2021 Audi Volume Control Issue with Steering Wheel Controls

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021 Audi models, including the Audi e-tron, may notice a specific Audi e-tron volume control problem. The primary symptom is that "When adjusting the MMI volume via the steering wheel controls, the volume sporadically and unintentionally goes all the way to min or max."

This means that when you try to make small adjustments to the audio volume using the buttons on your steering wheel, the volume might suddenly jump to either its lowest or highest setting without your intention. This can be a frustrating and distracting issue while driving.

Technical Background

Audi has identified that the root cause of this sporadic volume control behavior is a hardware defect. Specifically, certain steering wheel controls exhibit this unintended behavior due to an internal issue.

This defect affects the right and left multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, which are identified as E441 and E440 in Audi's technical documentation. These buttons are part of the vehicle's MIB2+/MIB3 infotainment system interface.

Production Solution

To address the underlying cause of this issue, Audi has implemented additional quality checks at the supplier level. This measure aims to prevent the recurrence of the hardware defect that causes the volume control problem in future vehicle production.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the volume control issue, technicians are instructed to replace the affected components. The service involves replacing both the right and left multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, identified as E441 and E440. This procedure is designed to directly address the hardware defect causing the erratic volume behavior.

After the replacement, a diagnostic check, referred to as "GFF - Checking and clearing fault codes" (operation number 0150 0000), is performed, allowing up to 20 time units (TU) as per the diagnostic protocol. Road tests are also required both before and after the service procedure to ensure the issue is fully resolved and the new components function correctly, though these road tests have no allowance for time units.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, technicians will need specific parts and may refer to ETKA (Audi's electronic parts catalog) and ELSA (Electronic Service Information System) for the latest information. The primary components required are:

• Right and Left Multifunction Buttons on Steering Wheel E441/E440: One set of these buttons is required, with the specific part number to be determined via ETKA.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: These are to be used as needed according to the vehicle's Repair Manual, with quantities and specific types referenced in ETKA/ELSA.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under Audi's warranty program. For eligible vehicles, coverage extends up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the repair falls under the G10 claim type, requiring owner verification.

To process a warranty claim, the following codes are used:

• Service Number: 9161
• Damage Code: 0010
• Labor Operation: 9161 2050, for 'Multifunction controls st whl remove + reinstall'. Additional associated operations may apply as per the Standard Repair Time (SRT) guide.
• Diagnostic Time: 0150 0000, for 'GFF - Checking and clearing fault codes', with a maximum allowance of 20 Time Units (TU).
• Road Tests: Both pre-service and post-service road tests are required but are listed with 'No allowance' (0 TU).

It is important to note that if your vehicle is outside the specified warranty period or mileage, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only, and repair costs may be the owner's responsibility. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing the 2021 Audi e-tron volume control issue, you should contact an authorized Audi dealership. Provide them with the symptoms you are experiencing, and they can diagnose the problem and perform the necessary repair under warranty if your vehicle is eligible.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10201517