2021-2026 Audi Connect Remote Control Workshop Safety TSB

Why This Matters: Preventing Injury During Service

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061669/3 concerning a critical safety measure for vehicles equipped with Audi connect remote control functions. This bulletin highlights a significant risk of injury if these remote functions remain active while a vehicle is undergoing service. The core concern is the possibility of unintended activation of vehicle systems, such as the HVAC blower fan running with stationary air conditioning, which could pose a hazard to technicians or anyone working near the vehicle.

The TSB provides essential guidelines for technicians to ensure Audi connect remote control workshop safety. It outlines specific procedures to deactivate these functions or place the vehicle into a dedicated 'Workshop mode' before any service work begins. This proactive measure is vital for maintaining a safe working environment and preventing accidents caused by unexpected system operations.

What's the Issue?

Audi connect vehicles offer convenient remote control capabilities, allowing owners to activate various vehicle functions using their key or authorized connect users. While beneficial for owners, these functions present a safety challenge during maintenance or repair. If remote control features remain active, there's a possibility that vehicle systems, including the stationary air conditioning and the HVAC blower fan, could be activated unexpectedly. Furthermore, active timers programmed in the MMI (Multi Media Interface) could also trigger these systems, leading to similar risks. This TSB addresses how to manage this risk to ensure Audi connect remote control workshop safety.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi emphasizes the importance of following the procedures outlined in TSB 2061669/3. The bulletin includes several critical warnings:

• Risk of Injury: "There is a risk of injury due to Audi connect remote control functions (e.g. HVAC blower fan running with stationary air conditioning). This service info describes the procedure to deactivate and reactivate the Audi connect remote control functions during a workshop visit. Observe this procedure for all work carried out on the vehicle."
• Disable Features: "Audi connect remote control features and HVAC timers need to be disabled when working on the vehicle."
• Customer Impact: "Please note that the customer will not be able to use the remote control functions if you give the vehicle back to him/her with workshop mode active. The customer will see the message 'Workshop mode, not all services available' (or similar) in the myAudi app."

Revision History of TSB 2061669

This Technical Service Bulletin has undergone several revisions to refine the information and procedures:

• Revision 3 (December 19, 2025): The condition section was revised, and a model table was added. The service section was also revised to include updated workshop mode information.
• Revision 2 (September 13, 2023): The header was revised to include new model years.
• Revision 1 (December 10, 2020): This was the initial publication of the bulletin.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

This safety measure is not typically triggered by customer complaints. Instead, the need for this procedure is identified during Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) or other diagnostic work performed by technicians. Workshop findings confirm that the vehicle is equipped with Audi connect functions, which enable remote control and activation of various vehicle features by the owner's key or authorized users.

Repair Procedure: Activating Workshop Mode

To ensure Audi connect remote control workshop safety, technicians must activate 'Workshop mode' using the service portlet. This process temporarily disables remote functions.

1. Access Service Portlet: Open the service portlet, which is accessible via Group Retail Portal 5 for Audi dealerships.
2. Enter Vehicle Information: Enter the chassis number (VIN) into the search field and click 'Search'.
3. Activate Workshop Mode: Locate and activate the 'Workshop mode' slider, typically found in the upper right section of the interface.
4. Enter Mileage: Input the current mileage of the vehicle.
5. Confirm Activation: Click 'Send' to finalize the activation of 'Workshop mode'.

Important Note: Activating 'Workshop mode' is only possible if the customer has successfully completed the registration process for Audi connect and is set as a key user for the vehicle.

Deactivating Workshop Mode

Once service work is completed, 'Workshop mode' should be deactivated. This is done by simply using the same 'Workshop mode' slider again to toggle it off.

Alternative Deactivation Procedures for Audi Connect Functions

If access to the service portlet is not available, or for specific vehicle configurations, alternative methods can be used to deactivate Audi connect remote control functions.

Option 1: Using MMI Privacy Settings (Model Year 2018 and Newer)

For vehicles from model year 2018 onwards, the Audi connect remote control functions can be deactivated directly within the vehicle's MMI system. Look for the "Privacy settings" function in the MMI menu. Depending on the specific vehicle type and equipment, this function may be located within the privacy section of the vehicle's settings. Owners should refer to their Owner's Manual for precise instructions.

Option 2: Fuse Removal (Vehicles Before Model Year 2018)

For vehicles manufactured before model year 2018, where privacy settings might not be available in the MMI, a physical fuse removal procedure is required:

1. Remove Control Unit Fuses: Remove the fuse for the Audi connect vehicle control master (data bus on board diagnostic interface, J533, address word 0019) or the fuse for the control module for emergency call module and communication unit (J949, address word 0075).
2. Remove System Fuse: Additionally, remove the fuse for the specific affected system, such as the HVAC blower.
3. Reinstallation and DTC Clearing: After all work on the vehicle is completed, reinstall both the control unit fuses and the affected system fuse. Finally, clear any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) that may have been generated.

Additional Considerations During Service

Beyond remote control functions, technicians should also take note of other potential activations:

• Deactivate MMI Timers: Ensure any active timers programmed in the MMI are deactivated.
• Deactivate Auxiliary Air Conditioner: If the vehicle is equipped with an auxiliary air conditioner and it is active, it should be deactivated.

Warranty Information

Audi states that this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061669/3 is for informational purposes only. The procedures and information contained within it are not applicable to any Audi Warranty claims.

Additional Technical Information

All parts and service references provided in this TSB are subject to change or removal. Technicians should always consult their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the most current information and parts bulletins. It is also crucial to check the Repair Manual for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during any repair process.

---

Source: NHTSA ID: 10255866