2021-2022 Audi MMI Sidebar Missing TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021-2022 Audi vehicles may experience the following issues related to the Audi MMI sidebar missing:

• The MMI sidebar is permanently missing from the display.
• The MMI system starts directly into the settings menu, making it difficult or impossible to use the infotainment system as intended.

Technical Background

Audi has identified that a software-related issue within the MIB3 infotainment system is responsible for the missing MMI sidebar. This prevents the normal operation and navigation of the system. For Model Year 2023 vehicles, new information electronics software was implemented as a production solution.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the Audi MMI sidebar missing issue, technicians will perform a software update using a USB flash drive. The process involves several steps:

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

Required Tools or Parts

Technicians will need a specific USB flash drive for this procedure. The required part is:

• USB Flash Drive: 8WD906961 (Quantity: 01, designated as a shop tool).

Additionally, technicians may need to refer to TSB 2047812 for instructions on setting up and using the SD Creator program to obtain vehicle software updates from MirrorServer.

Important Warnings

• Warranty Information: If your vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only, and any repairs may not be covered free of charge.
• Diagnosis Scope: If the green message "Check result: OK No issue identified. Please remove USB-stick and restart the Infotainment System." appears immediately at step 4 of the repair procedure, it indicates that the information electronics control unit (J794) is not affected by the specific software issue described in this TSB. In such cases, further diagnosis of the problem falls outside the scope of this bulletin.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing the Audi MMI sidebar missing issue, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. They will be able to perform the necessary software update using the procedure outlined in TSB 2071928/2. This service is typically covered under warranty if your vehicle qualifies.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11017637