2021 Audi SOS Emergency Call Malfunction

Understanding the 2021 Audi SOS Emergency Call Malfunction

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061625/2 to address an "SOS – Emergency call malfunction" message that may appear in the instrument cluster of certain 2021 Audi models. This bulletin, issued on February 17, 2021, supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 91 number 20-43, from December 9, 2020. The issue is primarily related to erroneous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) being stored in the emergency call control module, J949, due to a software malfunction.

This TSB provides guidance for technicians on how to handle customer complaints regarding the SOS emergency call malfunction, emphasizing that component replacement is not the correct solution.

Symptoms Owners May Notice

Owners of affected 2021 Audi vehicles may observe the following message displayed prominently in their instrument cluster:

• "SOS – Emergency call malfunction, please contact service"

Despite this warning message, the e-Call functionality, which is designed to automatically contact emergency services in the event of a serious accident, remains active.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing the "SOS – Emergency call malfunction" condition, technicians may find one or both of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the emergency call module and communication unit, J949 (address word 0075):

Code	Description	Module
B129B11	Microphone 1, short circuit to ground	J949
B239C11	Microphone 2, short circuit to ground	J949

These codes indicate a perceived electrical fault with the emergency call system's microphones.

Technical Background of the Issue

Audi has identified that the storage of DTCs B129B11 and B239C11, leading to the "SOS – Emergency call malfunction" message, is caused by a software malfunction within the emergency call control module. This means the system is erroneously detecting a fault where none physically exists with the hardware. There is no production solution currently applicable, indicating that the issue is not resolved in vehicles coming off the assembly line at the time of the bulletin's release.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi explicitly states a critical instruction regarding this specific issue:

• "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern."

This warning is crucial because replacing parts like the emergency call module or microphones will not fix the underlying software malfunction and would result in unnecessary costs and labor. Owners should be aware that if a dealership suggests replacing components for this specific issue, they should refer to this Technical Service Bulletin. Audi also notes that a permanent solution is expected in the third quarter of 2021.

Repair Procedure Summary

For technicians addressing the 2021 Audi SOS emergency call malfunction, the procedure is straightforward and focuses on diagnosis and communication rather than physical repair:

1. Clear the DTCs: The first step is to clear the Diagnostic Trouble Codes (B129B11 and B239C11) from the emergency call module (J949).
2. Inform the Customer: Technicians are instructed to explain to the customer that a software solution is anticipated in the third quarter of 2021. It is vital to reiterate that no repairs or component replacements are necessary at this point, as this will not resolve the underlying software issue.
3. Create a PSS Record: A Pending Service Solutions (PSS) record must be created in the PSS application via AccessAudi (under Related Links >> Service) or through the Technical Assistance page in Elsa. This helps Audi track the prevalence of the issue and the need for the forthcoming software update.

Warranty Information

This service bulletin outlines specific warranty claim types for addressing the SOS emergency call malfunction:

• Claim Type 110: Applicable for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles.
• Claim Type G10: Used for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, requiring owner verification.
• If the vehicle falls outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

The Service Number for this condition is 9170, and the Damage Code is 0039. Diagnostic time is allocated as GFF (Guided Fault Finding) with a maximum of 25 Time Units (TU) for diagnostic protocol. No additional allowance is provided for road tests before or after the service procedure. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10187352