2022-2023 Audi Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Drop-Out TSB

Owners of certain 2022-2023 Audi models may experience an Audi wireless CarPlay drop-out or Android Auto connection loss, particularly in specific locations like toll booths or near microwave transmitters. This issue, detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 24 67 2068838/4, describes how the wireless connection to the Audi Smartphone Interface (ASI) can be interrupted, leading to issues like music streaming interruptions or a temporary complete loss of the wireless connection.

This TSB, identified as 91 24 67 2068838/4 and dated February 9, 2024, supersedes a previous bulletin, Group 91 number 23-13, which was dated July 17, 2023. The latest revision (Revision 4) includes updated part numbers for service procedures and revised labor operations for warranty claims. Earlier revisions introduced software update procedures and refined model year applicability.

Symptoms

Customers report that the wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connection is lost or interrupted reproducibly. This often occurs in specific areas, such as near toll booths or other microwave transmitters, indicating environmental interference. The connection typically reestablishes itself once the vehicle leaves the affected area. The primary impact is an interruption in music streaming, which can escalate to a temporary complete loss of the wireless connection to the vehicle. This intermittent loss of connection is the core of the Audi wireless CarPlay drop-out issue.

Fault Codes / DTCs

No relevant Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored in the vehicle's system in connection with this specific issue. This means owners will not see any diagnostic codes related to the wireless connection drop-outs.

Technical Background

The root cause of the Audi wireless CarPlay drop-out is external interference on the 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless frequency spectra. This interference can cause the Audi Smartphone Interface (ASI) connection in the vehicle to become unstable, leading to the observed drop-outs. While the software update aims to improve robustness against this interference, strong external signals may still occasionally cause connection interruptions due to physical limitations. Audi notes that a wired ASI connection is not susceptible to this type of interference.

Important Warnings

A critical caution is highlighted for technicians:

CAUTION: Check the part number of the information electronics control module -J794– carefully against the table below and use the correct section of this TSB.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the wireless connection instability, a robustness measure has been introduced through a software update for the Information electronics control module -J794- (address word 005F).

For A3, Q3, and Q4 vehicles equipped with the Information electronics control module -J794- (software versions SW38** or SW36**), the repair process involves the following steps:

1. Software Version Management (SVM) Update: Technicians must first follow all instructions outlined in TSB 2011732, which details the 00 Software Version Management (SVM) operating procedures.
2. Module Update: The Information electronics control module -J794- (address word 005F) is then updated using the SVM action code 5FA035. This update applies to vehicles with a wide range of old software part numbers, including those starting with 89A.035.xxx, 82A.035.xxx, 8Y0.035.xxx, and 4CG.035.140.

For A3/Q3 vehicles where the J794 module has software versions SW36** or SW38** and its specific part number is not explicitly listed in the provided software update table, a slightly different procedure is required:

1. Turn on the ignition and allow approximately five minutes for the MMI system to be fully initialized.
2. Complete the test plan "Replace control module J794" through the GFF diagnostic system in ODIS. This must include all populated sub test plans, but it is crucial to perform this without replacing any parts.
3. When the system prompts whether the old control unit is still installed in the vehicle, the technician must select "no".
4. Finally, perform a vehicle bus sleep cycle to complete the process.

For Q4 vehicles with the Information electronics control module -J794- running software version SW36**, an optimization has been implemented through service campaign 91EV.

Warranty Information

This service is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 50,000 miles or 48 months. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, a G10 claim type is used, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only, meaning the repair may not be covered.

The specific warranty claim details are:

• Service Number: 9196
• Damage Code: 0039
• Labor Operations:
  • Check vehicle (bus sleep cycle): Labor operation code 0689 0199, allocated 10 Time Units (TU).
  • Diagnostic Time: Labor operation code 0150 0060, with time stated on the diagnostic protocol (maximum 50 TU).
  • Road test prior to service procedure: No allowance (0 TU).
  • Road test after service procedure: No allowance (0 TU).
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2068838/3. All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Additional Information

All parts and service references provided in this TSB (2068838) are subject to change and/or removal by Audi of America, Inc.

---

Source: NHTSA ID 10249826