vehicles, specifically the Audi Phone Box, is subject to technical limitations inherent in the wireless charging standard. The charging cradle utilizes three integrated charging coils, but only one is actively used at any given time. With smaller devices or if the device is significantly misaligned from the center position, more energy can be lost, resulting in increased heat production.

Troubleshooting and Diagnosis

Before seeking dealer service for Audi Phone Box wireless charging issues, owners can perform several checks:

• Check for obstructions: Ensure there are no objects other than the mobile phone in the charging cradle.
• Remove phone case/cover: If the phone is in a case or has a back cover, test if the phone charges when placed in the cradle without it.
• Proper alignment: The position of the phone significantly affects charging. Ensure the phone is centered in the charging cradle during testing.
• Battery level: A very low phone battery can cause the device to become very hot during wireless charging. Check if the concern can still be reproduced when the battery level is above 80%.
• Intensive app use: Intensive app use, including CarPlay or Android Auto, can cause the device to become very hot. Check if the issue persists when all apps are closed and stopped.
• Charging initiation time: It can take up to 60 seconds for charging to start after placing the phone in the cradle.
• Test with another device: Check if the charger works when a different phone is used.

Important Considerations for Owners

• USB Connection for Intensive Use: If intensive app use is required while charging, Audi recommends using a USB connection instead of wireless charging to prevent overheating and charging interruptions.
• No Consumer Notification: This is a Technical Service Bulletin for dealers, and Audi is not notifying consumers directly about this information. Owners should proactively address these concerns.

Next Steps

If the concerns persist after performing the above troubleshooting steps, technicians should continue the repair process using Guided Fault Finding.

Warranty Information

According to TSB 91 21 38 2064681/1, this bulletin is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. This indicates that the issues described are often related to external factors or the expected behavior of the wireless charging standard rather than a manufacturing defect covered under warranty.

NHTSA ID: 10202219