2023-2024 Audi Gateway Control Module Service Action

Audi has initiated Service Action 90X4 to address the gateway control module in certain 2023-2024 Audi vehicles. This proactive measure ensures the proper function of the vehicle's electronic systems by replacing the gateway control module at no cost to the owner. Owner notifications for this service action began in May 2024, with the campaign code applied to affected vehicles on or about May 21, 2024.

This service action applies to a wide range of Audi models from the 2023 and 2024 model years. The replacement of the gateway control module is a critical step to maintain vehicle integrity and performance, preventing potential communication issues within the vehicle's complex electronic architecture. For instance, if you own a 2023 Audi Q8 gateway control module replacement is covered under this action.

What's Being Addressed

This service action focuses on the replacement of the vehicle's gateway control module, identified as INTERFACE (Gateway control module). The gateway control module (J533) is a central component in the vehicle's electrical architecture, responsible for managing communication between various control units and data buses. Its proper functioning is vital for the operation of numerous vehicle systems.

While the document does not specify a particular symptom or fault code that triggers this service action, its replacement is a preventative measure to ensure optimal vehicle operation and prevent potential issues such as "CAN data bus, malfunction" or "J794-BAP communication fault." The service action aims to proactively address any potential concerns related to this critical component.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi has provided several critical warnings regarding this service action, Service Action 90X4, for both owners and technicians:

• Expiration Date: "This campaign expires on May 21, 2029. Work must be performed on or before this date to be eligible for payment. Keep this expiration date in mind when scheduling customers for this action. If a customer wishes to have this work performed after the expiration date, your normal costs associated with this work will apply."
• Inventory Vehicles: "Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers."
• Repair Responsibility: "Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer's responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement under this action."
• Pre-existing Conditions: "Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action."
• Protective Cover Installation: "Vehicles equipped with a protective cover over the gateway MUST have a new cover installed during replacement of the gateway. Failure to do so can result in future damage to the gateway." Similarly, a caution states: "Risk of incorrect installation! Vehicles equipped with a protective cover over the gateway must have it installed properly. Failure to properly install the cover can result in future damage. Follow the ELSA repair manual steps to install the cover."
• Bus Sleep Requirement: "A bus sleep must be performed on the vehicle after the basic settings for the inertial sensors have been completed. Failure to complete a bus sleep may result in inaccurate results and/or malfunctions in other test plans!"
• Test Plan Scope: "Only test plans that have generated due to replacement of the gateway should be performed. Performing test plans not in relation to replacement of the gateway will not be covered under the campaign."
• Grommet for A5/S5 Cabrio: "A5/S5 Cabrio models only – GROMMET is not required. DO NOT enter on claim."
• Vehicle Wash/Loaner: "Do not claim wash/loaner under this action."

Potential Faults and Test Plans

During the diagnostic process, technicians may encounter or address various system checks and test plans related to the gateway control module. These are not necessarily fault codes indicating a problem, but rather diagnostic steps or potential issues that could arise. Examples include:

• "CAN data bus, malfunction"
• "J794-BAP communication fault"
• "Parking aid sensor, environmental influences"
• "J1121 - Driver Assistance Systems Control Module"
• "J769 - Restricted view"
• "J770 - Restricted view"
• "J234-Airbag Control Module"
• "Data bus, incorrect acceleration information"
• "J234-Multi collision brake"
• "J533-Data Bus on Board Diagnostic Interface Diagnostic filter not active"
• "J775-Drivetrain control module, data record"
• "FLX Messages powertrain implausible"
• "J775-Implausible signal detected from airbag control module"
• "J792-J775/J1019, communication implausible"
• "J938-Rear Lid Opener Control Module, replace"
• "00A5-SVM-Check control module configuration"
• "01-Check warranty info"

These items are often part of the Guided Fault Finding (GFF) process and are noted to ensure comprehensive vehicle health checks during the service action.

Repair Procedure Summary for Service Action 90X4

The repair procedure for the 2023 Audi Q8 gateway control module, identified by Service Action 90X4, involves several key steps performed by authorized Audi technicians:

1. Verify Eligibility: Technicians first check the vehicle's VIN in the Elsa system to confirm it qualifies for the service action and that the campaign status is "open." All outstanding Safety Recalls must be completed prior to proceeding with this campaign.
2. Initial Scan and Documentation: The vehicle is scanned using the Guided Fault Finding (GFF) system. Technicians note any pre-existing faults and test plans that are present prior to replacing the gateway, as "Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action."
3. Gateway Replacement Test Plan: The "0019 - Replace control module (J533)" test plan is initiated under guided functions. This step is crucial for collecting data from the old module to transfer to the new one. Technicians select DA 0019 and then perform the "0019 - Replace control module (J533)" test plan. They follow on-screen prompts and continue to the next step when prompted to install the new gateway.
4. Physical Replacement: The gateway control module is physically replaced according to the detailed instructions in the ELSA repair manual (specifically, "Repair manual > Electrical System > Electrical Equipment > 97 Wiring > Control Modules > Data Bus On Board Diagnostic Interface J533, Removing and Installing"). An image in the document shows the gateway control module with components labeled '1' and '5'. If the vehicle has a protective cover, a new one must be installed correctly, as failure to do so can result in future damage.
5. Basic Setting and Bus Sleep: After replacement, the "0015 – Basic setting inertial sensor" test plan is performed. This is followed by a mandatory "bus sleep" procedure. This critical step involves switching off the ignition, removing diagnostic tools and battery chargers, closing all vehicle doors and the front and rear lid, locking the vehicle, and moving the vehicle key away. The vehicle must then wait at least 5 minutes to enter bus silence. Afterward, the vehicle is unlocked, the battery charger is reconnected, the diagnosis interface is reinserted, and the ignition is switched on. This ensures proper system initialization and prevents inaccurate results or malfunctions in other test plans.
6. Final Diagnostics and Completion: The diagnostic session is exited by selecting 'Yes'. When prompted to continue Guided Fault Finding, technicians select 'NO'. The GFF exit process will continue, and the fault memory will be erased. Any new test plans generated specifically due to the gateway replacement are addressed. Technicians must work through these test plans carefully, paying close attention to all outlined steps. Finally, a Campaign Completion Label (part number CAMP 010 000) is affixed to the vehicle next to the emission control information label, ensuring it does not cover existing labels. Removed parts are disposed of according to regulations.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform this service action, technicians will utilize specific tools and parts:

Required Tools

• Battery Tester/Charger: Capable of a minimum 90 Amp continuous supply.
• Diagnostic Tester: VAS6150X/6160X (or equivalent).
• Scraper Set: VAS6845 (specifically for e-Tron GT models).
• Pliers: T40172C (or equivalent, specifically for e-Tron GT models).

Required Parts

• INTERFACE (Gateway control module): Part number determined via ETKA (e.g., SEE ETKA). Quantity: 1.
• COVER: Part numbers 4K0-907-578-A (for 4A or 4K criteria) or 80A-907-577-C (for FY criteria). Quantity: 1.
• GROMMET: Part numbers 5G0-886-373 (for 4A, 4K, 8W, F5 criteria, up to 3) or 80A-886-373 (for FY criteria, up to 4). Note that grommets are not required for A5/S5 Cabrio models.

Warranty and Claim Information

This service action is identified by Service Number 90X4 and Damage Code 0099. The Parts Vendor Code is 002. Claim types are 'Sold vehicle: 7 10' and 'Unsold vehicle: 7 90', with INTERFACE* marked as the causal part. Labor operations and time units vary by vehicle criteria:

• Data bus control module replace: Labor Op 9035 55 00 (for 8W, FY) or 9035 19 00 (for 4A, 4K, 4N) or 9035 19 50 (for A8, F8, 4M, GE, X5). Time units are 'SEE ELSA'.
• Perform bus sleep: Labor Op 0150 00 99. Time Units: 10.
• Battery charge: Labor Op 2706 89 50. Time Units: 'SEE ELSA'.
• GFF/Guided functions (GFF Operations): Labor Op 0150 00 60. Time Units: 'Time stated on diagnostic protocol'.
• Additional Labor Operations (model-specific):
  • 'Armrest with cover remove+reinstall': Labor Op 7455 19 60 (for A8).
  • '2 Rear bench seat remove+reinstall': Labor Op 7249 20 07 (for A8).
  • 'Console remove+reinstall': Labor Op 6817 19 00 (for F8).
  • 'Front seat remove+reinstall': Labor Op 7201 19 00 (for 4M) or 7201 19 05 (for GE, X5).

Parts ordering is managed by 'VIN to Order' for the INTERFACE module, and 'Free Order' for other parts. Initial parts allocation is 'NO'.

Owner Action

If you own an affected 2023-2024 Audi model, including the 2023 Audi Q8, and have received notification for Service Action 90X4, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule the replacement of your gateway control module. This repair will be performed free of charge. You can find a dealer and schedule service by visiting www.audiusa.com. Be aware that the campaign has an expiration date of May 21, 2029, after which the repair may no longer be covered at no cost.

If you are a lessor and registered owner, you are required to forward the owner notification letter to the lessee within ten days of receipt. If you have any questions or concerns, or if your dealer is unable to complete the work in a timely manner, you can contact Audi Customer Experience at 1-800-253-2834 or via their "Contact Us" page at www.audiusa.com. To check your vehicle's eligibility, visit the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool at www.audiusa.com and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11007368