2024 Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, Q5 Emissions Recall 37P2

Audi has issued Emissions Recall 37P2 to address a software issue affecting the Transmission Control Module (TCM) in certain 2024 Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, and Q5 vehicles. This recall is crucial because a software error in the TCM can prevent essential fault codes from being cleared, leading to a persistent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. While this particular Audi TCM software error does not impact tailpipe emissions or vehicle drivability, it could prevent affected vehicles from passing state inspection and maintenance testing.

Symptoms

The primary symptom owners may notice is that the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) remains illuminated on the dashboard, even after repairs for underlying transmission problems have been completed. This occurs because a software error in the Transmission Control Module (TCM) of affected DSG transmissions prevents certain fault codes from being cleared.

Important Warnings

Owners and technicians should be aware of several critical warnings related to this recall:

• Modified Control Modules: "Please note that if any control module(s) in your vehicle has been 'chipped,' 'tuned,' or otherwise modified from factory specifications with aftermarket components and/or software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the control module(s) to factory specifications is NOT covered under this action." This means if your vehicle's TCM has been altered, you may incur costs to revert it to factory settings before the recall repair can be performed.
• Radiator Fan Safety: "Radiator Fan(s) may cycle ON high speed during the Update Process! There is a serious risk that personal injury may result if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from Radiator Fan(s) during Update Process!" This is a critical safety warning for anyone near the vehicle during the software update.
• Inventory Vehicles: Dealers are explicitly instructed to "ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before delivery to consumers." This ensures new vehicles are delivered with the necessary software update.

What's Being Recalled

This recall, identified as Emissions Recall 37P2, targets a specific software error within the Transmission Control Module (TCM) of affected DSG transmissions. The fault prevents certain diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) from being cleared, which in turn causes the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to stay on. The issue is purely software-related and does not involve a physical defect in the transmission hardware itself.

Manufacturer's Remedy

The manufacturer's remedy for this Audi TCM software error is a software update to the Transmission Control Module (TCM). This update will be performed by authorized Audi dealers free of charge. The process is expected to take approximately one hour. Owner notification for this campaign began in June 2024, and the campaign code 37P2 was applied to affected vehicles on or about June 27, 2024.

Repair Procedure Summary

Authorized Audi technicians will follow a specific procedure to address Emissions Recall 37P2:

1. Vehicle Eligibility Check: The technician will first check the Campaigns/Actions screen in ELSA using the vehicle's VIN to confirm eligibility and ensure the campaign status shows "open."
2. Preparation: Before initiating the software update, all non-essential electrical consumers (such as air conditioning, lights, heated seats) must be switched off. The latest version of the ODIS diagnostic software must be installed.
3. Tool Connection: A battery tester/charger (VAS 5908 or equivalent, rated at least 90A) must be connected to the vehicle battery to maintain voltage above 12.5 volts throughout the update. The VAS Diagnostic Tester (VAS 6150X/VAS 6160X or equivalent) must be plugged in using its power adapters, and the VAS Diagnostics Interface must be connected to the tester via a USB cable. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections are strictly prohibited to prevent connection loss.
4. Software Update: The selector lever is moved to 'P'. The update is performed using the "Audi Flashing" operating mode, not Guided Fault Finding (GFF). Technicians will select "SVM – Code Input" and enter the specific SVM code 37P2A672 to initiate the update.
5. Completion: After the flash program exits, the diagnostic log must be sent to GFF Paperless. A Campaign Completion Label (CAMP 010 000) is then affixed, and a campaign stamp is applied to the repair order.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform the Transmission Control Module (TCM) software update for Emissions Recall 37P2, technicians require specific equipment:

• Battery Tester/Charger: VAS 5908 (or an equivalent charger with a current rating of at least 90A) to ensure stable voltage during the software flash.
• Diagnostic Tester: VAS 6150X or VAS 6160X (or an equivalent diagnostic system) to interface with the vehicle's control modules and perform the software update.

Technicians also refer to Technical Bulletin 2011732 (for US) or 2037026 (for Canada) for detailed Software Version Management (SVM) operating instructions.

Owner Action

If your 2024 Audi A4, A5, A6, A7, or Q5 is affected by Emissions Recall 37P2, you should contact an authorized Audi dealer as soon as possible to schedule the free Transmission Control Module (TCM) software update. The work will be performed at no charge and is estimated to take about one hour. You can find a dealer and schedule service by visiting www.audiusa.com.

California Emissions Requirements

For owners in California, specific regulations apply to emissions-related campaigns. The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require that Emissions Recall 37P2 be completed before your vehicle's registration renewal. After the campaign work is done, your dealer will provide you with a signed "Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction" certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU). This certificate is crucial for your vehicle's registration renewal and should be retained with your vehicle records. It should only be mailed to the DMV if specifically requested.

Source: NHTSA ID 11003009.