2021 Audi iPhone Thermal Protection While Wireless Charging TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 20 92 2053916/2 to address a common concern among owners of 2021 Audi vehicles equipped with a wireless phone box. This bulletin specifically details issues where non-plus sized iPhones may experience overheating and enter thermal protection mode during wireless charging. This can lead to charging interruptions and a temporarily frozen CarPlay screen, impacting your experience with the Audi e-tron iPhone charging system.

This TSB, which supersedes an earlier version (19-36) from February 2019, explains that the issue stems from the interaction between smaller iPhones and the universally sized charging pad. While the infotainment system remains fully functional, the charging process for these specific phones can be disrupted.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021 Audi vehicles may observe the following symptoms related to the Audi e-tron iPhone charging issue:

• A non-plus sized iPhone becomes excessively warm while wirelessly charging on the phone box.
• The iPhone enters thermal protection mode, causing it to stop charging.
• The CarPlay screen may appear frozen or unresponsive during the charging interruption, although the rest of the infotainment system continues to function normally.

Fault Codes / DTCs

According to the TSB, no relevant Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are stored in the information electronics control module 1, identified as J794 (address word 005F), when this issue occurs. This indicates that the problem is not a fault within the vehicle's electrical system but rather an interaction issue with the third-party device.

What the Service Bulletin Says

Technical Service Bulletin 91 20 92 2053916/2 explains that the wireless charging pad in Audi vehicles is designed to accommodate various phone types. However, when a smaller phone, such as a non-plus sized iPhone, is placed on the pad, it can shift off-center while the vehicle is in motion. This off-center placement causes the iPhone to request a higher power transfer rate from the charger to maintain a constant charge current.

This increased power demand leads to the phone heating up, eventually triggering its internal thermal protection and halting the charging process. Audi states that this concern is caused by a third-party device (the iPhone), and at this time, no product solution can be offered by Audi. Any previous part solutions mentioned in older bulletins are no longer available. The TSB is informational only and does not fall under Audi's warranty.

What to Do

If you own a 2021 Audi and experience your non-plus sized iPhone overheating or stopping charging in the wireless phone box, it's important to understand that this is a known characteristic and not a defect in your vehicle. Since Audi does not offer a product solution for this specific interaction, consider these options:

• Use a charging cable: For reliable and consistent charging, especially on longer drives, using a physical charging cable connected to a USB port in your Audi is the most effective solution.
• Secure your phone: Try to keep your iPhone centered and stable on the charging pad to minimize movement, although this may not entirely prevent the issue.
• Consider an alternative charger: If wireless charging is a priority, you might explore aftermarket wireless charging solutions that better accommodate smaller phone sizes or offer more stable placement.

While the Audi e-tron iPhone charging issue can be inconvenient, it does not affect the safety or functionality of your vehicle's core systems.

Source: NHTSA ID 10178590