2021-2022 Audi ConBox Software Update for Connect Services

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91CQ, titled "ConBox Software Update – (NVLW)", to address various connectivity and infotainment issues affecting 2021-2022 Audi vehicles. This Audi ConBox software update aims to resolve problems related to myAudi login, navigation services, and overall Audi connect functionality.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021-2022 Audi models may experience one or more of the following issues, all stemming from the ConBox software:

• myAudi Login Failures: The myAudi login process may fail, displaying the error message: "Your login was unsuccessful. Please try again later."
• Navigation Traffic Issues: The online traffic information in the navigation map may not display speed and flow data, or it might be significantly delayed, leading to inaccurate routing.
• Over-the-Air Navigation Map Update Problems: Over-the-air updates for the navigation map may not initiate or complete successfully.
• Intermittent Audi Connect Service Issues: Other Audi connect services may experience intermittent technical problems, affecting various connected features of the vehicle.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

This Audi ConBox software update is proactively released to prevent these conditions from occurring or to rectify them if they are already present. For a vehicle to be eligible for this update, it must meet specific criteria:

• The vehicle must show the 91CQ code in the Elsa Campaign/Action Information screen on the day of repair.
• The vehicle must be within its New Vehicle Limited Warranty period.
• The update procedure must be performed within the allotted time frame specified by Audi.
• For vehicles in dealer inventory, the procedure must be completed prior to sale.

Important Warnings for Owners

Several critical warnings are outlined in the TSB that owners should be aware of, especially if discussing the repair with a service technician:

• Radiator Fan Safety: "Radiator Fan(s) may cycle ON high speed during the Update Process! There is a serious risk that personal injury may result if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from Radiator Fan(s) during Update Process!" This highlights the importance of having trained professionals perform the update.
• Safety Recalls: "All Safety Recalls must be completed prior to completing this campaign." Ensure any outstanding safety recalls are addressed first.
• Diagnostic Connection: The VAS Diagnostics Interface MUST ONLY be connected to the tester with a USB cable. "Performing a software update using a Bluetooth or WiFi connection increases the risk of losing connection in the update, which could result in damage to the control module." Furthermore, "Damage caused to electronic components (e.g. ECM, TCM, etc.) during the SVM flash process is not covered" if Bluetooth or WiFi is used.
• Battery Voltage: "Battery voltage must remain above 12.5 volts for the duration of the software update. Failure to do so may cause the update to fail, which could result in damage to the control module. Control modules damaged by insufficient voltage will not be covered."
• Diagnostic Tester Power: "Under no circumstances should the tester be used on battery power alone during the software update. Failure to do so may result in the tester powering off during the update, which could result in damage to the control module."
• Hazard Lights: "The procedure may cancel itself if the hazard warning lights are not switched on. The hazard warning lights prevent the system from switching to bus sleep mode during the update." This is a critical step to ensure the update completes successfully.
• Guided Fault Finding (GFF): "DO NOT USE Guided Fault Finding (GFF) to perform this flash. Using GFF will cause the flash to take longer. Requests for additional time will not be considered." Also, "Operating mode 'Flash' must be used. Performing this software update using 'Diagnosis' (Guided Fault Finding) could result in non-payment of the claim."
• ODIS Hot-Fix Patches: Any ODIS “Hot-Fix” patches installed must be removed from the scan tool before beginning this operation, as they "may affect the update process."
• Customer Presets: Audi recommends that "customer presets should be documented prior to performing any update in the event these settings are lost during the update."

Repair Procedure Summary

The resolution for these issues involves updating the ConBox software via the Software Version Management (SVM) system. This Audi ConBox software update requires specific steps performed by an authorized Audi technician:

1. Initial Preparation:

   • Ensure the ODIS diagnostic software is completely up-to-date.
   • Connect a battery charger, such as the GRX3000VAS (or equivalent), to the vehicle's battery or underhood charging posts in POWER SUPPLY MODE. The battery voltage must remain above 12.5 volts throughout the update.
   • Turn off screen saver and power-saving settings on the diagnostic tester.
   • Ensure the VAS Diagnostic Tester (VAS6150X/VAS6160X or equivalent) is plugged in using its supplied power adapters.
   • Open the vehicle's hood and battery cover.
   • When connecting the charger directly to the battery, connect the positive cable to the positive terminal and the negative cable to the grounding lug on the chassis (do NOT connect directly to the negative battery terminal).
   • Switch on the vehicle's hazard warning lights to prevent the system from entering bus sleep mode.

2. Diagnostic Tester Setup and Eligibility Check:

   • Connect the VAS Diagnostic Tester to the vehicle using a USB cable. Confirm the scan tool is communicating via USB (not Bluetooth or WiFi).
   • Start the ODIS program.
   • Enter the vehicle's VIN in Elsa and navigate to the "Campaign/Action" screen to verify the vehicle's eligibility. The status must show "open" for the 91CQ code. Print this screen for the repair order.
   • If multiple software update campaigns are open, they must be performed in order of their Start date, with the oldest first.

3. Configuring ODIS for Update:

   • From the home screen of the scan tool, select "Admin."
   • From the "General" tab, select "GFF Process."
   • Under "Communication path selection," select "Only allow DoIP communication." This is a critical step to ensure the update succeeds.
   • Select "Save" and confirm "Yes" when prompted about changes leading to unexpected system behavior.
   • Return to the home screen.

4. Performing the Software Flash:

   • From the ODIS home screen, highlight "Flash."
   • Select "Starting Flashing" and follow the on-screen prompts.
   • Select "No RO" if prompted.
   • Highlight "SVM – Code Input."
   • Select "Perform test."
   • Enter the corrective action SVM code: 91CQA016.
   • Select "Accept" and follow any further on-screen prompts.

5. Finalization:

   • After receiving confirmation that the flash completed successfully, select "Send" to transmit the diagnostic protocol online.
   • Click "Flash" to exit the flash session.
   • To clear any generated event memory entries, disconnect the diagnostic tester, remove the key from the vehicle, and lock the vehicle with the remote for 5 minutes to put it into bus sleep mode.

Required Tools and Warranty Information

To perform this Audi ConBox software update, specific tools are required:

• Battery Tester/Charger: GRX3000VAS (or equivalent)
• Diagnostic Tester: VAS6150X/VAS6160X (or equivalent)

For warranty claims, the following information applies:

• Service Number: 91CQ
• Damage Code: 0099
• Parts Vendor Code: 002
• Claim Type: Sold vehicle: 710; Unsold vehicle: 790
• Causal Indicator: Mark labor as causal
• Vehicle Wash/Loaner: Do not claim wash/loaner under this action.
• Criteria I.D.: 01

Labor Operations:

Labor Op	Time Units	Description
2706 89 50	10	Connect battery charger
9170 25 99	Time stated on diagnostic protocol	Update infotainment control module software

Owners will be notified in writing by recording all work performed on the repair order.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10202801