2023-2026 Audi Connect Services and SOS LED Not Working

Owners of 2023-2026 Audi vehicles equipped with the Audi connect Gen 3/4 system may experience issues with their Audi Connect services, including a non-functional SOS LED. This problem, identified in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061028/9, often arises after the vehicle's Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) due to the complex activation process for the embedded SIM (eSIM). The TSB outlines the technical background of this system and provides detailed steps for technicians to diagnose and resolve the activation issues, ensuring the 2023 Audi e-tron connect services and other affected models function correctly.

Symptoms of Inactive Audi Connect Services

If your 2023-2026 Audi is affected by this issue, you might notice one or more of the following conditions:

• Audi connect services do not function.
• The SOS LED is off or flashes red.
• The Roadside button does not function when pressed.
• The "News and Weather Tiles" are missing in the Multi Media Interface (MMI).
• The navigation satellite map view cannot be activated.

These symptoms indicate that the vehicle's Audi connect Gen 3/4 system has not fully registered and paired with the network.

Important Warnings for Technicians

Audi has issued a specific notice regarding the capacitive discharge procedure:

NOTICE
It is no longer required to remove the backup battery from the ConBox, provided that the capacitive discharge is performed for at least 60 seconds while there is no emergency or roadside call active in the vehicle. Removing the backup battery can damage the control unit due to electrostatic discharge.

This warning emphasizes the importance of following the correct procedure to avoid damaging the ConBox control unit.

Technical Background of Audi Connect Gen 3/4 Activation

The 3rd Generation Audi connect system, introduced in various models from MY20, utilizes a "white label" SIM card. Unlike previous generations, this SIM is not preregistered to a USA-specific mobile carrier at the factory. Audi of America partners with Verizon as the preferred carrier for the GEN3/GEN4 system.

The "Registration and Pairing" (R&P) process for this system is initiated after the ConBox/OCU flight mode is deactivated during PDI. While ideal conditions might see this process complete in about 20 minutes, it often requires a subsequent sleep cycle, a strong GPS signal, and a robust LTE connection. In some cases, the R&P process can take 1-2 hours, depending on signal strength and backend system availability. The SOS light will only turn green once the eSIM is fully operational on Verizon's LTE network. This extended activation time is a key difference from the earlier GEN2 system.

Understanding the Activation Process

The activation of Audi connect services in GEN3/GEN4 vehicles involves several complex steps:

1. Flight Mode Deactivation: During PDI, the ConBox flight mode is deactivated, activating the telephone module and SIM. For the OCU, flight mode deactivates when the car is driven at least 25 miles or during the total PDI test plan.
2. Initial Roaming Connection: The SIM attempts to connect to Cubic in Europe using a roaming data connection via AT&T or T-Mobile (Vodafone Roaming). Poor signal in the service area can cause this step to fail.
3. eSIM Profile Download: After registering with Cubic, the device receives an eSIM profile specifically for Verizon.
4. Verizon Network Registration: The device then disconnects from AT&T or T-Mobile and attempts to register with Verizon's LTE network. A strong Verizon signal is crucial here, and a long sleep cycle of 30 minutes or more may be necessary for successful registration.
5. Verizon Profile Confirmation: Once the Verizon profile is successfully downloaded, the device informs Cubic that Verizon will be the default network connection.
6. Wi-Fi and Dealer Demo Mode Activation: Cubic activates the Wi-Fi profile for the device and enables dealer demo mode in the Audi connect backend.
7. License Download and SOS Light Activation: Finally, the MMI and Gateway modules download the Audi connect licenses for PRIME and CARE, provided the vehicle has received GPS reception (requiring the vehicle to be outside or driven). At this point, barring any backend system issues, the SOS light should turn green, indicating that the 2023 Audi e-tron connect services are fully active.

Troubleshooting Steps for Activation Issues

If the SOS light does not turn green or Audi connect services remain inactive after the PDI test drive or a long sleep cycle, technicians should follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Initial Ignition Cycle: Allow the car to sit outside with the ignition on for 20-30 minutes with the engine running. If this has already been done, proceed to step 2.
2. Long Sleep Cycle: Perform a long sleep cycle of 5 minutes or more. This involves disconnecting any ODIS testers, rolling up windows, closing the hood and trunk, and locking the doors to allow the car to go to sleep faster.
3. Recheck SOS Light: After 5-10 minutes, turn the car on and check the status of the SOS light.
4. Repeat Steps: If the SOS light still does not turn green, repeat steps 1-3 a second time.
5. Capacitive Discharge: If the issue persists, perform a capacitive discharge by disconnecting the vehicle's 12V battery from the vehicle electronics for at least 60 seconds.
6. Reconnect and Recheck: After the 60-second disconnection, reconnect the battery and turn on the ignition.
7. Document eSIM Profile: Check and document the eSIM profile currently in use by the ConBox (or OCU for A3/Q3/Q4 models). This is done using ODIS by selecting "Checking IMSI number" under "Guided Functions" for diagnostic address 0075.
8. Open DBS Level 2 Ticket: If the SOS light still does not turn green after these steps, open a DBS Level 2 ticket via CIP or the web form link found in Access Audi. Provide the IMSI, ICCID, and EID.

Required Tools or Parts

The primary diagnostic tool mentioned for checking the eSIM profile is ODIS. Technicians will use ODIS to access "Guided Functions" and select "Checking IMSI number" for diagnostic address 0075.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing issues with your 2023-2026 Audi's connect services or a non-green SOS LED, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi dealership. This procedure is typically performed as part of the vehicle's Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) and is not covered under standard Audi warranty as a separate repair, but rather as a necessary part of preparing the vehicle for delivery. Ensure you mention the symptoms you are experiencing, such as "2023 Audi e-tron connect services not working," to help the service team understand the issue.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11028467