Service Bulletin

2021-2025 Audi Instrument Cluster Fault DTC B200049

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2068380/5 addresses an Audi instrument cluster fault or black screen condition affecting 2021-2025 Audi models equipped with the virtual cockpit. The issue is linked to DTC B200049 and a hardware discrepancy in the instrument cluster.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-Chief2021 Audi Q8
2021 Audi Q8 — Audi instrument cluster fault B200049
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
B200049104858332068380/524-01Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshopAudi Virtual cockpit is black when startedControl module faulty static/activeInstrument ClusterVirtual cockpitJ285 control module
Audi A6
2021–2025
Audi A6 allroad
2021–2025
Audi A7
2021–2025
Audi A7 e
2021–2022
Audi A8 L e
2021
Audi Q7
2021–2025
Show 9 more
Audi Q8
2022–2025
Audi RS 6 Avant
2021–2025
Audi RS 7
2021–2025
Audi RS Q8
2021–2025
Audi S6
2021–2025
Audi S7
2021–2025
Audi S8
2021–2025
Audi SQ7
2021–2025
Audi SQ8
2021–2025

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 24 21 2068380/5 to address an Audi instrument cluster fault B200049 that can result in a black screen or warning messages in the virtual cockpit. This TSB, dated August 29, 2024, is Revision 5 of the bulletin and supersedes TSB Group 90 number 24-01 dated June 5, 2024, for reasons including updated customer statements, warranty information, and service procedures. It applies to various 2021-2025 Audi models equipped with the virtual cockpit, including the A6, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, and their performance variants.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may experience one of two primary symptoms related to the instrument cluster:

  • The instrument cluster display shows the message: “Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop”.
  • The Audi Virtual cockpit remains black when the vehicle is started.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When these symptoms occur, technicians will typically find the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the Instrument Cluster control module -J285- (diagnostic address 0017):

  • DTC B200049: Control module faulty static/active, with symptom code 10485833.

This DTC indicates a fault within the instrument cluster's control module itself, pointing to a hardware problem.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the Audi instrument cluster fault B200049 is a hardware issue within the Audi virtual cockpit, stemming from a discrepancy in the production process. Optimized instrument cluster hardware has been produced as of August 1, 2024.

To determine if this TSB applies, a technician must first identify the production date of the instrument cluster. This is done by performing the following steps using a diagnostic tool:

  1. Access the vehicle's Self Diagnosis function and select diagnostic address 17.
  2. From the control module OBD drop-down menu, select "Identification."
  3. Click on "show expanded identification."
  4. Expand the "Fazit identification" section and document the "Day of manufacture."

If the instrument cluster's production date is before August 1, 2024, then this TSB applies, and the instrument cluster will need replacement.

Repair Procedure Summary

If the instrument cluster's production date falls before August 1, 2024, the repair involves replacing the instrument cluster. This replacement must be performed according to the detailed instructions provided in the ELSA repair manual.

Required Parts and Tools

Technicians should always consult their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins. The primary parts required for this repair include:

  • Instrument Cluster: Quantity 01
  • Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed per the Repair Manual

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this issue are processed under specific codes. The Service Number is 9025, and the Damage Code is 0040. Labor operations include "Remove and replace dash panel insert" (Labor Operation 9025 XXXX) and "Self-diagnosis (document production date)" (Labor Operation 0129 0050). The Diagnostic Time is GFF (0150 0060).

It is important to note that if the vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that if their vehicle is no longer under warranty, the repair described in this bulletin, including the replacement of the instrument cluster, will not be covered by Audi. In such cases, the owner would be responsible for the cost of diagnosis and repair.

NHTSA ID: 10258079

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop" mean?
This message indicates a malfunction within your Audi's instrument cluster, which is the display behind your steering wheel. It suggests that some warning messages might not be displayed correctly and advises you to seek professional service to diagnose the underlying issue, often related to DTC B200049.
What is DTC B200049 and what does it indicate?
DTC B200049, specifically "Control module faulty static/active" with symptom code 10485833, points to a hardware fault within the Instrument Cluster control module -J285-. This is the primary diagnostic code associated with the Audi instrument cluster fault B200049 and black screen issues described in TSB 90 24 21 2068380/5.
How is the Audi instrument cluster fault B200049 typically repaired?
The repair for the Audi instrument cluster fault B200049 involves checking the production date of the existing instrument cluster. If the cluster was manufactured before August 1, 2024, it will need to be replaced with an optimized hardware version, following instructions in the ELSA repair manual.
Is the instrument cluster replacement covered under warranty?
Yes, if your vehicle is still within its warranty period, the instrument cluster replacement for this issue is typically covered under Audi's warranty policies. However, if the vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty, the TSB is informational only, and the repair cost would be the owner's responsibility.
Which Audi models are affected by this instrument cluster issue?
This issue affects various 2021-2025 Audi models equipped with the virtual cockpit, including the A6, A6 allroad, S6, RS 6 Avant, A7, S7, RS 7, A8, S8, Q7, SQ7, Q8, SQ8, RS Q8, A7 e quattro (2021-2022), and A8 e quattro (2021).

Other revisions of this TSB

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