2015-2022 Audi Virtual Cockpit Information Screen TSB

Symptoms and Display Details

Owners of various 2015-2022 Audi models, including the TT, A3, A4, A5, Q5, Q7, and R8 series equipped with the Audi virtual cockpit, may observe an unexpected "Version information screen" appearing in the center display area of the instrument cluster. This phenomenon occurs specifically after pressing the trip odometer reset button (also commonly referred to as the "0.0 button") multiple times in quick succession.

The screen, as illustrated in Figure 1 of the Technical Service Bulletin, presents various software details. This includes a loading indicator, which may display the German phrase "Wird geladen...", along with important legal disclaimers and information. These disclaimers include text such as "This software may or may not contain the following specific Open Source Components", a "General Notice", and a statement that "Further information regarding license terms and - where required by license - source codes are available at www.audi.com free of charge". This display can be confusing or alarming to drivers who are not expecting to see detailed software version data during typical vehicle operation.

Technical Background

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 90 21 99 2063038/1, issued on April 26, 2021, clarifies that the appearance of this "Version information screen" is not a fault, malfunction, or quality defect in the vehicle's systems. The Audi virtual cockpit system extensively utilizes open-source software components. Due to the nature of this software, the manufacturer is legally obligated to provide access to relevant information and license conditions for this software upon demand.

The specific trigger for this display is intentionally designed: it appears when the trip odometer reset button is pressed twice within five seconds after the ignition is turned on. This mechanism serves as a legally required display feature, fulfilling the manufacturer's obligations regarding open-source software transparency. Therefore, the Audi virtual cockpit information screen appearing under these precise conditions is considered a normal, intended function of the vehicle.

Important Warnings for Owners

This Technical Service Bulletin, identified as 90 21 99 2063038/1, is purely informational. Audi explicitly states that there is "No Production Solution" required because the condition described is not a defect that needs to be remedied. Consequently, this behavior is "not applicable to any Audi Warranty" claims. Owners should understand that this is an intended and legally mandated feature, and no repair or warranty claim can be made for its appearance. Audi will not be issuing any recalls or specific notifications to consumers regarding this operational characteristic, as it is considered normal behavior under specific input conditions.

How to Prevent the Screen from Appearing

To prevent the "Version information screen" from appearing in your Audi virtual cockpit, the required owner action is simple and precise. Drivers should ensure that the trip odometer reset button (the "0.0 button") is pressed only once within five seconds after switching on the ignition. If the button is pressed more than once within this brief timeframe, the software information screen will be displayed. By consistently adhering to a single press when resetting the trip odometer, the Audi virtual cockpit information screen will not be inadvertently triggered.

Source: NHTSA ID 10191042