Safety Recall Jr - Airbag Control Module Software Update (JR/JR00)

WARNING: This page is about the A8 L Quattro, 4.2 V, which is a different variant/trim than selected.

Publication date: 2007-01-01
Reference number: JR/JR00

SAFETY RECALL JR - AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE UPDATE

SERVICE CAMPAIGN BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): JR/JR00 Revised, Date of Issue: January 2007

AUDI:

2006-2007 Model Year A8

IMPORTANT: Please inform and provide a copy of this document to every person in your dealership with campaign-related responsibilities, including Service, Parts and Accounting personnel. By law, dealers must correct, prior to delivery for sale or lease, any vehicle that fails to comply with an applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard or that contains a defect relating to motor vehicle safety. If you have questions regarding this or any other campaign, please call (800) 741-2919.

SUBJECT

2006 - 2007 Model Year Audi A8

Airbag Control Module Software Update

REVISION SUMMARY

The airbag control module software part number was listed incorrectly in the work procedure.

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION

Audi has determined that in cases where a weak battery exists, it is possible that a low voltage condition could cause the airbag control unit to improperly set a fault code. If this occurs, the passenger side frontal airbag will become deactivated; however, both the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster as well as the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" telltale in the center of the instrument panel will illuminate and provide visual warning to the driver. The passenger side frontal airbag would not deploy in the case of a frontal crash.

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Update the airbag control module with new software.

VIN RANGES & PRODUCTION DATES OF AFFECTED VEHICLES

Produced between June 2005 & June 2006

2006-2007 Audi A8 (USA including Puerto Rico)

WAU_ _ _4E_6N003536 - WAU_ _ _4E_7N002540

2006-2007 Audi A8 (CAN)

WAU_ _ _4E_6N003609 - WAU_ _ _4E_7N002518

NOTE: Check ElsaWeb on the day of repair to verify vehicle eligibility and attach the screen print to the repair order. This is the only valid campaign inquiry and verification source. Some vehicles may be involved in an additional action(s); any additional work can be done while the vehicle is in for this action.

ALLOCATION REPORT OF AFFECTED VEHICLES

In the Service Manager's Package, dealers with affected vehicles will receive a report containing the complete VIN with customer name and address data. Dealers will not receive a report if they have no affected vehicles.

NOTE: The allocation report contains owner names and addresses obtained from Motor Vehicle Registration Records. By law, this data may only be used for recall purposes. Use for any other reason may be a violation of law in many states/provinces. Accordingly, you must limit the use of this report.

PARTS INFORMATION AND ALLOCATION

This recall does not require any parts; therefore, no parts have been allocated.

OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING

On or about December 5, 2006 Audi notified all known owners of affected vehicles by first-class mail. A sample copy of the owner letter is enclosed.

CLAIM ENTRY PROCEDURE

Immediately upon completion of the repair work, enter the correct code listed below. Claims will only be paid for vehicles that show this campaign open in ElsaWeb on the day of the repair. To help ensure prompt and proper payment, attach the screen print to the repair order.

JR DATA ENTRY PROCEDURE

Damage Code	Time Units	Work Scope
JR12	60 T.U.	- Update airbag control module software
JR20	0 T.U.	- Customer refused repairs
There is NO reimbursement for Loaner
The system will enter labor applicable to the codes above
SUB LABOR		LOANER/RENTAL
Exterior wash or detail Up to $10.00 USD Up to $12.00 CAD		$0 Utilize Service Loaner Program

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE COVERAGE

PID: JRCA	Claim Type: W5
Dealers may provide additional goodwill for customer satisfaction out of their CAP budget. Dealers can provide assistance for each customer and Audi will reimburse dealers for 50% of the cost of the assistance item. Claim 100% of customer assistance amount, Audi will then adjust your CAP budget accordingly.
Audi recommends the following: Interior detailing Gift certificate for use from Audi Collection Audi Q7 use for weekend or overnight Loaner if dealer does not belong to Service Loaner Program Complete fill-up of fuel tank Money that customer can spend on repairs performed at dealership

Fig 1: JR Saga Claim Entry Procedure

CUSTOMER LETTER EXAMPLE (USA)

December 2006

Subject: Safety Recall JR - 2006-2007 Model Year Audi A8 - Airbag Control Module Software Update

Dear Audi Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Audi has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in some 2006-2007 model year Audi A8 vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of one of these vehicles.

What Is The Problem?

What Audi Will Do

In order to correct this defect, the software for the airbag control module will be updated.

What We Would Like You To Do

Please contact your authorized Audi dealer and arrange for an appointment without delay. This service will take about forty minutes and will be 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.

Lease Vehicles

If you are the lessor and registered owner of the vehicle identified in this action, the law requires you to forward this information immediately via first-class mail to the lessee within ten (10) days of receipt of this notification.

Have You Changed Your Address Or Sold The Vehicle?

If you have, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.

Reimbursement of Expenses

If you have previously paid for a software update for the airbag control module, the enclosed form explains how to request reimbursement. We would be pleased to review your reimbursement request.

Service Help from Us

If your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a reasonable time, please call or write to:

Audi of America, Inc.
Attn: Customer Relations - Hills East (JR)
3499 West Hamlin Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
1-866-892-2834

If you still cannot obtain satisfaction, you may file a complaint with: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20590; or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

We regret any inconvenience this matter may cause. Thank you for your continued loyalty!

Audi Product Compliance

CUSTOMER LETTER EXAMPLE (CANADA)

December 2006

Subject: Safety Recall JR - 2006-2007 Model Year Audi A8 - Airbag Control Module Software Update

Dear Audi Owner:

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Audi has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in some 2006-2007 model year Audi A8 vehicles. Our records show that you are the owner of one of these vehicles.

What Is The Problem?

What Audi Will Do

In order to correct this defect, the software for the airbag control module will be updated.

What We Would Like You To Do

Lease Vehicles

Have You Changed Your Address Or Sold The Vehicle?

If you have, please fill out the enclosed prepaid Owner Reply card and mail it to us so we can update our records.

Reimbursement of Expenses

If you have previously paid for a software update for the airbag control module, the enclosed form explains how to request reimbursement. We would be pleased to review your reimbursement request.

Service Help from Us

If your authorized Audi dealer fails or is unable to complete this work free of charge within a reasonable time, please call or write to:

Audi Canada
Attn: Customer Relations (JR)
P.O. Box 842, Stn. A
Windsor, ON N9A 9Z9
1-866-892-2834

We regret any inconvenience this matter may cause. Thank you for your continued loyalty!

Audi Product Compliance

CAMPAIGN WORK PROCEDURE - JR SAFETY RECALL

SPECIAL TOOLS

Approved battery charger
VAS 5051A, 5051B (not shown) or VAS 5052 (equipped with Ethernet card and security certificate)

Fig 2: VAS 5051 And VAS 5052
Minimum base CD V.08.00.00 installed
Brand CD V.08.43.00 or later installed
URL update performed

WORK SEQUENCE

Section A - Preparation

Connect vehicle to an approved battery charger.
NOTE: Battery MUST have minimum no-load charge of 12.5V. Failure to maintain voltage during update process can lead to control module failure.
Use approved battery charger to maintain battery voltage.
Ensure VAS 5051A or VAS 5051B is connected to dealer's Local Area Network (LAN) with internet access prior to booting up tester.
Minimize any voltage draw to vehicle.
- Radio, and other accessories switched OFF.
- Apply emergency brake to switch running lights OFF, if applicable).

Proceed to Section B.

Section B - Software Update via Software Version Management (SVM)

Function/Component Selection
Access Software Version Management (SVM) via Guided Fault Finding (GFF)
Choose prompt for problem-related hardware and software update.
Follow link for Direct input: SVM code for problem-related update.
Using SVM code 4E15A001, update software for airbag control module Part No: 4E0 910 655 C, SW level 3630 to SW level 4030 using Software Version Management (SVM). (Refer to SVM instructions - Software Version Management (SVM) Operating Instructions (2011732 ).
NOTE:
Only perform update and coding for airbag module. Software CD is not available. If software will not load check the following:
- Internet connection
- User ID/Password
- IT connectivity
then, perform software download again.
TIP: Ignore message to check or update software for other control modules.

Only update required software for airbag module.
After software update is complete, select the prompt to view changes to confirm software update.

Section C - Coding the Vehicle

NOTE: System will ask to continue with the coding function.

Follow prompt to code airbag control module.
Choose prompt to view changes to confirm coding change.
- Tester will send coding confirmation to SVM.
Clear fault upon exiting GFF.
NOTE: OBD II related faults may not clear automatically. Clear ODB II faults manually, if necessary.

TIP: It is not necessary to generate a readiness code.
Print short form diagnostic report for vehicle history file.
TIP: If satellite radio option has not been activated by customer, vehicle will have "not active" fault code stored. Please ignore this fault entry.

TIP: Remember to return vehicle to customer settings such as the HVAC, DRL's, and Coming Home lighting.

TIP: Ignore message to check or update software for other control modules. Only update required software for airbag module.
This campaign does not cover time for updating (flashing) other modules.

WORK IS COMPLETE.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & ANSWERS FOR JR SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN - AUDI A8 AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE UPDATE

This FAQ is intended to provide supplementary information regarding the JR Safety Recall Campaign. For additional information, please refer to the JR Safety Recall Campaign circular that will be posted on ElsaWeb and on AccessAudi.

What vehicles are affected?

Some Model Year 2006-2007 Audi A8 produced between June 2005 and June 2006. Approximately 5,902 vehicles are affected in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico) and approximately 234 vehicles are affected in Canada.

The affected VIN range is as follows:

WAU_ _ _4E_6N003536 - WAU_ _ _4E_7N002540 (USA - including Puerto Rico)
WAU_ _ _4E_6N003609 - WAU_ _ _4E_7N002518 (Canada)

What is the problem?

Audi has determined that in cases where a weak battery exists, it is possible that a low voltage condition could cause the airbag control unit to improperly set a fault code.

What can happen?

The passenger side frontal airbag will become deactivated; however, both the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster as well as the "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF" telltale in the center of the instrument panel will illuminate and provide visual warning to the driver. The passenger side frontal airbag would not deploy in the case of a frontal crash.

What exactly will be repaired on the vehicle and how long will the repair take?

In order to correct this defect, the airbag control module software will be updated. This service will take about forty minutes and will be free of charge. Please keep in mind that the dealer may need additional time for the preparation of the repair, as well as to accommodate their daily workshop schedule.

Can the customer continue to drive the vehicle?

Yes, the vehicle can still be driven. However, if the airbag warning light in the instrument cluster becomes illuminated, the customer should take their vehicle to an authorized Audi dealer for servicing without delay.

Is a loaner vehicle being offered under this action?

A loaner may be provided from dealer's Service Loaner Program. However if the dealer does not belong to the Service Loaner Program, the dealer may utilize the Customer Assistance coverage to obtain alternate transportation for the customer.

When will this repair be available?

Audi expects that dealer notification will take place on or about November 30, 2006 and customer notification will take place on or about December 5, 2006.