2023-2024 Audi Advanced Key Inoperative TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 57 23 08 2027406/5 to address customer inquiries regarding an "Audi advanced key inoperative" condition. This bulletin, which supersedes TSB Group 57 number 17-42 dated October 30, 2017, provides important clarification that the advanced key (keyless entry) system is an optional feature and may not be present on all vehicles, even those equipped with the standard keyless starting system (keyless go).

Symptoms

Owners of 2023-2024 Audi vehicles might report that their Audi advanced key inoperative condition is present, specifically noting that "keyless entry is inoperative on all doors." Despite this, the engine can still be started using the keyless starting system, often referred to as keyless go. This discrepancy between perceived functionality and actual installed features is the core of the issue addressed by this TSB.

Technical Background: Understanding Keyless Systems

Audi vehicles come with different keyless functionalities, which can sometimes lead to confusion. The TSB clarifies two main systems:

• Keyless Starting System (Keyless Go): This is a standard feature on all Audi vehicles. It allows the driver to start the engine using the start-stop button (-E408-) without inserting a physical key into an ignition slot, as long as the key fob is inside the vehicle.
• Audi Advanced Key (Keyless Entry): This is an optional feature. When installed, it allows for keyless locking and unlocking of the vehicle doors simply by touching the sensor surface on the outer door handles, without needing to press a button on the key fob. This is the feature that owners might mistakenly believe is malfunctioning when it's not present.

The confusion often arises because all Audi vehicles are equipped with an engine start-stop button and touch sensor surfaces on the outer door handles. However, the presence of these components does not automatically mean the optional Audi advanced key function is installed.

How to Determine if Your Audi Has Advanced Key

For technicians and owners, it is crucial to confirm whether the vehicle is actually equipped with the Audi advanced key feature. This can be identified by checking the vehicle's PR (Production Research) numbers. Vehicles with the following PR numbers are equipped with Audi advanced key:

• 4I3
• 4I5
• 4F2
• 4F6
• 4K5
• 4K6
• 4K7

If a vehicle does not have one of these PR codes, it means the Audi advanced key feature was not installed from the factory. In such cases, the perceived "Audi advanced key inoperative" condition is simply the absence of the optional feature.

Important Information for Owners

This Technical Service Bulletin is purely informational. It serves to clarify the distinction between standard and optional keyless features on Audi vehicles. It is important for owners to understand that:

• No Repair is Needed: If your vehicle does not have the advanced key PR codes, there is no malfunction to repair. The system is functioning as designed for a vehicle without the optional advanced key feature.
• Warranty Not Applicable: This TSB is informational only and does not apply to any Audi warranty claims. Dealers are instructed to explain the technical background to customers rather than attempting a repair for a non-existent fault.

If you are experiencing what you believe to be an Audi advanced key inoperative condition, it is recommended to consult with an authorized Audi service center. They can verify your vehicle's specifications using the PR codes and confirm whether the advanced key system is installed on your specific model.