2023-2026 Audi Connect Remote Function Safety TSB

Why This Matters: Preventing Injury During Service

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061669/3 highlights a critical safety concern related to Audi e-tron remote function capabilities and other Audi models. If these functions remain active while a vehicle is undergoing service, there is a risk that systems like the HVAC blower fan could unexpectedly activate. This could lead to injury for technicians or anyone working near the vehicle, especially if the stationary air conditioning is also active. The TSB provides essential guidelines to prevent such incidents by ensuring these remote functions are properly managed during workshop visits.

Symptoms

While there are no direct customer-reported symptoms for this issue, the underlying condition is the potential for unexpected activation of vehicle systems via Audi e-tron remote function capabilities. This is typically identified by technicians during pre-delivery inspection (PDI) or other diagnostic work. The primary "symptom" is the inherent safety risk posed by active remote functions during service, specifically the "HVAC blower fan running with stationary air conditioning" without warning.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The condition is not customer-reported but is identified by service personnel during routine checks like PDI or other diagnostic procedures. The trigger condition is simply the vehicle being in a workshop setting with its "Audi connect remote control functions" still active. This includes situations where the vehicle's key or authorized users could remotely activate functions, or if active timers are programmed in the MMI system.

Repair Procedure Summary

Audi has outlined procedures for technicians to safely deactivate and reactivate Audi connect remote control functions during a workshop visit. This ensures that unexpected system activations, such as the HVAC blower, do not occur.

Activating Workshop Mode via Service Portlet (Preferred Method)

For authorized Audi dealerships with access to the Group Retail Portal 5 service portlet, the primary method involves activating a "Workshop mode." This process includes:

1. Opening the service portlet.
2. Entering the vehicle's chassis number and performing a search.
3. Activating the "Workshop mode" slider.
4. Inputting the vehicle's current mileage.
5. Clicking "Send" to confirm.

This activation is only possible if the customer has completed the registration process and is set as a key user.

Deactivating Audi Connect Functions (Alternative Methods)

If access to the service portlet is unavailable, or for specific vehicle models, alternative methods are provided:

• Option 1: MMI Privacy Settings (Model Year 2018 and newer)

  • Vehicles from model year 2018 onwards typically have a "Privacy settings" function within the MMI menu. Technicians can use this feature to deactivate and reactivate Audi connect services directly in the vehicle. The exact location may vary by vehicle type and equipment, so referring to the Owner's Manual might be necessary.

• Option 2: Fuse Removal (Vehicles before Model Year 2018)

  • For older vehicles, the procedure involves physically removing fuses:
    1. Remove the fuse for the Audi connect vehicle control master (J533, address word 0019) or the control module for emergency call module and communication unit (J949, address word 0075).
    2. Remove the fuse for the specific affected system, such as the HVAC blower.
    3. Once work on the vehicle is complete, all removed fuses must be reinstalled, and any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) cleared.

Additionally, technicians are instructed to deactivate any active timers in the MMI and deactivate the auxiliary air conditioner if present.

Owner Action

If your Audi vehicle is undergoing service, it's important to be aware of the "Audi connect remote function" safety procedure. When "Workshop mode" is active, or if remote functions are manually deactivated, you will not be able to use your remote control features. Your myAudi app may display a message like "Workshop mode, not all services available." This is a normal and necessary safety measure during service. There are no specific actions required from owners regarding this TSB, as the procedure is performed by service technicians. This TSB is informational and not covered under Audi Warranty.

Source: NHTSA ID 11027438