2021-2023 Audi Q8 ABS/ESC Intervention TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 45 23 30 2068290/2 to address instances of unjustified ABS/ESC intervention in certain 2021-2023 Audi Q8 vehicles. This TSB, which supersedes TSB Group 45 number 22-29 dated November 4, 2022, provides a software update to resolve the issue where the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) may activate unexpectedly during low-speed cornering.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi Q8 models may experience the ABS/ESC system intervening when driving around a corner at low speeds, such as on highway exits. This intervention can sometimes be accompanied by noticeable noise and vibration from the ABS pump. Vehicles equipped with air suspension, rear steering, summer tires, and wheels larger than 20 inches may be more prone to experiencing these symptoms of Audi Q8 ABS/ESC intervention.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi emphasizes several key points for owners regarding this TSB:

• Applicability: This bulletin and its associated software update can only be applied to Model Year 2020, 2021, and 2022 Audi Q8 vehicles equipped with 3.0 TFSI engines. It specifically does not apply to SQ8 and RSQ8 models, nor to Model Year 2019 vehicles.
• Safety: The manufacturer states that this situation does not affect the safety of the vehicle.
• Normal Operation: Even after the software update has been performed, it is possible that noises may still be heard from the ABS pump, especially under dynamic driving situations. These are considered normal operating noises that occur when the system prepares for a possible intervention.

Diagnosis

When diagnosing this issue, technicians typically find that no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored in the ABS/ESC control module, identified as J104 (address word 0003). It may also be challenging to reproduce the issue during a workshop visit, as the Audi Q8 ABS/ESC intervention occurs under specific driving conditions.

Repair Procedure Summary

The resolution for the unjustified ABS/ESC intervention involves a software update to the ABS/ESC control module J104. The procedure is performed using Audi's Software Version Management (SVM) system, following the instructions outlined in TSB 2011732: 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions. The specific SVM action code for this update is 03A034.

Before initiating the SVM update, technicians must ensure the parking brake is not activated. After the update is complete, the parking brake's normal operation must be verified by activating and deactivating it.

Affected Software Versions

This software update replaces older versions with the new software part number 4M8909504P. The table below shows the old and new software part numbers and versions:

Warranty Information

This software update is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, under Claim Type 110. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, it falls under Claim Type G10. If the vehicle is outside of these warranty parameters, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only. The Service Number for this procedure is 4530, with a Damage Code of 0040. The Diagnostic Time is GFF (0150 0000), with 0 TU for the road test prior to service and 10 TU for the road test after service.

NHTSA ID: 10233297