2021-2022 Audi MMI Sidebar Missing TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021-2022 Audi vehicles may notice specific issues with their Multi Media Interface (MMI) system. The primary symptom is that "The sidebar in the MMI is permanently missing." This means the navigation and quick-access icons on the side of the MMI display are no longer visible.

Additionally, the infotainment system may not function as expected, as "The MMI starts directly into the settings menu, making it impossible to use the infotainment system as intended." This prevents access to features like radio, media, telephone, and car settings from the main screen. This is the Audi e-tron MMI sidebar missing issue.

Technical Background

Audi has identified that a software-related issue is the root cause for the MMI sidebar disappearing. This problem specifically affects the MIB3 (Modular Infotainment Toolkit, 3rd generation) system. A new information electronics software for Model Year 2023 vehicles has been released as a production solution.

Important Warnings

If, during the diagnostic process, the message "Check result: OK No issue identified." (from step 12 of the repair procedure) appears immediately at step 4, it indicates that the control unit for information electronics (J794) is not affected by the specific software issue described in this TSB. In such cases, the underlying problem is outside the scope of this Technical Service Bulletin and requires further diagnosis.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair involves updating the MIB3 software using a script loaded onto a USB flash drive. The process requires careful adherence to a sequence of steps to ensure the software update is applied correctly.

1. Turn on the vehicle's ignition.
2. Wait approximately 5 minutes to ensure the MIB3 system has fully started.
3. Insert the prepared USB stick into the USB port of the affected vehicle.
4. Wait for the system to display the message: "Failure detected. Fix successful. Please remove USB-stick and restart the Infotainment System."
5. Turn off the ignition and lock the vehicle doors.
6. Wait approximately 5 minutes to allow the vehicle to enter sleep mode.
7. Unlock the vehicle doors.
8. Remove the USB stick from the USB port.
9. Turn on the ignition again.
10. Wait approximately 5 minutes for the MIB3 to fully start.
11. Re-insert the USB stick into the USB port.
12. Confirm the message displayed is: "Check result: OK No issue identified. Please remove USB-stick and restart the Infotainment System." This confirms no software issues are detected.
13. Remove the USB stick from the USB port.

This procedure effectively resolves the Audi e-tron MMI sidebar missing problem by updating the MIB3 software.

Required Parts and Tools

To perform this software update, technicians will need a USB Flash Drive. The specific shop tool part number required is 8WD906961 (01). The MIB3 script must be obtained from MirrorServer using the SD Creator Program, as detailed in TSB 2047812: 00 SD Creator: how to set up and use the SD Creator for obtaining vehicle software updates via the MirrorServer.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, G10 coverage applies, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle falls outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

• Service Number: 9196
• Damage Code: 0039
• Labor Operations:
  • Program display and operating unit: 9196 2599 (30 TU)
  • Check vehicle (bus sleep mode): 0689 0199 (10 TU)
• Diagnostic Time: GFF (No allowance)
• Road Test: No allowance for pre or post-service road tests.
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2071928/1

All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to audit.

NHTSA ID: 10244590