2021-2024 Audi Q5 e / A7 e Gearbox Malfunction TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 93 23 32 2070965/2 to address a specific issue affecting certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5 e quattro and A7 e quattro plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). This TSB, dated October 9, 2023, supersedes an earlier bulletin (Group 93 number 23-25 dated September 8, 2023) and provides updated information for resolving a "Gearbox malfunction message" and the related diagnostic trouble code P288200.

Symptoms

Owners of affected vehicles may observe a "Gearbox malfunction message" displayed in the instrument cluster. This warning indicates a problem with the vehicle's transmission system.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing the issue, technicians may find the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the Transmission Control Module (TCM), specifically -J217- (address word 0001):

Code	Description	Symptom Code
P288200	Engine Disconnect Clutch Excessive Slippage	20954

This Audi gearbox malfunction P288200 code points to excessive slippage of the engine disconnect clutch.

Technical Background

Audi has identified that the root cause of the "Engine Disconnect Clutch Excessive Slippage" and the resulting Audi gearbox malfunction P288200 is a software error within the transmission control module. This error can lead to the malfunction message appearing in the instrument cluster.

Important Warnings

Owners and technicians should be aware of critical precautions during the repair process:

• High-Voltage Battery Precaution: "To prevent the high-voltage battery from charging during the software update, the high-voltage charging cable on vehicles with high-voltage components must be unplugged BEFORE the SVM code is entered. Charging the high-voltage battery during a software update can cause damage to the high-voltage components."
• Diagnostic Setup: "The parking brake must be released and the diagnostic interface must be hardwired to the scan tool."

Repair Procedure Summary

The primary repair involves updating the software for the gearbox control unit. For vehicles in series production from model year 2023 onwards, modified software has already been implemented.

For affected vehicles, the repair process generally includes the following steps:

1. Software Update Check: For Q5 e quattro models, technicians will first check if a gearbox control unit update is available and necessary.
2. Transmission Control Module (TCM) Update: If required, the Transmission Control Module (-J217-) software is updated using a specific SVM action code. This process follows instructions detailed in TSB 2011732: 00 Software Version Management (SVM).
   • For the Q5 PHEV, if the old software part number 80A927156D and version 0002 are present, the new software part number 80A927156D and version 0003 (or higher) should be installed using SVM Code Input 02A220.
3. Post-Update Checks (Step 2):
   • High-Voltage Battery Charge: The high-voltage battery charge level must be between 35% and 90%. If below 35%, it must be charged.
   • Guided Fault Finding (GFF): Technicians will use GFF to follow the test plan for the DTC memory entry. If no faults are detected by GFF, no component replacement is necessary.
   • Manual Checks (if GFF is not possible): If GFF cannot be performed (e.g., due to passive entry erasure), technicians will check the ATF level of the gearbox and adjust if needed, perform a hydraulic test, and execute the "Touch point adaptation of hydraulic clutch" routine.

If, after these procedures, no malfunctions are indicated, the repair is complete.

Required Tools or Parts

While specific tools are not listed, technicians may require:

• Dual clutch gearbox oil ATF (Part Number G 055 529 A2): Only if the gearbox ATF level needs adjustment.

Warranty Information

This TSB outlines specific warranty claim types and labor operations for the repair:

• Claim Type: Applies to vehicles up to 48 months/50,000 miles (Claim Type 110) or CPO Covered Vehicles (Claim Type G10). If the vehicle is outside warranty, this TSB is informational only.
• Service Number: 9350
• Damage Code: 0040
• Labor Operations: Include software update (0151 0000), charging the high-voltage battery (9303 8950), checking the high-voltage battery (9303 0199), checking and topping up transmission oil (3401 3550), and removing/installing noise insulation (1082 1900).
• Diagnostic Time: GFF diagnostic time is 0150 0000.
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2070965/2.

All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

What Owners Should Do

If your 2021-2024 Audi Q5 e quattro or A7 e quattro displays a "Gearbox malfunction message" or you suspect an Audi gearbox malfunction P288200, contact your authorized Audi dealership. They can diagnose the issue and perform the necessary software update as outlined in TSB 93 23 32 2070965/2.

---

Source: NHTSA ID: 10243975