2022-2024 Audi A3/S3/RS3 Airbag Module Test Plan Failure

Owners of 2022-2024 Audi A3, S3, and RS 3 models may experience issues with the airbag control module, specifically when diagnostic test plans fail to complete. This problem is often identified during pre-delivery inspection (PDI) or other diagnostic work, including procedures related to Safety Recall 6812. The underlying cause can be a configuration failure within the airbag control module, known as -J234-.

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 69 23 98 2070322/3 to address this concern. This bulletin, which supersedes Group 69 number 23-95 dated September 21, 2023, provides a detailed repair procedure for technicians.

Symptoms

While there are typically no direct customer complaints, the issue manifests during diagnostic procedures. Technicians will observe that test plans for the airbag control module do not complete successfully. This can occur when attempting to configure the airbag control module or after replacing a front seat belt, preventing the adaptation process from finishing.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the airbag control module, -J234-, encounters this issue, one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be stored in its fault memory:

Code	Description
B130455	Left front seat belt tensioner control module not configured
B130555	Right Front Seat Belt Tensioner Control Module not configured
B159B00	Start-up not ended

Technical Background and Diagnosis

The root cause of the problem lies in the airbag control module's inability to respond correctly during configuration. This often happens when a configuration is attempted, or after replacing a front seat belt, which requires adaptation of the seat belt control module. The adaptation, basic setting, or diagnostic output test of the seat belt control module fails. Consequently, Safety Recall 6812 cannot be performed successfully via ODIS (Offboard Diagnostic Information System) and fails.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in TSB 69 23 98 2070322/3 involves a series of steps for technicians to ensure the proper configuration of the Audi S3 airbag control module and related components:

1. If the airbag control module configuration fails, perform an ignition cycle, then re-interrogate the airbag control module's fault memory and attempt the test plans again.
2. If the issue persists, use the oldest possible hardware version of the diagnostic tester, such as VAS6150D, and restart the diagnosis.
3. If configuration is still unsuccessful, an ODIS patch must be installed. This patch ensures proper communication with the airbag control module. The patch consists of two files available in Elsa2Go.
4. Technicians will search for these ODIS patch files within Elsa2Go, specifically using the search term “Patch_OS_11.0.MCD3D_ini_Loglevel”.
5. If still in a diagnostic session, save it and close ODIS Service.
6. Unzip both ODIS patches using the password "odis".
7. Start the first patch, "Patch_OS_11.0.MCD3D_ini_Loglevel_7". This patch will significantly slow down ODIS Service.
8. Restart ODIS Service. The system may be slow for up to 30 minutes after the patch installation.
9. Continue with the saved diagnostic session or start Guided Fault Finding if the session was not saved.
10. Run the test plans again.
11. Complete the diagnostic session.
12. Close ODIS Service.
13. Install the second patch, "Patch_OS_11.0.MCD3D_ini_Loglevel_4", to return ODIS Service to its normal speed.

Required Tools or Parts

Technicians will need access to the ODIS diagnostic system, potentially an older hardware version of the diagnostic tester (e.g., VAS6150D), and the specific ODIS patch files: "Patch_OS_11.0.MCD3D_ini_Loglevel_7" and "Patch_OS_11.0.MCD3D_ini_Loglevel_4", which are found in Elsa2Go.

Important Warnings

When installing the ODIS patches, it is crucial to ensure that you select patch "7", NOT Patch "4" first. This specific instruction is highlighted in the TSB to prevent incorrect installation or further diagnostic issues. The TSB notes that patch "7" is not a hotfix and is started via double-click, and its installation will temporarily slow down ODIS Service.

Owner Action

If you own a 2022-2024 Audi A3, S3, or RS 3 and suspect an issue with your airbag control module, or if you are informed that diagnostic test plans are failing, especially in relation to Safety Recall 6812, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership. This repair is typically performed under warranty if consequential to Safety Recall 6812. The dealership technicians will follow the procedures outlined in TSB 69 23 98 2070322/3 to correct the Audi S3 airbag control module configuration and ensure proper system function.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10243954