2023 Audi SOS Malfunction Instrument Cluster Warning

Symptoms of Audi SOS Malfunction

Owners of affected 2023 Audi vehicles may observe several issues related to the communication system. The primary symptom of an Audi SOS Malfunction is a specific message displayed on the instrument cluster.

Customers report seeing the message: "SOS Emergency Call function: malfunction. Function unavailable. Please contact service".

In addition to this warning, other related symptoms include:

• Limited Bluetooth functionality.
• Limited WiFi functionality.
• Inability to use connected features.
• The eCall LED not being illuminated.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing the Audi SOS Malfunction, technicians may find specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) logged in the vehicle's systems. These codes point to issues within the Emergency Call Module and Communication Unit (ConBox) -J949- and the Data Bus On Board Diagnostic Interface -J533-.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Workshop findings confirm that the customer complaint of the Audi SOS Malfunction can be reproduced. The underlying cause is identified as a software-related malfunction within the vehicle's communication systems. The presence of DTCs U13EB00, U164200, or U142100 further confirms this software issue.

Important Warnings for High-Voltage Vehicles

For vehicles equipped with high-voltage components, specific precautions must be taken during the software update procedure to prevent damage. Audi explicitly states:

• "To prevent charging of the high-voltage battery during the software update, the high-voltage cable is to be removed BEFORE the entry of the SVM code on vehicles with high-voltage components."
• "Charging the high-voltage battery during a software update cab damage the high-voltage components."

Repair Procedure Summary

The solution for the Audi SOS Malfunction is a software update to the Emergency Call Module and Communication Unit (ConBox) -J949-. This TSB, identified as 91 24 22 2074410/1, closes a previous issue PSS 2071693 related to ConBox Bluetooth inoperability and SOS malfunction.

Technicians will perform the following steps using the ODIS-Tester:

1. Select "Only allow DoIP communication" under Admin >> General >> GFF Process in the ODIS-Tester. This setting will automatically reset upon exiting the diagnostic session.
2. Update the Emergency Call Module and Communication Unit (ConBox) -J949- (address word 0075) via SVM code. The required SVM code for this update is 75A029.
3. The ODIS operating mode "Flashing" must be used for SVM code entry.

After the software update, technicians must verify that the eCall LED status is green and that the Emergency Call Module and Communication Unit (ConBox) identifies with SW Version 0497.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2074410/1) outlines the warranty coverage for the software update. For new vehicles, the repair is covered up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage is under the G10 claim type, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle falls outside of any warranty, this TSB serves as informational guidance only. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Source Citation

NHTSA ID: 11003021