2010-2026 Audi Models Anti-Theft Alarm Issues TSB

Owners of various 2010-2026 Audi models, including the Audi e-tron, may experience issues with their anti-theft alarm system. These problems manifest as the alarm activating without any apparent reason or, conversely, failing to activate when a security event occurs. This can lead to unnecessary disturbances or a compromised security system. Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2056019/5 to guide technicians in diagnosing and resolving these specific anti-theft alarm concerns.

Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2056019/5 has undergone several revisions to expand its scope and refine diagnostic procedures:

• Revision 5 (January 5, 2026): The header was revised to add models and model years. Instructions for PPE/PCC rear occupant detection were included. The Condition and Service sections were updated, and the Warranty table was revised.
• Revision 4 (May 8, 2025): The Service section was revised with updated verbiage and module codes for applicable vehicles.
• Revision 3 (November 7, 2024): The header was revised to add models and model years, and the Service section was updated with descriptions for PPE and PPC platforms.

Symptoms

Owners typically report one of two primary symptoms related to the anti-theft alarm system:

• The anti-theft alarm activates unexpectedly, without any clear cause or intrusion, often described as "The anti-theft alarm went off for no reason."
• The anti-theft alarm fails to activate when it should, such as during an attempted break-in or unauthorized entry, often described as "The anti-theft alarm did not go off."

It is important to note that workshop findings indicate that in many of these cases, no relevant Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored, making traditional diagnostic methods less effective. This TSB provides an alternative approach focusing on alarm history data to diagnose the Audi e-tron anti-theft alarm and other affected models.

Diagnosis Procedure

Since traditional DTCs may not be present, technicians must delve into the vehicle's measurement value blocks to understand the history and triggers of the anti-theft alarm. The TSB outlines specific diagnostic addresses and measurement values to check, depending on the Audi model and platform. The goal is to find the "Reasons for activation including activation date and time" or similar alarm history data.

Model-Specific Diagnostic Steps

• A3 (8P) and Q3 (8U): Technicians should access Diagnostic address 09. Within this address, measurement value blocks 18-23 contain the reasons for activation, including the date and time of each event.

• A3 (8V): Diagnosis also begins at Diagnostic address 09. Here, technicians will look for the measurement value "alarm history data" to identify activation reasons.

• A3 (8Y), Q3 (F3, FJ): For these models, technicians should use Diagnostic address 0009. Relevant measurement values include "History data anti-theft protection", "Cause of alarm trigger", and "Anti-theft alarm history data for alarm trigger".

• Q4 (F4): Diagnostic address 0019 is used for the Q4. Technicians will examine the measurement value "Anti-theft alarm history data for alarm trigger" to determine why the alarm was triggered.

• A4 (8K), A5 (8T), A5 Cabriolet (8F), Q5 (8R), A6 (4G), A7 (4G), A8 (4H), R8 (4S): These models require Diagnostic address 46. The reasons for activation, including date and time, are found in measurement value blocks 18-24.

• TT (8J) model year 2010 - 2014: For this specific TT generation, Diagnostic address 09 is used. Technicians will check measurement value blocks 18-23 for alarm activation reasons.

• TT (FV): For the newer TT (FV) models, Diagnostic address 09 is also used, focusing on the measurement value "alarm history data" for activation reasons.

• A6 (4F) and Q7 (4L): Diagnostic address 46 is used for these models, with activation reasons found in measurement value block 16.

• A4 (8W), A5 (F5), A6 (4A), A7 (4K), A8 (4N), Q5 (FY), Q7/Q8 (4M), e-tron (GE), e-tron GT (F8): For this broad range of newer models, including the Audi e-tron, Diagnostic address 46 is the key. Technicians will look at measurement values such as "history data of anti-theft protection", "history data of panic alarm", and "anti-theft alarm history data for alarm triggering". The data from the alarm horn can be read here.

• A5 (FU), A6 (FN), A6 e-tron (GH), Q5 (GU), Q6 (GF): These models also use Diagnostic address 0009. Relevant measurement values include "History data anti-theft protection", "History data of panic alarm", and "Anti-theft alarm history data for alarm trigger". The data from the alarm horn can be read here.

• R8 (42) from MY 2010: For the R8 from model year 2010 onwards, Diagnostic address 09 is used, with activation reasons found in measurement value blocks 18-23.

Interpreting Alarm Trigger Reasons

The TSB provides specific guidance on interpreting certain alarm trigger messages:

• If the trigger reason is "Alarm triggered by ILM", it means the alarm siren was activated by a command from the convenience control unit J393. The actual reason for the alarm going off can then be found in measurement values 21-24.

• If the trigger reason is "Alarm triggered by external system", it also indicates the alarm siren was activated by a command from the convenience control unit J393. The real reason for the alarm can be found in the measurement values "history data of anti-theft protection".

• For models showing "Activation by external system / anti-theft alarm system master", this signifies the alarm siren was triggered by a command from the Electronic Central Electrical module J519. The actual reason for the alarm can be found in the measured values "history data anti-theft protection".

Important Warnings and Owner Information

Owners should be aware of specific conditions that might influence anti-theft alarm behavior:

• If no plausible data is found in the listed measurement values, technicians are instructed to check if the vehicle is equipped with PR number 5P2 "Rear occupant detection".
• If the vehicle has this PR number, the customer should be asked if the occupant detection system could have been triggered instead of the anti-theft alarm.
• To distinguish between an occupant detection trigger and an anti-theft alarm, note that "When the occupant detection is triggered, the acoustic warning is made by the regular horn rather than the anti-theft alarm horn."

Warranty Information

Audi's warranty guidelines apply to repairs performed to address the anti-theft alarm issue. If a repair is necessary and corresponds with Audi's warranty policies, the component causing the complaint should be billed under the service number. However, if no faults are found or no repairs are required, billing under warranty or goodwill is not permitted.

• Claim Type: If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only, meaning any repairs would likely be at the owner's expense.
• Service Number: Varies by component, depending on the specific part requiring replacement or repair.
• Damage Code: 00XX
• Labor Operations:
  • GFF / Guided Functions (0150 0010): This operation refers to guided fault finding procedures, with associated operations detailed in the Service Repair Time (SRT) guide.
  • GFF / Guided Functions (0150 0060): This operation accounts for the time stated on the diagnostic protocol for guided fault finding.
• Claim Comment: All warranty claims related to this issue must include the comment "As per TSB 2056019/5".

All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

Next Steps for Owners

If you are experiencing issues with your Audi e-tron anti-theft alarm or any other Audi model covered by TSB 2056019/5, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Inform them of the symptoms you are experiencing. The technicians will utilize the detailed diagnostic steps outlined in TSB 2056019/5 to accurately identify the root cause of the alarm malfunction and perform any necessary repairs.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10249257