2021-2023 Audi Apple CarPlay Screen Blank TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 22 40 2065728/3, superseding previous bulletin Group 91 number 22-92, to address instances where the Apple CarPlay screen in certain 2021-2023 models appears blank. This TSB, updated on October 20, 2022, provides crucial information for owners experiencing issues with their wireless Apple CarPlay (wACP) functionality in vehicles equipped with MIB2+ and MIB3 systems.

Symptoms

Owners may observe several indicators that point to the Audi Apple CarPlay screen blank issue. These symptoms typically occur when an iPhone is connected via wireless Apple CarPlay to the vehicle's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system and the Audi Smartphone Integration (ASI) feature is selected.

• Blank Display: The most prominent symptom is when the "ASI display goes blank." While the main content area of the screen is black, the shortcut bar on the left side and the top dropdown menu anchor remain visible. An image in the TSB (Figure 1) illustrates this condition, showing the MMI screen with a blank central display but active peripheral elements.
• Audio Dropouts: In addition to the visual issue, owners may also experience "Audio dropouts" during wireless Apple CarPlay use.
• No Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Technicians performing diagnostic scans will find that "No relevant DTCs are stored" in the vehicle's system, indicating the problem is not originating from a vehicle fault code.

Causes of the Blank Apple CarPlay Screen

Audi identifies two primary reasons for the Audi Apple CarPlay screen blank condition, depending on the iPhone model in use.

1. iOS Software Bug: For most iPhone models, the issue stems from a "non-standard behavior of the current Apple iOS versions (including all 14.x and 15.x versions)." This software bug prevents the phone from properly sending screen data to the vehicle's MMI system.
2. iPhone Hardware Issue: A specific hardware problem affects older iPhone models, including the iPhone 8, iPhone X, and iPhone XR. This is attributed to a fault within the WiFi chipset of these devices, which can cause the display to blank out when connected via wireless Apple CarPlay.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi provides clear guidance on how this issue should be handled, emphasizing what actions owners and technicians should avoid.

• No Repairs at Dealerships: Owners are explicitly advised: "Do not perform any repairs. Any repairs for this concern may be denied." This means dealerships are not authorized to attempt repairs for this specific issue, as it is not a vehicle fault.
• iPhone 8, X, and XR Specifics: For customers with an iPhone 8, iPhone X, or iPhone XR, the TSB states that the problem is due to a hardware issue in the phone's WiFi chipset. Since these phone models are out of production, "no repair will be available" from Audi. Owners of these specific iPhone models are advised to use a wired connection to utilize Apple CarPlay functionality.
• Warranty Inapplicability: This Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only and "is not applicable to any Audi warranty." This means any costs associated with addressing the iPhone's software or hardware, or any related diagnostic time, will not be covered under Audi's vehicle warranty.

What Owners Should Do

Given that the root cause lies with the iPhone's software or hardware, Audi outlines several steps owners can take to mitigate or temporarily resolve the blank screen issue.

• Update iOS Software: Audi recommends that customers "always use the most current iOS software for iPhone to ensure the most up-to-date user experience." Keeping the iPhone's operating system updated is crucial, as Apple is actively working on a solution for the iOS bug.
• Temporary Workarounds: If you experience the Audi Apple CarPlay screen blank issue, try these temporary solutions:
  • Navigate to the MMI home menu by clicking the home shortcut on the left side of the screen, then re-enter the Audi Smartphone Integration (ASI) application.
  • Disconnect and then reconnect your iPhone to the vehicle's MMI system.
• Wired Connection for Older iPhones: If you own an iPhone 8, iPhone X, or iPhone XR, using a wired USB connection for Apple CarPlay is the recommended long-term solution, as the wireless functionality is affected by an unrepairable hardware fault in these devices.
• Anticipate Future iOS Updates: For all other iPhone models, Apple is currently analyzing the root cause of the iOS bug and is expected to distribute a solution with a future iOS update. Owners should monitor Apple's software releases for these updates.

Source: NHTSA ID 10225553