2022-2023 Audi A5/S5/RS5 Instrument Cluster Blank TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 90 23 43 2070448/2 to address a specific concern affecting the instrument cluster in certain 2022-2023 Audi A5, S5, and RS5 models. This bulletin, which supersedes TSB Group 90 number 23-42 dated May 22, 2023, details a software issue that can cause the driver information system to appear blank.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may notice that the driver information system on their instrument cluster is blank. This means that content for any of the tabs, such as "Vehicle functions," "Driver messages," "Radio," "Media," "Phone," or "Navigation," is not displayed. The issue, described as "Driver information system is blank" in the bulletin, occurs sporadically.

Diagnosis

This condition is attributed to a software issue within the instrument cluster itself. It specifically impacts vehicles equipped with an Analog Instrument Cluster. The problem manifests as a complete absence of information in the status field of the driver information system, making it impossible to view critical vehicle data or infotainment details.

Important Warnings

Audi explicitly states that no repairs are necessary at this point for this condition. Furthermore, technicians are advised: "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern." This is crucial information for owners, as it prevents unnecessary and potentially costly parts replacements that will not fix the underlying software problem.

Temporary Resolution (Bus Sleep Cycle)

While a permanent software solution is pending, the TSB indicates that the issue can be temporarily resolved after a bus sleep cycle. Owners can attempt to perform this cycle by following these steps:

1. Turn off the vehicle's ignition.
2. Lock the vehicle.
3. Allow the vehicle to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes.
4. Turn the ignition back on and check if the driver information system is no longer blank.

This procedure allows the vehicle's electronic systems to power down and reset, which can clear the sporadic software glitch causing the display to be blank.

Manufacturer's Stance and Future Solution

Audi has identified the root cause as a software issue and is working on a permanent fix. The TSB notes that a production solution, involving a change of supplier, is planned for model year 2024 vehicles. For current affected models, a software solution is expected to be available by the end of the first quarter of 2024, though this timeline is subject to change. Dealers are instructed to create a Pending Service Solutions (PSS) record for affected vehicles through the PSS application in AccessAudi.

Owner Action

If you experience the "Audi A5 instrument cluster blank" issue in your 2022-2023 Audi A5, S5, or RS5, you can try the bus sleep cycle procedure described above. It is important to remember that Audi advises against replacing components for this issue. If the problem persists or you have concerns, contact your authorized Audi dealer. Be aware that this TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty, meaning any future repair under warranty would depend on the specific terms of your vehicle's coverage and the eventual release of a permanent solution.

NHTSA Source Citation

NHTSA ID: 10243970