2021-2026 Audi Virtual Cockpit Warning DTC B174404

Owners of certain 2021-2026 Audi vehicles may encounter a warning message in their virtual cockpit stating "Fault: Limited warning messages". This issue, often accompanied by unexpected reboots of the virtual cockpit, is addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2071281/3.

This TSB specifically targets a hardware problem within the Audi virtual cockpit, leading to diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B174404. The resolution involves a specific repair procedure based on the instrument cluster's production date.

Symptoms

Owners may observe one or both of the following conditions related to the Audi virtual cockpit B174404 issue:

• A warning message displayed in the virtual cockpit that reads: "Instrument cluster: fault. Limited warning messages. Please contact workshop".
• The virtual cockpit unexpectedly rebooting during vehicle operation.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing this issue, technicians will find a specific diagnostic trouble code stored in the Audi virtual cockpit (address word 0017 - J285 control unit):

Diagnostic Address	Diagnostic Trouble Code	Fault Symptom	Storage State
0017 - Instrument cluster	B174404	Driver information system faulty	static

This DTC B174404 is associated with symptom code 10485834, indicating a faulty multi-function display within the instrument cluster.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

The root cause of the "Fault: Limited warning messages" and unexpected reboots is a hardware issue within the Audi virtual cockpit. Audi implemented optimized hardware for the integrated graphics module on September 30, 2024. Therefore, the applicability of this TSB and the required repair depend on the instrument cluster's production date.

To determine if your vehicle's instrument cluster is affected, a technician will need to check its production date. This is done using a self-diagnosis procedure:

1. Select diagnostic address 17.
2. From the control module OBD drop-down menu, select "Identification".
3. Click "show expanded identification".
4. Expand the "Fazit identification" and document the "Day of manufacture".

Repair Procedure Summary

If the instrument cluster's production date is before September 30, 2024, the Audi virtual cockpit must be replaced. This replacement directly addresses the hardware issue causing the Audi virtual cockpit B174404 fault.

For vehicles with an instrument cluster manufactured on or after September 30, 2024, this TSB does not apply, as those units already contain the optimized hardware.

Required Parts

The TSB references specific hardware part numbers for the instrument cluster, such as *83A*.920.790.H* and *83A*.920.890.H*. The exact part number for replacement will depend on the specific vehicle configuration.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this repair are processed under specific codes:

• Service Number: 9025
• Damage Code: 0040
• Labor Operations:
  • Remove and install/replace instrument cluster: 9025 xxxx
  • Self-diagnosis (document production date): 0129 0050
  • GFF (Guided Fault Finding): 0150 0060

If the vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only, and the repair costs may not be covered. All warranty claims are subject to review and audit by Audi Warranty, in accordance with their policies and procedures.

Important Warnings

Do not replace the virtual cockpit if its production date is on or after September 30, 2024. This TSB explicitly states that the replacement is only necessary for units manufactured before this date, as newer units already contain the corrected hardware. Replacing a unit with the updated hardware will not resolve the issue and would be an unnecessary repair.

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Source: NHTSA ID 11017634