2021-2024 Audi A4, A5, Q5 Drive System Fault P060C00 U041600

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 01 24 06 2072710/1 to address specific engine control unit drive system faults affecting certain 2021-2024 Audi A4, A5 Sportback, and Q5 models equipped with the DMSA Engine Code. This bulletin, issued on January 12, 2024, describes a known software issue that triggers warning lights and messages in the instrument cluster.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may observe one or both of the following indicators:

• The "EPC lamp lights up" on the dashboard.
• A "Drive system fault" message appears in the instrument cluster.

These warnings indicate a potential issue with the vehicle's engine control system, which can be concerning for drivers. If you experience an Audi Q5 drive system fault, it is important to have your vehicle diagnosed by a qualified technician.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing the issue, technicians will find specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the Engine Control Unit (ECU). These codes pinpoint the nature of the software problem:

• P060C00 – "Internal Control Module Main Processor with Symptom Code DFCC 44160"
• U041600 – "Invalid Data Received From Vehicle Dynamics Control Module with Symptom Code DFCC 34193"

These codes suggest a problem with the internal processing of the ECU and communication issues with other vehicle systems, specifically the Vehicle Dynamics Control Module.

Technical Background

The underlying cause of the illuminated EPC lamp and the "Drive system fault" message is identified as software issues within the Engine Control Unit. This indicates that the problem is not due to a faulty hardware component but rather an error in the programming or logic that controls the engine's operation and communication with other modules.

Important Warnings

Audi explicitly states a critical instruction for this condition:

• "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern."

This warning is crucial for owners, as it prevents unnecessary and costly part replacements. Since the root cause is software-related, replacing hardware will not fix the underlying problem.

Repair Status and Owner Action

Audi has designated this as a Pending Service Solution (PSS), meaning a permanent fix is under development. The manufacturer anticipates that a solution will be available by the end of the second quarter of 2024, though this timeline is subject to change. At this time, no repairs are necessary, and owners will not be charged for diagnosis related to this specific issue.

If your 2021-2024 Audi A4, A5 Sportback, or Q5 exhibits an Audi Q5 drive system fault or the EPC light, you should take the following steps:

1. Visit your Audi dealer: Have your vehicle diagnosed by an authorized Audi service center.
2. Ensure a PSS record is created: The dealer should create a record in the PSS application through AccessAudi, referencing TSB 01 24 06 2072710/1. This ensures your vehicle is noted for the pending software update.
3. Await the solution: No immediate repair is required, as the solution is a software update that will be released later. Your dealer will inform you when the update becomes available.

Source: NHTSA ID 10249143