2021-2026 Audi Workshop Mode with Audi Connect TSB

Why This Matters: Preventing Injury During Service

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 00 23 73 2061669/2, issued on September 13, 2023, highlights a critical safety concern for 2021-2026 Audi vehicles equipped with Audi connect. The bulletin emphasizes the potential for remote control functions, such as the HVAC blower fan, to activate unexpectedly during a workshop visit. This could lead to a "risk of injury due to Audi connect remote control functions" if a technician is working on the vehicle when these systems are remotely engaged.

This TSB supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 00 number 20-43, dated December 10, 2020, indicating a continued focus on this safety measure. The update includes revised header information and expanded model years, reflecting the broad applicability across the Audi lineup.

What's the Issue?

While there are no direct customer complaints related to this issue, it's a procedural concern identified during pre-delivery inspection (PDI) or other diagnostic work. Vehicles with Audi connect allow authorized users to remotely control and activate various vehicle functions, even when the vehicle is stationary. This includes activating the stationary air conditioning, which in turn powers the HVAC blower fan. If these remote functions or pre-programmed timers in the MMI (Multi Media Interface) remain active during service, they could pose a hazard to technicians.

To ensure safety, technicians must follow specific steps to disable these features before commencing work. This TSB provides the necessary guidance to manage the "Audi e-tron workshop mode" safely.

Important Warnings for Technicians and Owners

The TSB includes explicit warnings to prevent potential harm:

• WARNING: "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."
• NOTICE: "Audi connect remote control features and HVAC timers need to be disabled when working on the vehicle."

These statements underscore the importance of adhering to the outlined procedures to protect workshop personnel and ensure a safe working environment. Owners should be aware that their vehicle's remote functions may be temporarily disabled during service.

Repair Procedure Summary

This TSB outlines a two-part procedure for technicians to manage Audi connect functions and HVAC timers during a workshop visit. This ensures a safe "Audi e-tron workshop mode" for all 2021-2026 Audi vehicles.

Deactivate and Reactivate HVAC Timers

1. Note Timer Settings: When the ignition is switched off, technicians should observe and record any programmed timers displayed on the MMI screen. This allows for proper restoration later.
2. Turn Off Timers: All programmed timers must be set to the off position.
3. Deactivate Stationary AC: Ensure that the stationary air conditioning is not active. If it is, it must be deactivated.
4. Reactivate After Work: Once all work on the vehicle is completed, the ignition should be turned off, and the previously active timers can be reactivated to their original settings.

Deactivate and Reactivate Audi Connect Functions

There are two options for disabling Audi connect functions:

Option 1: Via MMI Privacy Settings

1. Access Privacy Settings: Depending on the vehicle's infotainment system, technicians can find privacy settings either in the Audi Connect menu (under the right options drawer) or by navigating to Settings >> Privacy.
2. Activate Privacy Mode: The current privacy mode setting should be noted, and then privacy mode should be activated if it isn't already.
3. Restore Settings: After the workshop visit is complete, technicians return to the privacy settings and restore them to the previously noted status.

Option 2: Fuse Removal (If Privacy Settings are Unavailable)

1. Remove Audi Connect Fuse: The fuse for the Audi connect vehicle control master (J533, address word 0019) or the control module for emergency call module and communication unit (J949, address word 0075) must be removed.
2. Remove HVAC Blower Fuse: The fuse for the affected system, such as the HVAC blower, should also be removed.
3. Reinstall and Clear DTCs: After completing the work, the fuses are reinstalled, and any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) stored in the vehicle's memory are cleared.

Key Components Involved

This procedure directly involves several key electronic components and systems within your Audi:

• Audi connect: The suite of services enabling remote vehicle interaction.
• MMI (Multi Media Interface): The central control system for infotainment and vehicle settings.
• J533 Control Unit: The Audi connect vehicle control master, identified by address word 0019.
• J949 Control Unit: The control module for the emergency call module and communication unit, identified by address word 0075.
• HVAC Blower Fan: The component responsible for circulating air for heating and air conditioning.

These components are central to the proper functioning of the "Audi e-tron workshop mode" safety protocol.

What Owners Should Know

If you own a 2021-2026 Audi vehicle with Audi connect, this TSB ensures that your car is serviced safely. While you won't experience any symptoms or need to take direct action, it's important to understand that your vehicle's remote functions and any pre-set HVAC timers will be temporarily disabled by the technician during service. This is a standard safety measure to prevent accidental activation and potential injury to the service personnel. The TSB is informational for technicians and does not apply to Audi Warranty claims.

NHTSA ID: 10242906