2018-2021 Audi MMI Map Update Error TSB 2073866/1

Symptoms of MMI Map Update Error

Owners of certain 2018-2021 Audi vehicles equipped with the MIB2+ system may encounter an Audi e-tron MMI map update error. This occurs when an automatically received online map update fails to install successfully. During or after the installation process, the MMI display may show one of the following error messages:

• "The update data is not compatible."
• "Error: the update is not possible."
• "An unknown error has occurred. The operation has been cancelled."
• "Please wait ..."

These messages indicate that the navigation system is unable to process the map update.

Technical Background

According to Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2073866/1, the root cause of this Audi e-tron MMI map update error is often corrupt map data within the control unit for information electronics (J794). This corruption may have resulted from a previous online map update attempt, preventing subsequent updates from installing correctly.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi advises that map updates performed outside the scope of the vehicle's license are not covered under this TSB. It is crucial to always use a map version that is compatible with the license on your specific vehicle. Claims for map activation documents may be denied under warranty if these guidelines are not followed.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Audi e-tron MMI map update error, technicians will perform a specific sequence of steps to erase and reinstall the navigation database. This procedure, detailed in TSB 2073866/1, ensures the control unit for information electronics 5F does not need replacement.

1. Deactivate Automatic Updates: The automatic online map update function is temporarily deactivated, and the vehicle is locked and unlocked to save this change.
2. Partial Reset: A partial reset of the factory settings specifically for "online updates" is performed. This clears any corrupt files from previous update attempts. The vehicle must then undergo a bus sleep cycle of at least one hour.
3. Diagnostic Access: The technician enters "Self-diagnosis" mode on a diagnostic tester and selects diagnostic address 005F (Information electronics 1).
4. Format Internal Memory: The "Formatting partitions of internal memory" function is accessed, with "Navigation database" selected as the parameter. The basic setting is then started and the diagnostic session is exited.
5. Bus Sleep Cycle & MMI Restart: Another bus sleep cycle is performed, followed by an MMI restart. The system is allowed several minutes to complete its boot-up process.
6. SD Card Update: An SD card containing the most current navigation database is inserted into the vehicle's SD Card reader. The technician navigates to "Settings" > "System maintenance" > "Software update" on the MMI and follows the on-screen instructions.
7. MMI Soft Reset: After the map update, the MMI is soft reset by holding the On/Off/Volume/Skip button on the center console for at least 10 seconds.
8. Final Verification: The SD card is removed, and the navigation system's functionality is verified. The automatic online map update is then reactivated in the MMI under HOME > Settings > System maintenance.

Required Tools or Parts

Technicians will need an SD card loaded with the most current navigation database for the specific vehicle's VIN. This SD card must be ordered through ETKA.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this repair are covered under Claim Type 110 for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) vehicles, Claim Type G10 applies, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. The Service Number for this operation is 9196, and the Damage Code is A439. Labor operations include programming and adjusting the display and operating unit control unit, charging the battery, and diagnostic time, all referenced by specific labor codes such as 9196 2599 and 9196 0599.

Owner Action

If your 2018-2021 Audi is displaying error messages related to online map updates, such as "The update data is not compatible." or experiencing an Audi e-tron MMI map update error, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership. Inform them about the symptoms you are experiencing. The dealership will be able to perform the necessary diagnostic and repair procedures outlined in TSB 2073866/1 to resolve the issue.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11002260