2022-2023 Audi A3 S3 RS3 Airbag Module DTCs

Symptoms

Owners typically won't notice a direct symptom for this issue, as it's often discovered during pre-delivery inspection (PDI), other diagnostic work, or during Safety Recall 6812. However, technicians will observe that the airbag control module test plans are not completing. This can prevent necessary configurations or adaptations from being performed successfully.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the airbag control module, J234 (address word 0015), is scanned, one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) may be stored:

Code	Description
B130455	"Left front seat belt tensioner control module not configured."
B130555	"Right Front Seat Belt Tensioner Control Module not configured."
B159B00	"Start-up not ended."

These DTCs indicate a failure in the configuration or adaptation process of the seat belt tensioner control modules or the airbag control module itself. This directly impacts the proper functioning of the Audi S3 airbag module DTCs system.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The problem occurs when the airbag control module, J234, fails to respond correctly during a configuration process. This can happen in several scenarios:

• During initial configuration of the airbag control module.
• After replacing a front seat belt, where the adaptation (basic setting, diagnostic output test) of the seat belt control module fails.
• When attempting to perform Safety Recall 6812, which cannot be completed successfully via ODIS (Offboard Diagnostic Information System).

Important Warnings

Technicians performing the repair must be careful to select the correct software patch. The TSB explicitly states: "IMPORTANT: Ensure that you select patch '7', NOT Patch '4'!" Selecting the incorrect patch could lead to further diagnostic issues or delays.

Repair Procedure Summary

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 69 23 95 2070322/2, revised on September 21, 2023, and superseding TSB 69 23-89 dated May 19, 2023, outlines the steps for resolving the airbag control module configuration failures. The primary solution involves installing specific ODIS patch files.

1. If an airbag control module configuration fails, first perform an ignition cycle. Then, re-interrogate the airbag control module fault memory and attempt to run the test plans again.
2. If the issue persists, use the oldest available hardware version of the diagnostic tester (e.g., VAS6150D) and restart the diagnosis.
3. If configuration is still unsuccessful, an ODIS patch needs to be installed. This patch consists of two files available in Elsa2Go. Technicians can find these files by navigating to Elsa2Go>>Service References>>Categories: Technician References>>Vehicle Selection: 2022, 2023 8YS – A3 Sedan.
4. Alternatively, search for the patch files in Elsa2Go using the search term Patch_OS_11.0.MCD3D_ini_Loglevel.
5. If currently in a diagnostic session, save it and close ODIS Service.
6. Unzip both ODIS patches using the password odis.
7. Start the first patch, "Patch_OS_11.0.MCD3D_ini_Loglevel_7". It is crucial to select patch "7" and NOT patch "4". Installing this patch will significantly slow down ODIS Service for up to 30 minutes.
8. Restart ODIS Service. If a diagnostic session was saved, continue with it; otherwise, start Guided Fault Finding.
9. Run the test plans again and complete the diagnostic session.
10. Close ODIS Service.
11. To return ODIS Service to its original speed, install the second patch, "Patch_OS_11.0.MCD3D_ini_Loglevel_4".

This procedure ensures the proper configuration of the airbag control module and resolves the Audi S3 airbag module DTCs.

Required Tools or Parts

• Diagnostic tester (e.g., VAS6150D)
• ODIS Service software
• ODIS patch files: "Patch_OS_11.0.MCD3D_ini_Loglevel_7" and "Patch_OS_11.0.MCD3D_ini_Loglevel_4", obtained from Elsa2Go.

Warranty Information

If the repair is a consequence of the 6812 campaign and requires Guided Fault Finding (GFF), dealers should email [email protected] for authorization to add extra GFF time units to the campaign claim line.

Owner Action

If you own a 2022-2023 Audi A3, S3, or RS 3 and suspect issues with your airbag system, or if your vehicle is undergoing service related to Safety Recall 6812, you should consult your authorized Audi dealer. They can diagnose the issue using ODIS and apply the necessary software patches as outlined in TSB 69 23 95 2070322/2.

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Source: NHTSA ID 10242954