2022-2023 Audi A3/S3/RS3/Q3 Bluetooth Phone Interference

Symptoms

Owners of 2022-2023 Audi A3, S3, RS 3, and Q3 models may experience an issue with their Bluetooth phone calls. The primary symptom is that the person on the receiving end of the call reports hearing interference. This interference is specifically described as a "whistling noise that changes notably with the engine's RPM."

This "Audi S3 phone call interference" can be consistently reproduced, indicating a persistent problem rather than an intermittent glitch. Importantly, workshop diagnostics have confirmed that no relevant diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are stored in the vehicle's system related to this concern.

Technical Background

Audi has identified the root cause of the Bluetooth phone call interference. The issue stems from a hardware defect within the Onboard Communications Module (OCU), which is identified as J949 (address word 0075) in Audi's systems. Specifically, the power supply filter within this module is faulty.

This defective power supply filter allows interference to be coupled into the microphone signal, resulting in the whistling noise heard by the person on the other end of the Bluetooth call. The noise's synchronization with the engine's RPM further points to an electrical interference issue within the OCU.

Important Warnings for Owners

Before any repair is undertaken for the "Audi S3 phone call interference," it is crucial to ensure that the problem is consistently reproducible. Technicians must verify that the interference noise is indeed coupled to the engine's RPM.

Audi explicitly states that if the problem cannot be reproduced, or if the noise is not linked to engine RPM, replacing the Onboard Communications Module (OCU) will likely not resolve the issue. In such cases, this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2065485/2 would not apply, and further diagnosis would be required to identify the actual cause of the interference.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Bluetooth phone call interference, the recommended repair involves replacing the Onboard Communications Module (OCU), J949 (address word 0075). This procedure should be carried out following the detailed instructions provided in the Elsa Repair Manual.

The replacement of the OCU is a hardware fix designed to address the faulty power supply filter causing the whistling noise. The labor operations associated with this repair include removing and installing the telematics control module, identified by service numbers 9170 19XX or 9170 55XX.

Required Parts and Tools

For the repair of the "Audi S3 phone call interference," the primary component required is a new Onboard Communications Module (OCU). Technicians should consult ETKA for the correct part number and the latest information.

Additionally, various fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws may be needed as specified in the Elsa Repair Manual for the removal and installation process. Both ETKA and ELSA systems are essential tools for technicians to ensure they have the most current parts and repair information.

Warranty Information

This repair for the Bluetooth phone call interference is covered under Audi's new vehicle limited warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the repair may be covered under the G10 claim type, provided the owner's eligibility is verified.

If a vehicle is outside of its applicable warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2065485/2 serves as informational guidance. Owners of vehicles no longer under warranty would typically be responsible for the cost of diagnosis and repair.

TSB Details and Codes

This Technical Service Bulletin, identified as 91 22 34 2065485/2, was issued on October 11, 2022. It supersedes a previous bulletin, Group 91 number 21-56, dated December 14, 2021. The revision history indicates that Revision 2 updated the header to include Model Year 2023, while Revision 1 was the initial publication on December 14, 2021.

The service number associated with this issue is 9170, and the damage code is 0039. Diagnostic time is allocated as GFF, with a specified maximum of 50 time units (0150 0000). The claim comment explicitly references TSB 2065485/2 for warranty claims.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10225534