2021-2023 Audi Instrument Cluster Warning Lights TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021-2023 Audi A4, A5, S4, and RS5 models may observe that "various malfunction indicator LEDs are lit sporadically" in the instrument cluster. This typically occurs while driving with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system activated. Despite these visual warnings, the vehicle's functions typically remain normal. A key characteristic of this issue, as identified by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 23 37 2064789/4, is that "NO DTCs will be stored" in any control modules.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the sporadic instrument cluster warning lights is attributed to a deviation in the current draw of the LEDs specifically for the adaptive cruise control lamp. This deviation can cause other "warning lamps illuminated" in the instrument cluster to light up unintentionally. The issue is most noticeable when Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active.

It is important to note that this TSB specifically applies to cases where no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored in the vehicle's systems. If your vehicle has related DTCs or static (constantly on) warning lamps, this TSB does not apply, and further normal diagnosis is required.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the issue of sporadic Audi A5 instrument cluster warning lights, a software update for the Instrument cluster J285 control unit is required. The update is performed using Audi's Software Version Management (SVM) system with action code 17A047.

Technicians must follow the instructions outlined in TSB 2011732: 00 Software Version Management (SVM) operating instructions. The update process involves using DoIP (Diagnostics over Internet Protocol) for flashing the control module. To activate DoIP, the technician selects Administration >> General >> GFF Process >> DoIP communication >> Only allow DoIP communication in the diagnostic tool. A red LED on the VAS 6154(A) diagnostic interface indicates that DoIP is active.

The software update will change the Instrument cluster J285's software version from older versions like 0812 or 0814 to the new software version 0815.

Important Warnings

• If your vehicle exhibits related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) or static (constantly illuminated) warning lamps, this Technical Service Bulletin does not apply. In such cases, standard diagnostic procedures should be followed.
• Should the instrument cluster fail to code after two attempts during the software update process, the vehicle must be placed into bus sleep mode for a minimum of 30 minutes before any further attempts.

Warranty Information

This software update is covered under Audi's New Vehicle Limited Warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the repair is also covered under the G10 program, provided the owner is verified. If the vehicle is outside of any warranty coverage, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

The service number for this procedure is 9025, and the damage code is 0039. The labor operation for the software update is 0151 0000. Diagnostic time for GFF (Guided Fault Finding) is not separately allowed as it is included in the overall process. If coding is aborted and bus sleep is needed, labor operation 0689 0199 applies. Road test times before and after the service procedure are not separately allowed.

Owner Action

If you own a 2021-2023 Audi A4, A5, S4, or RS5 and experience sporadic Audi A5 instrument cluster warning lights, especially with Adaptive Cruise Control active and no stored DTCs, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership. Inform them of the symptoms and refer to Technical Service Bulletin 90 23 37 2064789/4. The dealership will perform the necessary software update to the Instrument cluster J285 control unit to resolve the issue.

Source: NHTSA ID 10241235