2023 Audi Bluetooth, Connect, SOS Malfunction TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 24 59 2071693/2, dated January 22, 2024, to address various connectivity issues in certain 2023 Audi models equipped with ConBox High. This bulletin supersedes TSB Group 91 number 23-32, dated October 9, 2023. The TSB highlights problems such as an inoperable or grayed-out Bluetooth connection, malfunctioning Audi connect features, antenna issues, and SOS system malfunctions.

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2023 Audi vehicles may experience several symptoms related to an Audi Bluetooth malfunction and other connectivity problems. These include:

• An "An emergency call malfunction is displayed on the instrument cluster."
• The Bluetooth connection to a phone, including Audi Smartphone Integration, may be interrupted.
• "Bluetooth connections and Bluetooth settings are grayed out on the MMI screen."
• Audi connect features, including in-vehicle and app functions, may be unusable.
• A message stating "No data connection could be established. Please check the network coverage." might appear on the MMI screen.
• An "Antenna Malfunction" message may be displayed on the MMI screen.

Fault Codes / DTCs

During diagnosis, technicians may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the Data Bus On Board Diagnostic Interface (Gateway), J533 (address word 0019):

• U142100: Control module for emergency call module and communication unit no communication
• U164200: Ethernet Emergency Call Module no communication

Additionally, the e-Call LED in the roof module might remain illuminated green at all times, even when a fault is present.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The TSB notes that the issue is often related to a software problem within the ConBox module. The vehicle's full functionality may temporarily recover if the J949 control module (ConBox) is accessed via the ODIS diagnostic tool, or after the vehicle completes a bus sleep cycle. Temporary recovery can also occur if the vehicle is driven out of the current mobile network cell's coverage and registers with a new one.

Important Warnings

Audi advises technicians and owners on specific actions to avoid unnecessary repairs:

• "If the e-Call LED is not illuminated, or illuminated red, and no other DTCs then listed in this TSB, or only 'ghost faults' (marked as unauthorized in the GFF log) are present, it is likely that the issue is due to a connectivity or backend issue, not a hardware issue. In these cases, this TSB does not apply. Please do not replace parts solely because of ghost faults."
• "Do not replace any components for this condition since this will not resolve the customer's concern."

Repair Procedure Summary

Audi has identified that the root cause is a software issue related to the ConBox module. A new ConBox software version is slated for implementation in production for Model Year 2024 vehicles. For existing 2023 vehicles, a definitive software solution is expected to be available by the end of the second quarter of 2024, though this timeline is subject to change.

In the interim, dealers are instructed to create a Pending Service Solutions (PSS) record in the PSS application via AccessAudi for affected vehicles. This helps Audi track the prevalence of the Audi Bluetooth malfunction and related issues while awaiting the permanent fix.

Owner Action

If you own a 2023 Audi and are experiencing an Audi Bluetooth malfunction, issues with Audi connect, or SOS system problems, you should contact your authorized Audi dealer. Inform them of the symptoms and mention TSB 91 24 59 2071693/2. While a permanent software update is pending, your dealer can create a PSS record to document your concern. Do not attempt to replace components, as this will not resolve the underlying software issue.

Source: NHTSA ID: 10249224