2021-2024 Audi Virtual Cockpit Pixel Error TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 23 45 2064983/6 to address a common issue where the virtual cockpit displays a colorful line, often referred to as a pixel error. This bulletin, dated October 16, 2023, supersedes an earlier TSB, Group 90 number 22-84, and provides updated procedures for diagnosing and resolving the problem in affected vehicles.

Symptoms

Owners of 2021-2024 Audi vehicles equipped with Virtual Cockpit Gen2+ may observe a distinct visual anomaly on their instrument cluster. The primary symptom is "A red, green, black or blue continuous line is displayed on the instrument cluster (pixel fault)". This line can appear either vertically or horizontally across the display, indicating a malfunction within the virtual cockpit's pixel array.

Revision History and Technical Background

This TSB has undergone several revisions to refine the repair process and expand its applicability. Revision 6, the current version, added new model years and updated the service procedure. Earlier revisions, including Revision 5 (December 2, 2022) and Revision 4 (August 9, 2022), also incorporated new models and refined production solutions. The underlying cause of this pixel error has been linked to the instrument cluster hardware, with optimized hardware having been introduced into production to prevent future occurrences.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Diagnosing the Audi e-tron virtual cockpit pixel error involves checking the production date of the instrument cluster. Technicians will use the ODIS diagnostic system to access Address 17 (instrument cluster) and retrieve the "Production date" from the identification data. This date is crucial for determining the appropriate repair steps.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure for the Audi e-tron virtual cockpit pixel error depends on the instrument cluster's production date:

1. Read Production Date: The first step is to read out the instrument cluster's production date using ODIS, specifically navigating to Self diagnosis>> Address 17: instrument cluster>>Identification>>Production date.
2. Cluster Replacement (After September 30, 2023): If the instrument cluster's production date is AFTER September 30, 2023, technicians must submit a photo of both the production date and an image of the faulty cluster to DOC-IT before proceeding with the cluster replacement.
3. Cluster Replacement (Before September 30, 2023): If the instrument cluster's production date is BEFORE September 30, 2023, no additional documentation is required. The technician can proceed directly with replacing the instrument cluster.
4. Existing Stock: Importantly, replacement clusters that were received BEFORE the September 30, 2023 production date may still be used for repairs, indicating that the issue was addressed in later production runs.

Required Tools or Parts

The primary component required for this repair is a new instrument cluster. Additionally, various fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws may be needed as per the specific instructions in the Repair Manual. Technicians should consult ETKA and ELSA for the latest information on part numbers and quantities.

Warranty Information

This repair is generally covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, and ownership verification is required. The Service Number for this issue is 9025, and the Damage Code is 0040. Labor operations include removing and installing/replacing the dash panel insert (code 9025 XXXX) and diagnostic time (GFF 0150 0000, maximum 30 TU). Road tests before and after the service procedure are allocated 0 TU. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that "If the vehicle is outside any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only." This means that if your vehicle's warranty has expired, the cost of diagnosis and repair for the Audi e-tron virtual cockpit pixel error may not be covered by Audi.