2021-2022 Audi Virtual Cockpit Vertical Line Pixel Fault

Owners of certain 2021-2022 Audi models may observe a distinct pixel fault on their instrument cluster display. This issue manifests as a "red, green or blue continuous vertical line" appearing on the Audi Virtual Cockpit, indicating a display malfunction. This condition is formally addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 21 22 2064983/1.

This TSB is relevant for various Audi models equipped with the Audi Virtual Cockpit Gen2+, including the A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8, and their performance (S) and RS variants, from model years 2021-2022.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of this issue is a visual defect on the Audi Virtual Cockpit display. Drivers will notice a "red, green or blue continuous vertical line is displayed on the instrument cluster (pixel fault)". This line can be distracting and may obscure information displayed on the digital dashboard.

Technical Background

According to Audi, the presence of an Audi virtual cockpit vertical line is due to an internal hardware issue within the Audi Virtual Cockpit system itself. This indicates a manufacturing defect rather than a software glitch or external damage.

Production Solution

Audi has implemented an optimized hardware design for the Virtual Cockpit and introduced it into production. This means newer vehicles should not experience this specific pixel fault.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Audi virtual cockpit vertical line issue, technicians are instructed to follow a specific repair process:

1. Documentation: Before any repair, technicians must take clear, in-focus photographs of the customer's concern. These photos must include a date stamp and VIN reference and be uploaded into the DOC-IT system with the repair order.
2. Instrument Cluster Replacement: The core of the repair involves replacing the instrument cluster, specifically the J285 control unit (address word 0017). This replacement must be performed according to the detailed instructions provided in the Elsa Repair Manual.

Required Parts and Tools

The following parts are typically required for this repair:

• Instrument Cluster: Quantity 01 (refer to ETKA for the correct part number).
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, per the Repair Manual (refer to ETKA/ELSA).

Warranty Information

This repair, outlined in TSB 2064983/1, may be covered under warranty. The applicable claim types are:

• 110: For vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles.
• G10: For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, after verifying owner eligibility.

The service number for this operation is 9025, with a damage code of 0040. Labor operations involve removing and installing/replacing the dash panel insert (code 9025 XXXX). Diagnostic time is GFF (0150 0000). Road tests before and after the service procedure are performed with no allowance.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that if their vehicle is outside of the specified warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. In such cases, the repair costs may not be covered by Audi.

What Owners Should Do

If you observe a "red, green or blue continuous vertical line" on your Audi Virtual Cockpit display, you should contact an authorized Audi dealership. Describe the symptom clearly and mention Technical Service Bulletin 90 21 22 2064983/1. The dealership will diagnose the issue and perform the necessary instrument cluster replacement.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10203481