2021-2024 Audi Q5 e / A7 e Gearbox Malfunction DTC P288200

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2070965/1, dated September 8, 2023, to address a specific gearbox malfunction affecting certain plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). Owners of 2021-2024 Audi Q5 e and A7 e models may experience a "Gearbox malfunction driver message" appearing in the instrument cluster.

This condition is linked to excessive slippage of the engine disconnect clutch, which triggers the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P288200. The underlying cause has been identified as a software error within the transmission control unit.

Symptoms

Owners will typically observe the following symptom:

• "The Gearbox malfunction driver message appears in the instrument cluster."

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing this issue, technicians may find the following diagnostic trouble code stored in the engine control module (ECM), -J623- (address word 0001):

Code	Description	Symptom Code
P288200	Engine Disconnect Clutch Excessive Slippage	20954

Technical Background

The root cause of the excessive engine disconnect clutch slippage and the resulting "Audi Q5 e gearbox malfunction P288200" is a software error within the transmission control unit. This software anomaly leads to incorrect operation of the clutch.

Production Solution

Audi has implemented a modified software version for the gearbox control unit in series production. Vehicles manufactured from model year 2023 onwards should already include this updated software.

Important Warnings

Audi has provided several critical warnings for technicians performing this repair, which are also important for owners to understand:

• High-Voltage Battery Safety: To prevent damage to high-voltage components, the high-voltage charging cable must be unplugged before entering the SVM code for the software update. Charging the high-voltage battery during the update can cause damage.
• Diagnostic Setup: The parking brake must be released, and the diagnostic interface must be hardwired to the scan tool during the procedure.
• Battery Charge Level: The high-voltage battery's charge level must be between a minimum of 35% and a maximum of 90% when checking the electric motor. If the charge level is below 35%, it must be charged sufficiently before proceeding.
• Component Replacement: If Guided Fault Finding (GFF) does not detect any faults, it is explicitly stated that it is not necessary to replace any components.
• Repair Completion: If there are no indications of malfunctions after performing the prescribed checks, the repair procedure is considered complete.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the "Audi Q5 e gearbox malfunction P288200" primarily involves updating the software of the gearbox control unit and the Electric Drive Control Unit (-J841-). The general steps are as follows:

1. Initial Check: For Q5 models, first determine if a gearbox control unit update is possible. If the software part number is listed in the SVM table, proceed with the software update using the instructions in TSB 2011732: 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions. If not, or for other models, proceed to the next step.
2. Electric Drive Control Unit Update: Update the Electric Drive Control Unit (-J841-) using the SVM action code 02A220. Ensure the high-voltage battery charge level is within the specified range (35-90%) before proceeding.
3. Guided Fault Finding (GFF): Work with GFF and follow the test plan for any DTC memory entries precisely.
4. Additional Checks (if GFF fails): If GFF is not possible or does not detect faults, perform the following manual checks:
   • Check the ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) level. Adjust if necessary according to the repair manual.
   • Perform a hydraulic test.
   • Execute the "Touch point adaptation of hydraulic clutch" routine.

Required Parts and Tools

In most cases, the primary fix is a software update. However, if additional checks are required, the following parts may be needed:

• G 055 529 A2: Dual clutch gearbox oil ATF (only if needed).
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts and Screws: As needed, refer to ETKA for specific part numbers.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2070965/1 is applicable for warranty claims under the following conditions:

• Claim Type 110: For vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles.
• Claim Type G10: For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, requiring owner verification.
• If the vehicle is outside of any warranty coverage, this TSB serves as informational guidance only.

The service number associated with this bulletin is 9350. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review by Audi Warranty.

NHTSA ID: 10242963