2022-2023 Audi Connect GEN3 SOS LED Not Green TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061028/4, dated June 3, 2022, to address concerns regarding the Audi Connect GEN3 system in various 2022-2023 Audi models. This bulletin, which supersedes TSB Group 91 number 21-31 dated September 16, 2021, provides comprehensive information on the registration and pairing process required for the system's SIM card to activate Audi Connect services, particularly when the Audi Connect GEN3 SOS LED does not turn green after vehicle delivery.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may experience one or more of the following conditions:

• "Audi connect services do not function."
• "SOS LED is off or flashes red."
• "The Roadside button does not function when pressed.
• "The News and Weather Tiles are missing in the MMI."
• "The navigation satellite map view cannot be activated."

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The 3rd Generation Audi Connect system, introduced in certain models from MY20, utilizes a "white label" SIM card that is not preregistered to any USA-specific mobile carrier at the factory. Unlike the 2nd Generation system, which used a preregistered AT&T SIM, the GEN3 system partners with Verizon as the preferred carrier for the USA.

This change means that the SOS LED can take longer to turn green after Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). The SIM card must undergo a "Registration and Pairing" (R&P) process once the ConBox/OCU flight mode is deactivated. This R&P process typically takes about 20 minutes under ideal conditions but can extend to 1-2 hours depending on factors like LTE signal strength, GPS reception, and backend system availability. The Audi Connect GEN3 SOS LED will only turn green once this embedded SIM (eSIM) R&P process is complete.

Repair Procedure Summary

For technicians, the TSB outlines a detailed seven-step registration and pairing process for the GEN3 system. This process explains why activation can take longer than previous generations:

1. Flight Mode Deactivation: The ConBox flight mode is deactivated during PDI. For the OCU, flight mode deactivates after the vehicle is driven at least 25 miles.
2. Initial SIM Connection: The SIM attempts to connect to Cubic in Europe using a roaming data connection via AT&T or T-Mobile. Poor local signal strength can delay this step.
3. Verizon eSIM Profile Download: After registering with Cubic, the device receives an eSIM profile for Verizon.
4. Verizon Network Registration: Once the Verizon profile is downloaded, the device disconnects from AT&T/T-Mobile and attempts to register with Verizon's LTE network. Poor Verizon signal or being inside a service bay can hinder this process, potentially requiring a long sleep cycle of 30 minutes or more.
5. Default Network Setting: The Verizon profile is successfully downloaded, and the device informs Cubic to set Verizon as the default network.
6. Wi-Fi and Demo Mode Activation: Cubic activates the Wi-Fi profile for the device and enables dealer demo mode in the Audi Connect backend.
7. License Download: The MMI and Gateway modules download Audi Connect licenses for PRIME and CARE, provided GPS reception has been established. At this point, the Audi Connect GEN3 SOS LED should turn green.

If the SOS light still does not turn green after these initial steps, the TSB provides a troubleshooting guide:

1. Allow the vehicle to sit outside with the ignition on for 20-30 minutes with the engine running, especially if the SOS light did not activate after the PDI test drive or a long sleep cycle.
2. Perform a long sleep cycle of at least 5 minutes by disconnecting ODIS testers, rolling up windows, closing the hood and trunk, and locking the doors.
3. After the sleep cycle, turn the car on and recheck the SOS light status after 5-10 minutes.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 a second time if the SOS light remains off.
5. If the light is still not green, perform a capacitive discharge by disconnecting the vehicle's 12V battery from the vehicle electronics for at least 60 seconds.
6. Reconnect the 12V battery and turn on the ignition.
7. Use ODIS to check and document the eSIM profile by selecting "Checking IMSI number" under "Guided Functions" for diagnostic address 0075. Note that a Vodafone Bootstrap (Factory) Profile will have a 20-digit IMSI starting with "8988.", while a Verizon Operational (Local) Profile will start with "8914."
8. If the SOS light still does not turn green, open a web ticket with the Audi connect Technical Support Team at https://audi.zendesk.com/, providing the IMSI number.

Important Warnings

• This TSB is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. The described procedure is a necessary part of the vehicle's Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI).
• When performing a capacitive discharge, it is "no longer required to remove the backup battery from the ConBox as long as the capacitive discharge is performed for at least 60 seconds while there is no emergency or roadside call active in the vehicle."
• To access the web ticketing system for support, you will need to use a dealer email address. Personal email accounts like Gmail or Yahoo will not work directly. Contact [email protected] if credential verification is needed.

Required Tools or Parts

• ODIS diagnostic system for checking IMSI numbers.
• Access to the Audi connect Technical Support Team web ticketing system (https://audi.zendesk.com/).

Owner Action

If you are experiencing issues with your Audi Connect GEN3 services or if the Audi Connect GEN3 SOS LED in your 2022-2023 Audi vehicle is not turning green, contact your authorized Audi dealership. They are equipped to perform the necessary registration and pairing procedures or advanced troubleshooting steps outlined in this Technical Service Bulletin.