2022-2024 Audi A3, S3, RS 3 Exterior Lighting Warning TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2074786/2 to address an intermittent exterior lighting warning lamp that may appear in the instrument cluster of certain 2022-2024 Audi A3, S3, and RS 3 models. This issue, which presents as an Audi A3 exterior lighting warning, is typically linked to specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and is caused by an oversensitive diagnostic software in the vehicle's J519 control unit. The TSB, initially published on August 1, 2024, provides a software optimization as the primary solution.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may observe a warning lamp for the exterior lighting or adaptive light system displayed in the instrument cluster. This warning occurs despite the lighting system appearing to function correctly. The phenomenon is often intermittent and can sometimes be temporarily resolved by pressing the "AUTO" button on the light switch module, which causes the warning lamp to go out.

Verbatim messages that may appear include:

• "information, navigation, communication, entertainment -> malfunction display symbols -> adaptive headlamp/cornering lamp malfunction display"
• "information, navigation, communication, entertainment -> malfunction display symbols -> exterior lighting malfunction indicator"

Fault Codes / DTCs

When this Audi A3 exterior lighting warning occurs, diagnostic scans may reveal one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in the onboard supply control unit J519 (address 0009):

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Despite the warning lamp, all exterior lighting functions typically remain operational. The issue is characterized by its occasional nature, and pressing the "AUTO" button on the light switch module can temporarily clear the warning and change the DTC entry to intermittent, allowing it to be deleted.

Technical Background

The root cause of this Audi A3 exterior lighting warning is identified as diagnostic software within the J519 control unit that is too sensitive. This sensitivity leads to false detections of issues within the lighting system, triggering the warning lamp and storing the associated DTCs.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that if only DTC "U110B00 Light switch no communication" is stored without the other listed entries, the problem might stem from a physical issue such as a loose connector, a pushed-back pin, or a general wiring problem, rather than just a software sensitivity.

Repair Procedure Summary

The recommended repair outlined in TSB 2074786/2 involves updating the software of the J519 control unit. This software optimization, specifically version 0013 with part index AC or AD, is designed to reduce the diagnostic sensitivity and prevent the erroneous triggering of the exterior lighting warning lamp. This update supersedes the previous PSS 20373612 bulletin, which also addressed a similar headlight warning in the cluster.

Warranty Information

For vehicles still under warranty, this repair may be covered. The Service Number for this issue is 9405, with a Damage Code of 0040. Labor operations include "Service light switch" (code 9405 4199) and "GFF / Guided Functions" (codes 0150 0010 and 0150 0060). If the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only, and costs may apply. All warranty claims are subject to Audi's policies and procedures.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing an Audi A3 exterior lighting warning or any of the associated symptoms or DTCs, it is recommended to contact an authorized Audi service center. Provide them with the details of the issue and reference Technical Service Bulletin 2074786/2 for proper diagnosis and repair.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11023766