2021 Audi A5/S5/RS 5 PDI Updates and Warnings

Audi has released an updated Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) checklist for its 2021 A5, S5, and RS 5 models. This document, identified as a manufacturer communication, provides technicians with a comprehensive guide to ensure vehicles meet Audi's quality standards before customer delivery. The updates focus on refining existing checks and introducing new requirements, particularly concerning critical safety and connectivity features. This ensures that all 2021 Audi A5 PDI updates are properly implemented.

Important Warnings for Owners and Dealers

This communication includes several critical advisories that both dealers and prospective owners should be aware of:

• Emergency Call Function: Audi explicitly states, "The vehicle must not be delivered to the customer if the emergency call function has not been successfully activated (LED lights up in green)." This highlights a crucial safety feature that must be operational before sale, as detailed in TSB 2061028. Activating this system may take up to 20 minutes after deactivating flight/transport mode.
• Audi Phone Box Registration: For vehicles equipped with the Audi Phone Box, it is classified as a consumer device. "BEFORE USE, you MUST REGISTER THIS DEVICE with your wireless provider and have your provider's consent." Owners are warned that E911 location information "may not be provided or may be inaccurate for calls served by using this device." This is further elaborated in TSB 2051720.
• Phone Box Operation: Owners "MUST operate this device with approved antennas and cables as specified by the manufacturer." Antennas "MUST be installed at least 20 cm (8 inches) from any person." Furthermore, operation "MUST cease operating this device immediately if requested by the FCC or a licensed wireless service provider." The device incorporates features like anti-oscillation, adaptive gain control, and uplink inactivity to prevent harmful interference, which "may not be deactivated by the operator."

Comprehensive PDI Checklist Items

The updated PDI for the 2021 Audi A5, S5, and RS 5 covers a wide array of checks, ensuring thorough preparation of the vehicle. Technicians are reminded that all items must be completed by a certified Audi technician, utilizing Guided Fault Finding and the Total PDI Test via the scan tool.

Vehicle Preparation and Initial Checks

Before any physical inspection, technicians must "Check Elsa for open campaigns and updates" and "Perform any open campaigns." Diagnostic work should also be performed. For vehicles with the Audi Phone Box, the customer registration form must be verified, and the serial number (e.g., FKW-) from Elsa, FCC ID, and Model must be added.

Exterior and Interior Inspections

Exterior checks include inspecting for "damage, dings, dents and surface scratches," ensuring proper repair before delivery. All key buttons and features are verified. Inside, technicians confirm the operation of seat belts, windows, locks, seats, mirrors, interior lights, heated/ventilated seats, climate control, power outlets, glove compartment, panoramic sunroof, and the front Passenger Occupant Detection System.

Settings and Infotainment

Critical settings are verified, including the operation of "MMI® touch." Time sources are set to "GPS" with automatic daylight savings and time zone. Language and measurement units are confirmed, as is the Speech Dialog System. Specific audio settings like "Entertain. Fad." in Parking aid are set to an audible level, and "Music volume while parking" to medium. The dealership location in navigation is set, and the "Manual Speed Warning" is turned off. Media and radio checks involve verifying aux. input, SD card slot function, ensuring "HD Radio is turned 'off'," and confirming "SiriusXM is on and in an active state."

Underbody and Driving Performance

An on-hoist inspection requires removing transport suspension blocks and checking the steering, boots, brake system, hoses, tires, wheels, and underside for damage, fluid leaks, and loose components. Wheel locks, bolt covers, center caps, and proper torque for wheel bolts are confirmed. Tire pressures are set and stored. Driving performance checks include horn operation, electronic parking brake, "engine Start-Stop System functionality," engine performance, acceleration, and transmission operation. A test drive involves applying brakes multiple times, checking steering/tire alignment, and listening for "squeaks, rattles and wind noises."

Driver Assistance and Convertible Systems

Driver assistance systems such as cruise control/ACC with Stop & Go, Audi side assist, Audi active lane assist, parking system, rear cross traffic assist, and "Head-up display functionality" are verified. Navigation is activated to follow directions back to the dealership. For convertibles, the operation of the "power folding top" and the presence of manual closing tools are confirmed.

Post-Road Test and Connectivity

After the road test, the "SOS button is green and Roadside assistance button LED will remain off." Fault memory is interrogated, and a Diagnostic Log is uploaded to the GFF Paperless Server. Service intervals, engine oil level, and all fluid levels are checked. The yellow tire pressure tag must be installed on the steering wheel. For stock inventory vehicles, a "30 Day Inventory Maintenance Sticker" is applied, and a showroom charger is installed to maintain battery charge. For Audi connect® (USA ONLY) equipped vehicles, the "Wi-Fi® hotspot" is turned on and its visibility checked, and satellite map view for navigation is enabled. These comprehensive 2021 Audi A5 PDI updates ensure vehicle readiness.

NHTSA ID: 10194404