Replaced Airbag Control Unit Cannot Be Coded (GROUP 69, NO. 14-28)

REPLACED AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT CANNOT BE CODED

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

69 14 28 2023323/12 March 31, 2014. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 69 number 13-26 dated October 21, 2013 for reasons listed below.

CONDITION

After the airbag control module (J234) has been replaced, the control unit cannot be coded via SVM spec/actual.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

An SVM code is required to code and parameterize the new service replacement airbag control module. Each model's SVM code is provided in a parts bulletin (GP bulletin), which should have been referenced through ETKA when the module was replaced. The control module cannot be coded until the SVM code has been executed.

If the SVM code was not acquired through the GP bulletin in ETKA, follow the instructions in the Service section of this bulletin to update the control module.

Tip:  Any time that any control module is replaced in any vehicle, an SVM code may be required for parameterization after installation. When replacing a control module, always check ETKA for the SVM code, which will be found in the GP bulletin for the part. To find a GP bulletin in ETKA:

1. Locate the part in ETKA. Use the FI search function (VIN filter) to determine if the correct control module (including color code) was ordered for the vehicle.
2. To open the GP bulletin, right-click the part number and select GP Bulletin from the drop-down menu (Figure 1).
3. A new window will open with the GP bulletin listed. Open the bulletin by selecting the blue box with the white arrow next to the bulletin number.

PRODUCTION SOLUTION

Not applicable.

SERVICE

When the airbag control module (J234) is replaced in a:

• TT, A3, R8 GT, R8 GT Spyder, or A6 (C6): 

  Only the ECU coding needs to be performed using the provided SVM code.

• A4/S4/allroad, A5/S5/RS 5, A5/S5/RS 5 Cabriolet, Q5/SQ5, A6/S6 (C7), A7/S7/RS 7, or A8/S8: 

  Both ECU parameterization and ECU coding need to be performed using the provided SVM code.

1. Enter the SVM code using ODIS>>Start Diagnosis >> Fill out Engine Information from drop down menu >> CHECK the option for "Guided Fault Finding" (this ensures the diagnostic log shows the correct TUs) >> Special Functions >> Software Version Management (SVM) >> SVM - Code input. 
   NOTE: Do NOT choose "SVM - Direct input: SVM code for vehicle conversion". With this option, the SVM code will always fail if any SVM hardware conflicts are present in the system.
2. If no parameterization and/or coding is suggested by SVM, check the color code on the service part label of the control module. Compare this color code to the suggestion given by ETKA by using the FI search function.
   • If the color codes do not match, or if the service part has no color code, re-order the correct part listed in ETKA with the appropriate color code.
   • If the color codes do match, contact TAC.

   Tip:  The color code indicates the ECU software that the control module must be programmed with to operate correctly in the North American Market. Only control modules to be used for service will have a color code. In addition, some service parts will have a secondary label placed over the original supplier label after the part has been programmed for the North American market (Figure 3 and Figure 4).

3. For A4/S4, A5/S5/RS 5, A5/S5/RS 5 Cabriolet, Q5/SQ5, A6/S6 (C7), A7/S7/RS 7, or A8/S8 only:

   After the parameterization is complete, the coding of the control module will automatically be carried out by SVM (no user input required). If a prompt appears requesting to change the coding, select YES  .

4. At the end, a screen showing all changes that were made during the SVM communication appears. Verify the changes and ensure that the coding was performed.

1. 6. Exit SVM and perform the component protection test plan to remove the remaining DTCs.

WARRANTY

All warranty claims submitted for payment must be in accordance with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual  . Claims are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All parts and service references provided in this TSB (2023323) are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.