2023-2024 Audi A3, S3, RS 3 Airbag Indicator DTC B101614

Symptoms

Owners of 2023-2024 Audi A3, S3, and RS 3 vehicles may notice that the front passenger airbag indicator in the roof module lights up permanently after the engine is started. This persistent warning light indicates a potential issue with the vehicle's airbag system.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the front passenger airbag indicator light remains on, technicians may find specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the airbag control unit J234 (diagnostic address 0015). The primary DTCs associated with this issue are:

• DTC B101614: Front passenger side airbag disabled indicator lamp, open circuit/short circuit to ground
• DTC B12F114: Indicator lamp for front passenger airbag, open circuit/short circuit to ground

Additionally, other related entries may be logged in the event memory of various control units:

Diagnostic address	DTC	DTC description
0009	B114815	Terminal 15 open circuit/short circuit to B+
0003	U140500	Terminal 15 Implausible signal
0015	B201C00	Supply voltage implausible signal
0023	C121E00	Terminal 15 Implausible signal
0044	U112300	Data bus error value received
0069	U140500	Terminal 15 Implausible signal
0075	U112300	Data bus error value received

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the permanent front passenger airbag indicator light is identified as a software sensitivity within the Electronic Central Electrical (BCM), specifically the -J519- control unit (address word 0009). This sensitivity can lead to the storage of the aforementioned DTCs, including the Audi S3 airbag indicator B101614 fault.

Repair Procedure Summary

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 96 23 89 2071392/2 outlines a software update procedure for the Electronic Central Electrical (BCM), J519 control unit. This update aims to optimize the software and resolve the sensitivity issue causing the permanent airbag indicator light.

The repair process involves the following key steps:

1. DoIP Activation: Technicians must ensure Diagnostic over Internet Protocol (DoIP) is active when flashing the control module. This is done by navigating to Administration>>General>>GFF Process>>DoIP communication>>Only allow DoIP communication within the diagnostic system. This setting will automatically reset after the diagnostic session concludes.
2. SVM Operating Instructions: All instructions detailed in TSB 2011732, which covers Software Version Management (SVM) operating procedures, must be followed.
3. BCM Software Update: The Electronic Central Electrical (BCM), J519 (address word 0009), needs to be updated using the SVM action code 09A059. The new software version required is 0183 or higher, replacing older versions such as 0174, 0175, 0177, or 0180.

This software optimization is designed to correct the condition that triggers the Audi S3 airbag indicator B101614 and B12F114 DTCs.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this software update, technicians will need:

• VAS 6160/VAS 6150: A VAS tester equipped with the current version of ODIS (running on Windows 10).

The software part numbers involved in this update are 5WA 937 086 * and 5WA 937 087 *.

Important Warnings

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 96 23 89 2071392/2 supersedes a previous bulletin, 96 23-86, dated September 11, 2023. The current revision, dated November 17, 2023, includes Model Year 2024 vehicles. Owners should be aware that if their vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only, and repair costs may not be covered.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this software update are generally covered for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, and owner verification is required. If the vehicle's warranty has expired, this bulletin serves as information, and the repair may not be performed free of charge.

NHTSA ID: 10245698