2024-2026 Audi Virtual Cockpit Display Changes TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2079650/1 to address a software-related concern affecting the virtual cockpit display in various 2024-2026 Audi models. This TSB specifically targets the issue where the "last view in Audi virtual cockpit changes" unexpectedly, impacting models such as the Audi A6, A7, A8, Q7, Q8, e-tron, and e-tron GT equipped with FPK Gen2+ virtual cockpits. Owners experiencing unexpected display behavior, including the 2024 Audi Q8 virtual cockpit changes, should be aware of this bulletin.

Symptoms and Customer Observations

Owners may observe one of the following conditions related to the virtual cockpit display:

• "The set tab (Phone, Media, Navigation) in the Audi virtual cockpit changes to the on-board computer tab after turning the ignition off and on again."
• "After the vehicle has been stationary for an extended period (bus sleep mode), the last display selected in the Audi virtual cockpit (e.g. navigation map with small, round instruments for engine speed and vehicle speed) are no longer displayed. Instead, the on-board computer with the large round instruments for engine speed and vehicle speed are shown."

These symptoms indicate a software malfunction within the instrument cluster, leading to an incorrect display state or an unintended change in the virtual cockpit's presentation. The 2024 Audi Q8 virtual cockpit changes are a common manifestation of this issue.

OEM Complaint Categories

Audi categorizes the underlying technical complaints related to this issue under several descriptions, primarily indicating functionality problems within the instrument displays and driver information system. These include:

• information, navigation, communication, entertainment -> instrument displays -> instrument cluster display: functionality -> faulty
• information, navigation, communication, entertainment -> instrument displays -> instrument cluster display: functionality -> operation sequence incorrect
• information, navigation, communication, entertainment -> instrument cluster, displays, screens -> instrument cluster: functionality -> operation sequence incorrect
• information, navigation, communication, entertainment -> instrument cluster, displays, screens: functionality
• information, navigation, communication, entertainment -> instrument displays: functionality
• information, navigation, communication, entertainment -> driver information system (DIS, MFI, MMI) -> information system display: functionality -> operation sequence incorrect
• information, navigation, communication, entertainment -> instrument displays: design

Important Warnings for High-Voltage Vehicles

For vehicles equipped with high-voltage components, a critical precaution must be observed during the software update process:

"Applies to vehicles with high-voltage components: To prevent the high-voltage battery from charging during the software update, the high-voltage charging cable on vehicles with high-voltage components must be unplugged BEFORE the SVM code is entered. Please note that charging the high-voltage battery during a software update can cause damage to the high-voltage components."

This warning is crucial to prevent potential damage to the high-voltage battery system during the service procedure.

Technical Background and Production Solution

The root cause of the unexpected virtual cockpit display changes is identified as a software issue within the Audi virtual cockpit, specifically affecting the instrument cluster, which is identified by diagnostic address 0017. To address this concern at the manufacturing stage, Audi introduced optimized software version 0358 into series production for model year 2025 vehicles.

Applicable Software Versions

This TSB applies to vehicles with specific initial software versions in the Audi virtual cockpit (diagnostic address 0017):

• Model year 2024 vehicles: Affected software versions include 0260, 0261, 0262, 0264, 0265, or 0266.
• Model year 2025 vehicles: Affected software versions include 0320, 0321, 0356, or 0357.

Detailed Repair Procedure

The repair involves updating the Audi virtual cockpit software using a specific Service Vehicle Management (SVM) code, 17A053. The procedure is as follows:

1. Software Update Target: The primary goal is to update the Audi virtual cockpit to software version 0268 for model year 2024 vehicles, or to software version 0358 for model year 2025 vehicles, utilizing SVM code 17A053.
2. Media Preparation: Technicians must use the FMC (flash media creator) tool to prepare the update medium. For model year 2024 vehicles, use part number 8W6 906 961 AG. For model year 2025 vehicles, use part number 8W6 906 961 AH. The software must be downloaded onto a USB stick that complies with the USB 2.0 specification.
3. Initiating the Update: The update process begins on the workshop tester. The technician selects the "flash" function and enters the specified SVM code, 17A053.
4. USB Stick Insertion: During the program execution, the workshop tester will display a message similar to "... please insert update medium with the following part number...". At this prompt, the prepared USB stick must be inserted into a suitable USB port within the vehicle to facilitate data transmission.
5. Key Placement for Update: If a message like "... Hold the vehicle key to the transponder..." (or similar) appears, the vehicle key must be placed against the transponder marking provided in the center console. It is crucial to maintain this position until the Audi virtual cockpit confirms that the update process has successfully started and is completed.

This comprehensive update addresses the software issue causing the 2024 Audi Q8 virtual cockpit changes and similar issues in other affected models.

Required Tools and Parts

Technicians will require specific tools and part numbers for this software update, depending on the vehicle's model year:

Tool Number (FMC)	Tool Description
8W6 906 961 AG	Required for model year 2024 vehicles with initial software versions 0260, 0261, 0262, 0264, 0265 or 0266 in the Audi virtual cockpit (diagnostic address 0017).
8W6 906 961 AH	Required for model year 2025 vehicles with initial software versions 0320, 0321, 0356 or 0357 in the Audi virtual cockpit (diagnostic address 0017).

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin provides specific guidelines for warranty claims related to this issue. The claim type indicates that if the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this TSB is for informational purposes only, meaning the repair cost may not be covered. The following codes are relevant for warranty submissions:

• Claim Type: If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only.
• Service Number: 9025
• Damage Code: 0039
• Labor Operations:
  • 0151 0010: Software update (Refer to SRT for associated operations)
  • 0151 0060: Software update (Labor determined according to the diagnostic log)
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2079650/1

All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review and audit by Audi Warranty.

Additional Information

This TSB is concise and focuses directly on the software update procedure. It does not contain extensive diagnostic steps or detailed component descriptions beyond identifying the instrument cluster (diagnostic address 0017) as the affected control unit. All part and service references provided in this TSB (2079650) are subject to change, and technicians should always verify the latest information with their Parts Department and/or ETKA before proceeding with any repairs.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11025313