2021-2024 Audi Q3/A3/S3/RS3 Bluetooth Call Interference

Owners of 2021-2024 Audi Q3, A3, S3, and RS 3 vehicles may encounter an issue where Bluetooth phone calls are affected by a distinct whistling noise. This Audi Bluetooth call interference is specifically noted to be synchronized with the engine's RPM. Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 24 87 2065485/6 to address this concern, which supersedes an earlier bulletin, 23-10, dated June 29, 2023.

This TSB provides detailed information for diagnosing and resolving the Audi Bluetooth call interference problem, ensuring clearer communication for affected vehicle owners.

Symptoms of Bluetooth Call Interference

Owners typically report the following conditions related to this issue:

• "When making a phone call via Bluetooth, the receiving person is concerned about interference during the phone call."
• "The interference is described as a whistling noise that changes notably with the engine's RPM."
• "The Speech Dialog System (SDS) is not working, but hands-free calls are possible."

Workshop findings confirm that "No relevant DTCs are stored in the vehicle" in connection with this specific interference. The concern is also reproducible by technicians.

Technical Background: Why it Happens

According to Audi, the root cause of this Audi Bluetooth call interference is a hardware issue within the onboard communications unit (OCU), identified as J949 (address word 0075). Specifically, a problem with the power supply filter in the OCU can lead to interference being coupled into the microphone signal, resulting in the whistling noise heard during calls.

Important Warnings for Technicians

Audi has issued critical warnings to prevent further damage during the repair process:

• CAUTION: "Removing the connector from the OCU while the 12V battery is connected to the vehicle can result in permanent damage to the OCU."
• NOTICE: "Before applying this TSB, please make sure that the problem is reproducible, and that the interference noise is coupled to the engine RPM. Otherwise, this TSB does not apply, and repairs done according to this TSB may not resolve the customer concern."

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair outlined in TSB 91 24 87 2065485/6 involves replacing the faulty onboard communications unit (OCU) -J949-. The general steps are:

1. Disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle's 12V battery to prevent electrical damage.
2. Replace the emergency onboard communications unit (OCU) -J949- (address 0075) following the specific repair instructions found in ELSA, Audi's electronic service information system.
3. Reconnect the negative terminal of the 12V battery.
4. Run the part replacement test plan on -J949- (diagnostic address 0075) to confirm proper installation and function.
5. Verify that the customer's concern regarding the Audi Bluetooth call interference has been resolved.

Required Parts and Tools

For this repair, technicians will need:

• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As specified in the repair manual (See ETKA/ELSA).
• Onboard Communications Unit (OCU): One unit (See ETKA for the correct part number).

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first (Claim Type 110). For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, it falls under Claim Type G10, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

• Service Number: 9170
• Damage Code: 0039
• Labor Operations: Removing and installing/replacing the telematics control module (9170 19XX or 9170 55XX) and loosening/securing the negative 12V battery terminal connection (9785 0999).
• Diagnostic Time: GFF, 0150 0060 (maximum 50 TU).
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2065485/6.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2021-2024 Audi Q3, A3, S3, or RS 3 and are experiencing a whistling noise during Bluetooth phone calls that changes with engine RPM, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership. Describe the symptoms clearly, mentioning the Audi Bluetooth call interference and its correlation with engine speed. The dealership will be able to diagnose the issue using TSB 91 24 87 2065485/6 and perform the necessary repair, which typically involves replacing the OCU.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10252005