2021 Audi Q8 Central Locking / Mirror Issues TSB 2055932/9

Owners of certain 2017-2021 Audi models, including the 2021 Audi Q8, may experience warning messages related to central locking or the parking brake, or issues with exterior mirrors. These problems are outlined in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 57 23 06 2055932/9, which supersedes an earlier bulletin (21-78 dated June 21, 2021). The TSB identifies a software-related condition in the door electronics control modules as the root cause, requiring an update to resolve the issues.

Symptoms

Owners may notice several distinct symptoms indicating a problem with the central locking, parking brake, or exterior mirrors. The most common include:

• The instrument cluster displaying the message "Central locking malfunction!" or "Parking brake malfunction!".
• The vehicle's alarm activating unexpectedly when opened with the Advanced key.
• Exterior mirrors adjusting downwards when the vehicle is in reverse gear but failing to return to their original position after leaving reverse.

Workshop investigations have also noted that affected doors might temporarily not unlock electronically from the inside, though mechanical opening remains possible. Historical data often points to the door contact switch as the last reason for alarm activation.

Fault Codes / DTCs

Technicians may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) stored in various control modules:

Code	Description	Affected Module(s)
B122D29	Locking unit for central locking - implausible signal	Driver door control module (J386), Rear door control modules (J388, J389)
U122800	Driver door control unit implausible	ABS control module (J104)
B14FF29	Motor for child lock, implausible signal	Rear door control modules (J388, J389)

These DTCs indicate a communication or functional issue within the door control modules or the ABS control module, pointing towards a software-related fault.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The underlying cause for the symptoms and stored DTCs, including the Audi Q8 central locking warning, is identified as outdated software within the vehicle's door electronics control modules. The issue manifests when the control modules, specifically J386 (driver door), J387 (front passenger door), J388 (rear driver's side), and J389 (rear passenger side), contain software that does not correctly manage these functions.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners of Audi A6, A6 allroad, and A7 models should not follow the instructions in this TSB. Instead, they should have Campaign 72K6 performed, as it also includes the necessary software update detailed in this bulletin.

Before any software update is performed, technicians are advised to roll all windows completely down and then back up. This ensures the door control modules are active and ready for the update. After the update, it's also recommended to cycle the child lock on both rear doors.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair involves updating the software in the affected door electronics control modules. This process utilizes the Software Version Management (SVM) system, following instructions outlined in TSB 2011732: 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions.

1. Prepare Control Modules: Ensure door control modules (J386, J387, J388, J389) are awake by cycling all windows down and up.
2. Software Update: Update the software for the door electronics control modules (address 0042 for drivers, 0052 for passenger, 00BB for rear driver's side, and 00BC for rear passenger side) using the SVM action code 42A021.
3. Basic Settings: Perform basic settings for all four windows.
4. Child Lock Cycle: Cycle the child lock on both rear doors.

This software update addresses the implausible signals from the locking unit for central locking (DTC B122D29), the implausible driver door control unit (DTC U122800), and the implausible motor for the child lock (DTC B14FF29), resolving the Audi Q8 central locking warning and related issues.

Affected Control Modules

The following control modules are implicated and require a software update:

• Driver door control module (J386), address word 0042
• ABS control module (J104), address word 0003
• Front passenger door control module (J387), address word 0052
• Rear door control modules (J388 or J389), address word 00BB or 00BC

Required Tools or Parts

The repair primarily involves a software update. The SVM action code required for the update is 42A021, with a corresponding SVM Code of 430. The TSB lists various old software part numbers and versions that can be updated to a new software part number, typically in the format of 4M1959XXXJ.

Warranty Information

This software update is covered under Audi's warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage is provided under claim type G10, subject to owner verification. If the vehicle is outside of warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only. The service number for this procedure is 6438, with a damage code of 0039. The labor operation for the software update, including DTC checks, is 01510000.

NHTSA ID: 10236620