2021 Audi Lineup Red Steering Warning Light TSB

Audi has released TSB 2064018/2 to address a specific issue affecting various 2021 Audi models, including the Audi e-tron. Owners may notice a "red steering warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster" or experience "Steering is heavy". This condition is typically linked to a software fault within the power steering control module, identified by DTC C10AC07.

This bulletin, dated September 2, 2021, supersedes an earlier TSB, Group 48 number 21-07, from July 15, 2021. The updated bulletin provides revised condition details and additional notes for technicians.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2021 Audi vehicles, including the Audi e-tron C10AC07 steering issue, may observe the following:

• A "red steering warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster."
• The vehicle's "Steering is heavy."

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing this issue, technicians will typically find the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the power steering control module (J500, address word 0044):

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the red steering warning light and heavy steering is often an outdated software version within the J500 power steering control module. Before performing any software updates, technicians are instructed to check the "Control module temperature" value of the J500 module. This temperature must be greater than 10°C (50°F) for the software update to proceed correctly.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process involves updating the software of the power steering control module. Here's a summary of the steps a technician will follow:

1. Visual Inspection: A visual check of the steering rack and steering boots will be performed, and the steering wheel's free movement will be verified.
2. Temperature Check: The control module temperature of the J500 (address word 0044) must be confirmed to be above 10°C (50°F) before proceeding with the software update.
3. SVM Instructions: Technicians will follow the detailed instructions provided in TSB 2011732, which outlines the Software Version Management (SVM) operating procedures.
4. Software Update: The power steering control module (J500) will be updated using SVM action code 44A030 for proper parametrization of the control module.

Important Warnings

Owners and technicians should be aware of the following critical information:

• Diagnosis for Heavy Steering Only: "If only the steering heavy concern is present (without DTC and/or warning in the cluster), proceed with the SVM update as described in the Service procedure and reevaluate the vehicle."
• Other DTCs: "If there are other DTCs logged in the J500, proceed with GFF/test plans to solve the issue." The software update in this TSB is specifically for the C10AC07 related issue.
• Software Version: "The software version will not change." The update is a parametrization, not a version change.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, technicians will need to reference and follow the instructions in TSB 2011732: 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions. The SVM action code 44A030 is specifically used for the parametrization of the control module.

Owner Action

If your 2021 Audi, including models like the Audi e-tron C10AC07 steering issue, exhibits a red steering warning light or heavy steering, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi dealer. The repair involves a software update to the power steering control module. This service is typically covered under Audi's New Vehicle Limited Warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles may also be covered.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10201497