Circular 23Ai

Emissions Recall
Code: 23Ai
Subject
Release Date
Affected Vehicles
Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
December 10, 2019
Country
Beginning Model Year
Ending Model Year
Vehicle
USA
USA
USA
CAN
CAN
2017
2017
2017
2017
2017
2018
2018
2018
2018
2018
A3
A3 CABRIOLET
A4
A3
A4
Check Campaigns/Actions screen in Elsa on the day of repair to verify that a VIN qualifies for repair under this
action. Elsa is the only valid campaign inquiry & verification source.
Problem Description

Campaign status must show “open.”

If Elsa shows other open action(s), inform your customer so that the work can also be completed at
the same time the vehicle is in the workshop for this campaign.
This action addresses an emissions system-related Engine-Off calculation error and improves
the Oxygen Sensor Aging-Correction Factor. Neither concern has a direct impact to vehicle
exhaust or evaporative emissions. However, either condition could affect proper operation of
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
Corrective Action
Update Engine Control Module (ECM) software.
Parts Information
Software update only; no parts needed.
Code Visibility
On or about December 10, 2019, the campaign code will be applied to affected vehicles.
Owner Notification
Owner notification will take place in December 2019. Owner letter examples are included in this
bulletin for your reference.
Emissions Campaigns
Requirements
(CALIFORNIA ONLY)
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require
emissions-related campaigns to be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. When
campaign work is done you must provide the owner with a signed “Vehicle Emission Recall –
Proof of Correction” certificate (RC EMISCAVWAU). Order certificates online via the
Compliance Label Ordering portal at www.accessaudi.com.
Additional Information
Please alert everyone in your dealership about this action, including Sales, Service, Parts
and Accounting personnel. Contact Warranty if you have any questions.
Dealers must ensure that every affected inventory vehicle has this campaign completed before
delivery to consumers.
Fill out and affix Campaign Completion Label (CAMP 010 000) after work is complete.
Labels can be ordered at no cost via the Compliance Label Ordering portal at
www.accessaudi.com.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 1 of 12
Claim Entry Instructions
After campaign has been completed, enter claim as soon as possible to help prevent work from being duplicated
elsewhere. Attach the Elsa screen print showing action open on the day of repair to the repair order.
If customer refused campaign work:
 U.S. dealers: Submit the request through Audi Warranty Online under the Campaigns/Update option.
 Canada dealers: Upload the repair order [signed by customer] to Audi WIN/Operations/Campaign Closure.
Service Number
23Ai
Damage Code
0099
Parts Vendor Code
Claim Type
002
Sold vehicle: 7 10
Unsold vehicle: 7 90
Causal Indicator
Vehicle Wash/Loaner
Criteria I.D.
Mark labor as causal
Do not claim wash/loaner under this action
01
Connect battery charger
Labor operation 2706 89 50
10 T.U.
-ANDPerform SVM operation for Engine Control Module.
Labor operation: 2470 25 99
Time stated on diagnostic protocol
(Up to 50 T.U.)
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 2 of 12
Customer Letter Example (United States)




This notice applies to your vehicle: 
Subject: Emissions Recall 23Ai - Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
Dear Audi Owner,
In cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board, we are informing
you of our decision to conduct an emissions recall on certain 2017-2018 model year Audi vehicles. Our records show that you
are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?
This action addresses an emissions system-related Engine-Off calculation error and improves
the Oxygen Sensor Aging-Correction Factor. Neither concern has a direct impact to vehicle
exhaust or evaporative emissions. However, either condition could affect proper operation of the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
What will we do?
Your authorized Audi dealer will update the ECM software. This work will take about one hour to
complete and will be performed for you free of charge. Please keep in mind that your dealer may
need additional time for the preparation of the repair, as well as to accommodate their daily
workshop schedule.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or
otherwise modified from original factory specifications with aftermarket components
and/or software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to original factory
specifications is NOT covered under this action.
What should you do?
In order to limit any possible inconvenience, please contact your authorized Audi dealer as soon
as possible to schedule this service. For your convenience, you can also visit www.audiusa.com
and click on the “Find a Dealer” link to locate a dealer near you and schedule this service.
Lease vehicles and
address changes
If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please forward
this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt. If you have
changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card
and mail it to us so we can update our records.
Important information for California regulations require that this campaign be completed prior to the time you renew your
California Vehicle Owners vehicle registration. Therefore, please make sure that this campaign is completed prior to
the renewal of your vehicle registration, and that you furnish proof of completion to the
– California Regulations
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the form of a copy of the dealer’s repair order, including
a signed “Proof of Correction” certificate. You obtain this from your dealer after the campaign has
been completed. Please retain the signed “Proof of Correction Certificate” with your vehicle
records. DO NOT MAIL THIS FORM to the DMV, unless requested.
Can we assist you
further?
If your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a
reasonable time, please contact Audi Customer Experience at 1-800-253-2834 or via our
“Contact Us” page at www.audiusa.com.
Checking your vehicle for
open Recalls and Service
Campaigns
To check your vehicle’s eligibility for repair under this or any other recall/service campaign, please
visit the Recall/Service Campaign Lookup tool at www.audiusa.com and enter your Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN).
We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your vehicle
continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Audi Customer Protection
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 3 of 12
Customer Letter Example (CANADA)




This notice applies to your vehicle:   , 
Subject: Emissions Recall 23Ai - Engine Control Module (ECM) Software
Dear Audi Owner,
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. Audi
has determined that a defect, which relates to a prescribed emission standard, exists in certain 2017-2018 model year Audi
vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of a vehicle affected by this action.
What is the issue?
This action addresses an emissions system-related Engine-Off calculation error and improves
the Oxygen Sensor Aging-Correction Factor. Neither concern has a direct impact to vehicle
exhaust or evaporative emissions. However, either condition could affect proper operation of the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL).
What will we do?
Your authorized Audi dealer will update the ECM software. This work will take about one hour to
complete and will be performed for you free of charge. Please keep in mind that your dealer may
need additional time for the preparation of the repair, as well as to accommodate their daily
workshop schedule.
IMPORTANT! Please note that if the ECM in your vehicle has been “chipped,” “tuned,” or
otherwise modified from original factory specifications with aftermarket components
and/or software, work needed to repair, replace, or return the ECM to original factory
specifications is NOT covered under this action.
What should you do?
In order to limit any possible inconvenience, please contact your authorized Audi dealer as
soon as possible to schedule this service. On or about December 10, 2019 the necessary
repair instructions and parts will be available to your authorized Audi dealer.
Lease vehicles and
address changes
If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, please
forward this letter immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt.
If you have changed your address or sold the vehicle, please fill out the enclosed prepaid
Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.
Can we assist you
further?
If your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a
reasonable time, please contact Audi Customer Relations Monday through Friday from 8AM
to 8PM EST at 1-800-822-2834 or via our “Contact Audi Canada” page at www.audi.ca.
We apologize for any inconvenience this matter may cause; however we are taking this action to help ensure your vehicle
continues to meet and exceed your expectations.
Sincerely,
Audi Customer Protection
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 4 of 12
Campaign Work Procedure
23Ai Emission Recall
NOTE
•
Damages resulting from improper repair or failure to follow these work instructions are the dealer’s
responsibility and are not eligible for reimbursement under this action.
•
Diagnosis and repair of pre-existing conditions in the vehicle are not covered under this action.
Required Tools
Battery Tester/Charger
Diagnostic Tester
- GRX3000VAS-
-VAS6150X/VAS6160-
(or equivalent)
(or equivalent)
Repair Instruction
Section A - Check for Previous Repair
•
Enter the VIN in Elsa and proceed to the
“Campaign/Action” screen.
TIP
On the date of repair, print this screen and keep a copy
with the repair order.
•
Confirm the Campaign/Action is open .
If the status is closed, no further work is required.
•
Note the Applicable Criteria ID  for use
in determining the correct work to be done and
corresponding parts associated.
•
All Safety Recalls MUST be completed before
starting this Campaign.
Proceed to Section B.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 5 of 12
Section B – Engine Control Module Software Update
NOTE
Prior to launching the VAS Diagnostic Tester and starting an update, ensure the following conditions are
met;
The ODIS software is completely up to date.

Refer to the “Alerts” section on ServiceNet home page for the current ODIS version.
The battery charger is connected to the vehicle battery and remains connected for the duration of
the software update.
•
Battery voltage must remain above 12.5 volts for the duration of the software update. Failure to
do so may cause the update to fail, which could result in damage to the control module. Control
modules damaged by insufficient voltage will not be covered.
The screen saver and power saving settings are off.
•
Failure to do so may result in the tester entering power save mode during the software update,
which could result in damage to the control module.
The VAS Diagnostic Tester is plugged in using the supplied power adapters.
•
Under no circumstances should the tester be used on battery power alone during the software
update. Failure to do so may result in the tester powering off during the update, which could
result in damage to the control module.
Flash process through “Audi Flashing” not Guided Fault Finding (GFF).
•
DO NOT USE Guided Fault Finding (GFF) to perform this flash. Damage caused to control
modules while using GFF will not be covered.
If using a Bluetooth transmitter head, it is connected to the tester with a USB cable.
•
Performing a software update using a Bluetooth connection increases the risk of losing
connection during the update, which could result in damage to the control module.
It also greatly increases the time required to perform the update. Requests for additional time
or parts will be denied if the GFF log shows the update was performed using Bluetooth.
The Bluetooth function of the scan tool is physically switched off .
VAS 6150 & VAS 6150A
VAS 6150B
VAS 6150C
(Front panel behind handle)
(Right side behind WIRELESS door)
(Left side behind SC/EX door)
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 6 of 12
WARNING
Radiator Fan(s) may cycle ON high speed during the Update Process! There is a serious risk that personal injury
may result if contact is made with spinning fan blades. Keep hands and all objects away from Radiator Fan(s) during
Update Process!
TIP
To Update-Programming using SVM, review and follow instructions in Technical Bulletin 2011732: Software Version
Management (SVM) Operating Instructions.
The SVM Process must be completed in its entirety so the database receives the update confirmation response. A
warranty claim may not be reimbursed if there is no confirmation response to support the claim.
•
Open the hood.
•
Access the battery charging posts.
•
Switch the ignition on.
•
Apply the parking brake.
•
Switch off all consumers (headlights, heated
seats, climate control, etc.).
•
Connect the VAS6150X/VAS6160X Diagnostic
Tester to the vehicle.
•
Start the ODIS program.
•
Attach the GRX3000VAS Tester/Charger (or
equivalent) to the vehicle battery charging
posts.
NOTE
Vehicles with Battery Monitoring Control Module
-J367- and/or an EFB Battery:
When connecting the charger to the battery, connect
the positive cable to the positive terminal of the
battery and connect the negative cable to the
grounding lug on the chassis. DO NOT connect the
ground cable directly to negative terminal of the
battery.
•
Turn the hazards on.
CAUTION
The procedure may cancel itself if the hazard warning
lights are not switched on. The hazard warning lights
prevent the system from switching to bus sleep mode
during the update.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 7 of 12
•
Confirm that scan tool is communicating with
the diagnostic head by USB cable.
o
If the Bluetooth or WiFi symbol is
shown, then disconnect the diagnostic
head from the vehicle and reconnect
the USB cable to the diagnostic head
and then reattach to the vehicle.
•
From the home screen of the scan tool
highlight “Flash” <1>.
•
Follow the on-screen prompts.
NOTE
Operating mode “Flash” must be used. Performing
this update using “Diagnosis” (Guided Fault
Finding) could result in non-payment of the claim.
•
Select “Starting Flashing” and follow the onscreen prompts.
•
Select “No RO”.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 8 of 12
•
Highlight “SVM – Code Input”.
•
Select “Perform test”.
NOTE
Using Bluetooth for this action is PROHIBITED!
Damage caused to electronic components (e.g.
ECM, TCM, etc.) during the SVM update process is
not covered.
•
Enter the corrective action code (SVM code) as
listed below.
SVM code
23AiA540
•
Select “Accept”.
•
Follow the on-screen prompts.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 9 of 12
NOTE
STOP!
This extra ignition cycle step must be followed,
otherwise faults stored during the update may not
be cleared upon exiting the Flash program.
•
After receiving confirmation that the update
completed successfully (green check mark)
, the ignition must be turned off for 60
seconds and then turned back on.
•
After receiving confirmation that the flash
completed successfully, select “Send” to send
the diagnostic protocol online.
•
Follow the on-screen prompts.
•
Click “Flash” to exit the flash session.
•
Proceed to Section C.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 10 of 12
Section C – Campaign Stamp
•
Once the campaign has been completed, the
technician should stamp the repair order.
•
Stamps are available for ordering through the
Compliance Label Ordering Portal (item#
AUD4927ENG or AUD4927FRE).
•
Proceed to Section D.
Item#: AUD4927ENG
OR
Item # AUD4927FRE
Section D – Campaign Completion Label
Install Campaign Completion Label
•
Fill out and affix Campaign Completion
Label, part number CAMP 010 000, next to
the vehicle emission control information
label.
TIP
Ensure Campaign Completion Label does not cover
any existing label(s).
•
Proceed to Section E (California only).
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 11 of 12
Section E – California Only Requirements
CALIFORNIA ONLY Requirements for Emissions Campaigns Having Customer Notification
The California Air Resources Board and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) require emissions-related
campaigns to be completed prior to vehicle registration renewal. When campaign work is done you must
provide the owner with a signed “Vehicle Emission Recall – Proof of Correction” certificate (RC EMIS_CAL
VW).
Certificates can be ordered at no cost online via the Compliance Label Ordering portal at
www.accessaudi.com.
TIP
Ensure owners are aware of the importance of retaining the completed certificate for their records. It should be
mailed to the California DMV only upon request.
The repair information in this document is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools, equipment and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These
procedures are not intended to be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,” and you should not assume this document applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To
determine whether this information applies, contact an authorized Audi dealer. 2019 Audi of America, Inc. and Audi Canada. All Rights Reserved.
December 2019
23Ai Page 12 of 12