2022-2024 Audi A3/S3/RS3 Starting Issue TSB 97HY

Symptoms and Technical Background

Audi has identified a condition where the central electronics system in certain 2022-2024 A3, S3, and RS3 vehicles may prevent the vehicle from starting under specific circumstances. In severe cases, this can lead to a complete no-start condition. This proactive update, identified as TSB 97HY, aims to prevent this Audi S3 starting issue before it occurs.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of critical safety information and operational details related to this update:

• Radiator Fan Hazard: During the update process, the radiator fan(s) may cycle on at high speed. There is a serious risk of personal injury if contact is made with the spinning fan blades. Always keep hands and all objects clear of the radiator fan(s) while the update is in progress.
• No Warranty for Voltage Damage: Control modules that are damaged due to insufficient voltage during the software update will not be covered under warranty. This underscores the importance of proper battery maintenance during the procedure.
• No Reimbursement for Unconfirmed Claims: A warranty claim for this update may not be reimbursed if there is no confirmation response in the database to support the claim.
• No Wash/Loaner Claim: Dealers are instructed not to claim vehicle wash or loaner vehicle costs under this specific action.

Diagnosis and Eligibility

To determine if your vehicle is eligible for this update, an authorized Audi dealer must check the vehicle's status in the Elsa Campaign/Action Information screen. The status must show "open" for the 97HY UPDATE. If the update appears to have been performed but the code remains open, the dealer must contact Audi Warranty before proceeding. All safety recalls must be completed before this campaign can be performed.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair involves updating the Central Electronics control module via a software flash using the Audi diagnostic system. This procedure is identified by SVM code 97HYA600. Key steps for the technician include:

1. Ensuring the ODIS software is completely up to date.
2. Connecting a battery charger to the vehicle battery to maintain voltage above 12.5 volts throughout the update. This prevents potential damage to control modules.
3. Disabling the screen saver and power-saving settings on the diagnostic tester.
4. Connecting the VAS Diagnostic Tester using its supplied power adapters.
5. Performing the flash process through "Audi Flashing" and explicitly not using "Guided Fault Finding (GFF)", as GFF prolongs the process and may lead to denied requests for additional time.
6. Connecting the VAS Diagnostics Interface to the tester with a USB cable only. Using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections increases the risk of connection loss and damage to the control module, and may result in denied warranty claims.
7. Completing all campaign software updates in a single, standalone ODIS Diagnostic Session.
8. Removing any ODIS "Hot-Fix" patches before starting the operation.
9. Switching off all vehicle consumers, including air conditioning, heater blower motor, lights, and heated seats.
10. Moving the selector lever to the 'P' (Park) position.
11. Selecting the "SVM – Code Input" option within the FLASH operating mode and entering SVM code 97HYA600.
12. Following the on-screen prompts to complete the update.
13. Ensuring the diagnostic log is sent to GFF Paperless when exiting the FLASH program.

Required Tools and Parts

Specialized tools are required for this software update to prevent the Audi S3 starting issue and ensure proper execution:

• Battery Tester/Charger: VAS5908 (or an equivalent charger with a current rating of at least 90A).
• Diagnostic Tester: VAS6150X/VAS6160X (or an equivalent).

Warranty Information

This update is covered under warranty, provided the vehicle is within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period and shows the 97HY code in Elsa. The service number for this action is 97HY, with Damage Code 0099 and Parts Vendor Code 002. Labor operations include:

• 0151 00 10: Software update setup and battery charger connection.
• 0151 00 60: Performing the software update.

What Owners Should Know

Audi recommends informing customers in writing about all work performed, including any updates completed under TSB 97HY. If your vehicle is out of warranty or if you refused campaign work, U.S. dealers must submit a request through Audi Warranty Online under the Campaigns/Update option, while Canadian dealers upload the repair order to Audi WIN/Operations/Campaign Closure. For questions regarding claim entry, dealers should contact Audi Warranty.

Source: NHTSA ID 10253341