2021-2022 Audi Red Steering Warning DTC B200049

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 48 23 40 2067555/3 to address a specific steering system concern affecting various 2021-2022 Audi models. This bulletin, dated May 19, 2023, supersedes an earlier TSB, Group 48 number 22-36, from December 1, 2022, indicating ongoing refinement of the solution.

The TSB details a situation where owners may experience a "red steering warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster" accompanied by a noticeable reduction in steering assist. This condition is specifically linked to the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B200049 being stored in the J500 power steering control unit.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may observe the following symptoms related to the Audi red steering warning B200049 issue:

• "Red steering warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster": A prominent red warning light appears on the dashboard, indicating a critical issue with the steering system.
• "Steering assist is reduced": The vehicle's power steering may feel heavier or less responsive than usual, requiring more effort to turn the steering wheel.

These symptoms collectively point to a problem with the electronic power steering system, which the TSB attributes to a software-related fault.

Fault Codes / DTCs

When the symptoms described above are present, technicians will typically find the following diagnostic trouble code stored in the vehicle's power steering control unit (J500, address 0044):

Code	Description	Module	Symptom Code
B200049	Control module faulty	J500	7353984

This DTC B200049, combined with symptom code 7353984, specifically indicates a software issue within the J500 power steering control unit.

Technical Background and Production Solution

Audi's technical analysis revealed that the Audi red steering warning B200049 is caused by a software anomaly within the power steering control unit. This software issue has since been corrected in production, with the updated software gradually introduced on the assembly line starting in the second quarter of 2022.

Repair Procedure Summary

The resolution for the Audi red steering warning B200049 involves updating the software of the J500 power steering control unit using the Software Version Management (SVM) system. The general steps for technicians are as follows:

1. Consult SVM Operating Instructions: Technicians must first refer to TSB 2011732, which provides comprehensive instructions for performing SVM updates.
2. Update J500 Control Unit: The power steering control unit (J500, address 0044) is then updated using the SVM action code 44A036. This process replaces the existing software with a newer, corrected version.

Required Software Parts

The SVM update will replace older software versions with the new, corrected software. Technicians will use the SVM action code 44A036 to ensure the correct software is installed. The following table outlines the old and new software part numbers and versions:

Model	Old Software Part Number	Old Software Version	New Software Part Number (or higher)	New Software Version (or higher)	SVM Code Input
All models	4N0909144D	0504	4N0909144G	0507	44A036
All models	4N0909144C	0503	4N0909144G	0507	44A036
All models	4N0909144E	0505	4N0909144G	0507	44A036

Warranty Information

Audi provides specific guidelines for warranty claims related to this TSB:

• Warranty Claim Type: The repair is covered under warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the warranty code G10 applies.
• Out-of-Warranty Vehicles: If the vehicle is outside of the specified warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only, meaning the repair cost may not be covered by Audi.
• Service and Damage Codes: The designated service number for this repair is 4835, and the damage code is 0040. Claims should include the comment "As per TSB 2067555/3".
• Diagnostic Time: Standard diagnostic time for GFF is 0150 0000 (Max 50 TU). Road tests before and after the service procedure have no allowance (0 TU).

All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

Owner Action

If your 2021-2022 Audi vehicle exhibits a "red steering warning lamp lights up in the instrument cluster" or you experience reduced steering assist, and you suspect the Audi red steering warning B200049 issue, it is recommended to:

1. Contact your authorized Audi dealer: Schedule a service appointment to have your vehicle diagnosed.
2. Mention the symptoms: Clearly describe the warning light and steering behavior to the service advisor.
3. Reference the TSB: While not strictly necessary, you may mention TSB 48 23 40 2067555/3 to the dealer, as it directly addresses this specific concern.

Your dealer will be able to perform the necessary diagnostic checks and apply the software update to the J500 power steering control unit if your vehicle is affected.

Source: NHTSA ID 10236619