2021-2022 Audi Phone Box Registration Requirements TSB

Technical Background: Audi Phone Box Functionality

Starting with model year 2019, many Audi vehicles sold in the USA are equipped with the Audi phone box system (PR Code GB2). This system includes a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad and a wireless connection to an external LTE antenna, enhancing connectivity within the vehicle. The FCC classifies this device as a "signal booster."

It's important to understand that while the Audi phone box is designed to move the signal to the outside of the vehicle, it does not significantly amplify the signal. If you are unable to receive a signal from your Mobile Network Operator (MNO) outside the vehicle, using the Audi phone box inside the vehicle will NOT improve the signal strength.

FCC rules for wireless signal boosters, which came into effect on March 1, 2014, require registration. Consumers can find more information on the FCC's website regarding these devices.

Important Warnings and Owner Obligations

Audi dealers are mandated to provide the customer registration form to you at the time of vehicle delivery. This form, typically found in the glovebox, contains critical information about your Audi phone box.

The registration form includes several key warnings that owners must be aware of:

• "This is a CONSUMER device."
• "BEFORE USE, you MUST REGISTER THIS DEVICE with your wireless provider and have your provider's consent. Most wireless providers consent to the use of signal boosters. Some providers may not consent to the use of this device on their network. If you are unsure, contact your service provider."
• "You MUST operate this device with approved antennas and cables as specified by the manufacturer. Antennas MUST be installed at least 20 cm (8 inches) from any person."
• "You MUST cease operating this device immediately if requested by the FCC or a licensed wireless service provider."
• "WARNING. E911 location information may not be provided or may be inaccurate for calls served by using this device."

Owner Action: Registering Your Audi Phone Box

As an owner of a 2021-2022 Audi with a phone box, you are required to submit the customer registration form to your personal cell phone service provider (MNO). This includes major providers like AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint.

Audi has provided a list of known registration sites for the most common providers. While these URLs are subject to change, they are a good starting point:

• AT&T: https://securec45.securewebsession.com/attsignalbooster.com/
• Sprint: https://www.sprint.com/en/legal/signal-boosters.html
• T-Mobile: https://www.signalboosterregistration.com/
• Verizon: https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/accessories/register-signal-booster/

If a URL does not work, contact your provider's support center for the latest registration process. This ensures your Audi e-tron phone box registration is compliant.

How to Obtain and Fill Out the Registration Form

If you cannot locate the customer registration form for your factory-installed Audi phone box, your dealer can download and print a copy from this TSB or from ServiceNet (under Audi >> Technician References >> Electrical >> Audi phone box registration form).

The form requires three main pieces of information:

• Make: For all Audi vehicles, the Make will be "FKW."
• Model: For all Audi vehicles equipped with the phone box, the Model will be the Audi phone box part number, 4M0.035.456A. This part number is consistent across all Audi vehicles with the phone box, including your 2021-2022 Audi e-tron.
• Serial Number:
  • For PR code GB0 vehicles: If your vehicle has PR code GB0, the phone box is not equipped, and therefore no serial number will be registered in ELSA. These vehicles may still have a wireless charging pad.
  • For PR code GB2 vehicles: Each Audi phone box system has a unique serial number. This can typically be found in ELSA under the vehicle information section. For some MY19 models, a sticker might be placed in the rear luggage water drain channel. However, MY20 vehicles and newer may not have this sticker, making ELSA the primary source.

If the serial number cannot be accessed via ELSA (e.g., for independent used car sales) or if the sticker has been removed, you can locate the Audi phone box module itself. For most vehicles, the phone box is in the passenger side rear luggage compartment, behind the trim panel. The serial number sticker is on the outside of the phone box control module, near the part number label. If no sticker is present, the serial number will be documented on the part number label. It is recommended to take a photo of this label for documentation.

For MY19 A8 (D5), A6/A7 (C8), and R8 models, the serial number is located on the factory production sticker. This sticker should ideally be in the owner's manual. If not, it can be found in the spare wheel well area or the front luggage area for the R8, and should be relocated to the owner's manual.

Key Identifiers and Locations

The FCC ID for the Audi phone box is RK7MBC-NAR. This ID is the same for all vehicles. Some mobile network providers may request this FCC ID during the registration process, even though it is not listed on the customer registration form itself.

Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin, 91 21 20 2051720/4, was issued on August 10, 2021, and supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 19-76 dated August 7, 2019. Key revisions include:

• Revision 4: Added vehicles and defined PR Code GB0/GB2 in the service section.
• Revision 3 (08/07/2019): Indicated that MY20 vehicles would not have stickers installed and added information for missing serial numbers.
• Revision 2 (01/15/2019): Corrected PR Code GB2 in the technical background and added FCC ID to the service section.

Warranty Information

This TSB is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty claims.

Additional Information

All part and service references provided in this TSB (2051720) are subject to change. Always consult your Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins. Refer to the Repair Manual for fastener and component replacement guidelines.

Source: NHTSA ID 10200445