2021-2023 Audi Virtual Pedal Deactivation TSB

Owners of certain 2021-2023 Audi models may wish to deactivate the "gesture-controlled rear lid opening/closing function (virtual pedal)" for various reasons. This feature, commonly referred to as the virtual pedal, allows hands-free operation of the rear lid. Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2070966/2, issued on June 5, 2024, provides the necessary steps for technicians to perform this deactivation.

This TSB supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 55 number 23-79, dated August 8, 2023, due to updated information regarding applicable models and procedures. The process involves modifying specific adaptation settings within the vehicle's Comfort System Central Control Module.

What is the Audi Virtual Pedal?

The Audi virtual pedal is a convenience feature that allows the vehicle's rear lid (trunk or tailgate) to be opened or closed by a foot movement under the rear bumper. This gesture-controlled function is particularly useful when your hands are full, providing easy access to the cargo area without needing to press a button or use a key fob.

Important Warnings and Notes

Owners should be aware of several key points regarding the Audi virtual pedal deactivation:

• Model Year Exclusions: For Audi Q7 and Q8 models, the option to deactivate the virtual pedal is no longer available as of model year 2023. All 2024 models are also excluded from this TSB and cannot have the function deactivated.
• Sedan Models: The virtual pedal feature is no longer available from model year 2023 on for sedan models only. Refer to TSB 2067818 for more information on this specific change.
• Settings Reversion: Resetting user accounts to factory settings will automatically change the virtual pedal setting back to "on". Additionally, coding of the Comfort control module -J393- (address word 46) may also revert the changes to "on".
• Troubleshooting: If the virtual pedal functions are inoperative but no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are present, technicians should check the personalization settings as outlined in this TSB.

Deactivating the Virtual Pedal Procedure Summary

To deactivate the Audi virtual pedal function, an authorized Audi technician will perform the following steps using a diagnostic tool:

1. Access Control Module: Connect to the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system and access the "0046-Comfort System Central Control Module (UDS/ISOTP)" (module 46). Select the "Adaptation" function.
2. Adjust User Account Personalization: Within the adaptation settings, navigate to "Personalization of user account 1". Scroll down to locate the setting "Rear lid release via rear lid open sensors" and change its input field to "Off". This step must be repeated for all user accounts, typically 1 through 7.
3. Adjust Vehicle Personalization Settings: While still in the "Adaptation" screen, navigate to "Personalization settings vehicle". Again, scroll to "Rear lid release via rear lid open sensors" and set its input field to "Off".
4. Finalize: Perform a 10-second key cycle to ensure the changes are saved and the virtual pedal function is deactivated.

This procedure effectively disables the gesture-controlled rear lid operation for the specified Audi virtual pedal deactivation.

Reactivating the Virtual Pedal

Should an owner decide to reactivate the virtual pedal function, the same procedure can be followed. The only difference is that the "Input" field for "Rear lid release via rear lid open sensors" should be set to "On" instead of "Off" in both the user account and vehicle personalization settings.

Warranty Information

Audi of America, Inc. states that this Technical Service Bulletin 2070966/2 is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty claims. This means that any costs associated with performing this deactivation may not be covered under warranty.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11002968