2022-2023 Audi Wireless ASI Connection Drop-Outs TSB 2068838/3

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2068838/3, superseding previous bulletin 23-62 dated January 20, 2023, to address concerns regarding intermittent wireless Audi Smartphone Interface (ASI) connection drop-outs in certain 2022-2023 Audi A3, S3, RS 3, Q3, Q4 e-tron, and Q4 Sportback e-tron models. This issue specifically affects wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections, leading to interruptions in music streaming and temporary loss of the wireless connection to the vehicle. This TSB, identified as 91 23 13 2068838/3, was most recently revised on July 17, 2023 (Revision 3), updating the software filter, model years, and the software update procedure. Earlier revisions include Revision 2 on June 6, 2023, which updated steps for A3/Q3 and Q4, and the initial publication (Revision 1) on January 8, 2022. The primary solution involves a software update to the information electronics control module -J794- to improve system robustness against external interference, aiming to resolve the 2022 Audi S3 wireless ASI connection drop-outs.

Symptoms

Owners may experience the wireless ASI (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) connection being lost or interrupted. This often occurs reproducibly at specific locations, such as near toll booths or other microwave transmitters. The connection typically reestablishes once the vehicle leaves the affected area. These wireless ASI connection drop-outs can manifest as an interruption in music streaming or a temporary complete loss of the wireless connection to the vehicle. Importantly, workshop findings indicate that no relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored when this condition occurs in their Audi A3, S3, RS 3, Q3, Q4 e-tron, or Q4 Sportback e-tron.

Technical Background

The root cause of the wireless ASI connection drop-outs is external interference. This interference occurs on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless frequency spectra, which can cause the Audi Smartphone Interface connection in the vehicle to become unstable.

Repair Procedure Summary

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2068838/3 outlines a software update for the information electronics control module -J794- (address word 005F) to enhance its resilience to external Wi-Fi interference. This update is crucial for addressing the 2022 Audi S3 wireless ASI connection drop-outs. Technicians are instructed to follow the detailed operating instructions provided in TSB 2011732: 00 Software Version Management (SVM). The update utilizes SVM action code 5FA035. It's critical to carefully check the part number of the J794 control module against the provided table to ensure the correct procedure is followed.

For vehicles with an Information electronics control module -J794- (address word 005F) that has Old Software Version 38** (or higher) and specific part numbers listed in the TSB (e.g., 89A.035.057.A, 82A.035.019.B, 8Y0.035.057.C), the update involves applying the new software version. For A3/Q3/Q4 vehicles with an Information electronics control module -J794- (address word 005F) with SW36** or SW38** and part numbers not included in the main table, an alternative procedure is required. This involves turning on the ignition, waiting approximately five minutes for the MMI system to fully initialize, then completing the test plan 'Replace control module J794' via GFF in ODIS without actually replacing any parts. When prompted, technicians must select 'no' if the old control unit is still installed, followed by performing a vehicle bus sleep cycle.

Required Software and Part Numbers

The software update for the information electronics control module -J794- uses SVM action code 5FA035. The TSB lists numerous old software part numbers that are eligible for this update, including but not limited to: 89A.035.057.A, 89A.035.140.A, 82A.035.057.B, 82A.035.020.B, 82A.035.065.B, 82A.035.054.B, 82A.035.054.H, 82A.035.063.B, 82A.035.050.H, 82A.035.019.B, 82A.035.048.B, 82A.035.046.B, 82A.035.043.B, 82A.035.019.J, 82A.035.021.A, 82A.035.050.B, 8Y0.035.057.C, 82A.035.018.B, 82A.035.010.B, 82A.035.067.B, 82A.035.018.J, 8Y0.035.063.C, 8Y0.035.054.J, 8Y0.035.054.C, 8Y0.035.050.C, 8Y0.035.065.C, 8Y0.035.067.C, 8Y0.035.048.F, 8Y0.035.043.F, 8Y0.035.046.F, 8Y0.035.050.J, and 4CG.035.140. The new software version will be