2021-2025 Audi Instrument Cluster Fault (DTC B200049)

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2068380/7 to address concerns regarding the instrument cluster in several 2021-2025 models. Owners may experience a faulty instrument cluster or a black screen upon starting the vehicle. This TSB outlines the diagnostic steps and the necessary repair for this specific condition.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles, such as the Audi Q8, may notice the following issues:

• A warning message displayed in the instrument cluster stating: "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop."
• The Audi Virtual cockpit appearing completely black when the vehicle is started.

These symptoms indicate a potential problem with the instrument cluster's functionality.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing this issue, technicians may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the Instrument Cluster control module (J285, diagnostic address 0017):

Diagnostic Trouble Code	Description	Symptom Code
B200049	Control module faulty Internal electrical malfunction	10485833

This DTC B200049 specifically points to an internal electrical malfunction within the instrument cluster control module.

Technical Background

According to Audi, the root cause of this problem is a hardware issue within the Audi virtual cockpit. This discrepancy stems from the production process of the instrument cluster components. An optimized instrument cluster hardware design was implemented for units produced on or after August 1, 2024.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure

For an Audi Q8 instrument cluster fault, the repair procedure involves checking the production date of the existing instrument cluster. If the instrument cluster was produced before August 1, 2024, it will need to be replaced.

1. Check Production Date: A technician will use a self-diagnosis tool to access diagnostic address 17 (Instrument Cluster control module). They will then navigate to the control module OBD dropdown, select "Identification," and click "show expanded identification." Expanding the "Fazit identification" will reveal the "Day of manufacture" for the instrument cluster.
2. Instrument Cluster Replacement: If the production date of the instrument cluster is before August 1, 2024, the instrument cluster must be replaced. This replacement should be performed according to the instructions detailed in the ELSA repair manual.

Required Parts and Tools

To perform the repair, the following parts are typically required:

• Instrument Cluster: Quantity 01
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, per the repair manual.

Technicians should consult ETKA (Electronic Parts Catalog) and/or their Parts Department for the most current information and part bulletins.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin 2068380/7 specifies that if the vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty, the bulletin serves as informational guidance only. For warranty claims, the following codes are used:

• Service Number: 9025
• Damage Code: 0040
• Labor Operations:
  • Remove and replace dash panel insert: 9025 XXXX
  • Self-diagnosis (document production date): 0129 0050
  • GFF (Guided Fault Finding): 0150 0060
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2068380/7

All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Important Warnings

This TSB has a release date of July 31, 2025, indicating it is a forward-looking or pre-release document. Owners should be aware that the optimized instrument cluster hardware was implemented starting August 1, 2024. If your vehicle experiences an Audi Q8 instrument cluster fault and was manufactured with an older instrument cluster, replacement is the recommended solution.

NHTSA ID: 11021445