2021-2024 Audi Q5 e / A7 e Gearbox Malfunction TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 93 24 10 2070965/4 to address a specific issue affecting 2021-2024 Audi Q5 e and 2021-2022 Audi A7 e vehicles. This TSB, which supersedes previous bulletin 24-85 dated July 27, 2024, provides guidance for diagnosing and repairing a "Gearbox malfunction message" that may appear in the instrument cluster.

This bulletin specifically targets a condition where the Audi Q5 e gearbox malfunction P288200 is present. The underlying cause has been identified as a software error within the vehicle's transmission control module.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi Q5 e and A7 e models may observe a specific warning message displayed in the instrument cluster. The primary symptom is the appearance of the "Gearbox malfunction message."

Fault Codes / DTCs

When diagnosing this issue, technicians will find a specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) stored in the transmission control module (TCM), identified as -J217- (address word 0002). The relevant DTC is:

• P288200: Engine Disconnect Clutch Excessive Slippage with Symptom code 20954.

This DTC confirms the presence of the software error leading to the Audi Q5 e gearbox malfunction P288200.

Technical Background

The root cause of the "Engine Disconnect Clutch Excessive Slippage" and the associated gearbox malfunction message is a software error within the transmission control module. Audi has implemented modified software for the gearbox control unit in series production vehicles starting from model year 2023 to prevent this issue in newer vehicles.

Important Warnings

Audi has provided critical instructions to ensure safety and prevent damage during the repair process:

• "To prevent the high-voltage battery from charging during the software update, the high-voltage charging cable on vehicles with high-voltage components must be unplugged BEFORE the SVM code is entered. Charging the high-voltage battery during a software update can cause damage to the high-voltage components."
• "The parking brake must be released, and the diagnostic interface must be hardwired to the scan tool."

Repair Procedure Summary

The primary repair for the Audi Q5 e gearbox malfunction P288200 involves updating the software of the Transmission Control Module (TCM). The procedure is as follows:

1. Initial Check: For Q5 models, first determine if a gearbox control unit update is possible. If the software part number is listed in the SVM table below, proceed with the SVM instructions. If not, or for A7 models, proceed to Step 2.
2. SVM Update Instructions: Follow the instructions outlined in TSB 2011732, which details the Software Version Management (SVM) operating procedures. The Transmission Control Module (TCM) -J217- should be updated using the SVM action code 02A220. If the message ER0203E appears, the unit already has the required software version.
3. Battery Check: Ensure the high-voltage battery's charge level is between 35% and 90%. If below 35%, it must be charged to a sufficient level.
4. Guided Fault Finding (GFF): If the software update does not resolve the issue, or if GFF is required, follow the test plan for the DTC memory entry precisely. If GFF does not detect any faults, component replacement is not necessary.
5. Additional Checks (if GFF is not possible): Perform the following checks:
   • Verify the gearbox ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) level and adjust if necessary.
   • Conduct a hydraulic test.
   • Perform the basic settings routine for