Technical Service Bulletin
27 Excessive Voltage DTCs present in multiple control units
27 12 14 2031145/1 October 12, 2012.
Model(s)

Year

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

000001 – 999999

Not Applicable

A4, A5, Audi
Q5,
2009 – 2012
Cabriolet
C6 A6, D3
A8

2009 – 2010

C7 A6, A7,
D4 A8

2010 – 2011

R8, Audi Q7

2009 – 2011

Condition
One or more of the following complaints are reported by the customer regarding electrical features and functions
in the vehicle:
• One or more warning lights on in cluster
• The DIS or other displays in cluster are blank
• MMI does not function
• Windows do not function
• LED indicators in various buttons inside the vehicle do not light up

Technical Background
The voltage regulator on the alternator (Figure 1) can sporadically fail causing the electrical system to experience
too high of voltage. As a result, the affected vehicle electronic components go in to high voltage protection and
deactivate sensitive displays and indicators to prevent electrical damage. When an over voltage condition occurs
the vehicle electronics and alternator are protected, thus there is no need to replace the entire alternator
assembly.

© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.

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All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin

Figure 1 Voltage Regulator (1) Mounted on the Alternator.

Production Solution
A new VDA voltage regulator with better control over the alternator voltage was introduced in to series production.

Service
Check for DTC entries for excessive voltage.
1. These DTCs are only set when a control unit sees input voltages higher than 18V for
extended periods of time.
• (00447) Functions restriction due to excessive voltage - Upper limit exceeded
• (U140100) Function restriction due to excessive voltage
• (P056300) System Voltage High Voltage
2. If more than one over voltage DTC is present in multiple vehicle electronic control units then
proceed with the repair suggested in this service bulletin.
3. If only one control unit on the vehicle is displaying an over voltage DTC then this service
bulletin may not apply.
4. If no DTCs are present in any electronic control unit but the customer complains of lights
flickering or going dim/bright intermittently, then please reference TSB 2021151 91 Dash
insert, air conditioning control panel or inside light flickers for additional information.

© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.

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All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin
Repair for A4/S4, A5/S5, Cabriolet, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, R8, D3 A8, & C6 A6
1. ONLY replace the voltage regulator and NOT the alternator assembly. The original
alternator should function normally with the newer style voltage regulator fitted.
a. Different vehicles, even of the same model range and model year, can have different
alternators from different vendors, i.e. Valeo, Bosch, or Hitachi. You must reference the
actual part on the car and cross reference it with ETKA to determine which voltage
regulator is required for the vehicle.
b. Replace the voltage regulator according to the ElsaWeb repair manual instructions.
Repair Manual>>Electrical System>>Electrical Equipment General Information>>27
Battery, Starter, Generator, Cruise Control>>Removal and Installation>>Voltage
Regulator
Repair for D4 A8, A7, & C7 A6
1. ONLY replace the voltage regulator and NOT the alternator assembly. The original
alternator should function normally with the newer style voltage regulator fitted.
a. Different vehicles, even of the same model range and model year, can have different
alternators from different vendors, i.e. Valeo, Bosch, or Hitachi. You must reference the
actual part on the car and cross reference it with ETKA to determine which voltage
regulator is required for the vehicle.
b. Replace the voltage regulator according to the ElsaWeb repair manual instructions.
Repair Manual>>Electrical System>>Electrical Equipment General Information>>27
Battery, Starter, Generator, Cruise Control>>Removal and Installation>>Voltage
Regulator
2. Use VSD to determine the software level of the 19 – Gateway data bus control unit. The
software level must be 0213 or higher. If the software level is below 0213, then please
update the software using the following SVM information.
a. Follow all instructions in the attached TSB 2011732 00 Software Version Management
(SVM), operating instructions.
b. Update the Gateway Data Bus On Board Diagnostic Interface (J533) using the SVM
action code as listed in the table below if necessary.
c. This SVM code remedies other issues with the vehicle. Please read TSB 2030903 90
Sporadic malfunctions during MMI 3G+ complaints because it’s possible the customer
had additional complaints which could have been remedied by this software update.

© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.

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All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin
Model

Old S/W P/N

OLD S/W
Version

New S/W P/N

New S/W
Version

*

4G0 907 468 E

0213

*

4G0 907 468 D

0213

*

4H0 907 468 F

0213

4G0 907 468 A
C7 A6 & A7

4G0 907 468 C
4G0 907 468 B

SVM Action Code

19A001

4H0 907 468 C
D4 A8

4H0 907 468 D
4H0 907 468 E

Warranty
Claim Type:

Use applicable claim type. If vehicle is outside any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin
is informational only.

Service Number:

2750

Damage Code:

0040

Labor Operations:

Generator remove+reinstall

See ElsaWeb

See ElsaWeb

Voltage regulator remove+reinstall

2750 1950

20 TU

Checking Gateway software version

9035 9999

30 TU

GFF

0150 0000

Time stated on
diagnostic
protocol (Max 50
TU)

Road test prior to service procedure

No allowance

0 TU

Road test after service procedure

0121 0004

10 TU

Additionally for D4 A8 & C7 A6/A7:

Diagnostic Time:

Technical diagnosis at dealer’s discretion
(Refer to Section 2.2.1.2 and Audi Warranty Online for DADP allowance details)
Claim Comment:

As per TSB #2031145/1

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.

© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.

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All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin
Required Parts and Tools
See ETKA

Additional Information
The following Technical Service Bulletin will be necessary to complete this procedure:
• TSB 2011732 00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions.
• TSB 2021151 91 Dash insert, air conditioning control panel or inside light flickers
• TSB 2030903 90 Sporadic malfunctions during MMI 3G+ complaints

© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.

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All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin
00 Software Version Management (SVM), operating instructions
00 12 32 2011732/9 February 7, 2012. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 00 number 10 – 02 dated
March 24, 2010 for reasons listed below.
Model(s)

Year

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

All Audi

2002 on

Not Applicable

Not Applicable

Condition
REVISION HISTORY
Revision

Date

Purpose

9

-

Revised header data (Added model years)
Revised Technical Background
Revised Service (Added image)

8

3/24/2010

Revised Technical Background
Revised Service (Added Response Codes section)

7

5/13/2009

Revised Service (Step 6)

6

12/15/2008

Revised Service (Step 3 – added information concerning use of wireless
VAS 5054A transmitter head)

5

11/17/2008

Revised Title to include Repair Group

4

10/21/2008

Revised Service (Step 3 – added information concerning Windows power
savings settings)

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) details the general process for carrying out a Software Version Management
(SVM) software update for any TSB or Update.
Troubleshooting information is included in the Additional Information section.
Please refer to the upcoming TSBs covering detailed aspects of SVM. They will be listed under group “99”.

Technical Background
SVM was developed with the main goal of ensuring each Audi vehicle has the correct electronic control units with
the correct software versions installed when it leaves the dealership repair facility.

© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.

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All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin
SVM is a feature of GFF that has a subset of
functions or components as seen in Figure 1. These
functions are explained below. A VAS 5051B, VAS
5052A, or VAS 6150(A/B/C) diagnostic tool is
required to read out the vehicle control unit data and
send it to the SVM server (also called an “SVM
communication”).

Figure 1. Subset of SVM functions

1. SVM – Specified/actual comparison
Goal: This function is designed to ensure all electronic control units installed in the vehicle have the correct
part numbers, software versions, coding and parameterization. It will not suggest a control unit software
update. During this SVM communication, the part numbers and software versions of the actual control units
installed in the vehicle will be sent to the SVM servers. This “actual” data is then compared to the “specified”
data in the SVM database for a particular vehicle. The specified data stored on the SVM servers is also
referred to as the vehicle “reference”.
What an SVM Spec/Actual can do:
• Document any changes to an electronic control unit’s hardware/software part numbers, hardware/software
versions, and provide feedback to the user if these changes are accepted or rejected.
• When new parts are installed, it will also calculate coding changes or parameterization changes. If a
“hardware replacement suggestion” is given, then a conflict exists with the vehicle reference for that
control unit (i.e. SVM expects a different part number or software version for the control unit in question).
1

• As a rule, SVM will not allow a control unit with the same part number as the original part to be installed if
the new part contains an older software revision. In this situation, SVM will return a hardware change
2
suggestion . In these special cases a new vehicle reference must be manually set by an Audi Product
Support Engineer. Please contact the Technical Assistance Center Helpline if you suspect this is the
case.
2. SVM - Direct Input: SVM code for problem related update
Goal: This function performs any additional functions which cannot be performed with an SVM Spec/Actual.
Those functions include the following.
What an SVM code can do:
• Update the software in a flash-capable control unit if the SVM code is valid for the vehicle.
3

• After the software update is completed, an additional SVM Specified/Actual comparison will be performed
to calculate a new coding and/or parameterization and to document all control unit changes as a new
reference in the SVM database.
• SVM Codes should not be used to update a control unit without knowing the solution(s) the software
update provides. To update control unit software, the technician must first diagnose the condition in the
vehicle and find an applicable TSB that provides a valid SVM Code. Randomly trying out multiple SVM
Codes wastes time and can sometimes cause conflicts in the SVM database.
• SVM codes can also be used to document manual software updates to the vehicle’s systems, as in the
case with MMI Software Package (ZUG) updates. These types of updates are performed manually with a
CD/DVD/SDcard. An SVM code for an MMI update documents the changes in the SVM database and
provides coding and/or parameterization suggestions. It does not perform any software updates.
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.

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All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin
SVM codes for MMI Software Package (ZUG) updates will only complete successfully if every control unit is
updated to the correct software level. This is especially important when a control unit fails/dies during the
manual software update process and is then later replaced, but not updated after it is installed. Since the new
replacement control unit was not updated the SVM code will fail. The replaced control unit must be updated
prior to running the SVM code.
• SVM Exchange (XCHG) Codes can also be used to aid in the installation of new service parts when an
SVM spec/actual cannot code or parameterize the replacement control unit, as with all Audi airbag control
units.
It is critical to note SVM XCHG codes must be run immediately after a new control unit is installed in the
vehicle. If an SVM Spec/Actual is performed instead, it will create an invalid vehicle reference in the SVM
database. Once this occurs the SVM XCHG code will not function properly. The only way to resolve this issue
is to contact the Technical Assistance Center Helpline to have the vehicle reference manually set. To find the
SVM XCHG code, follow the parts bulletin listed in ETKA or search for an applicable Technical Service
Bulletin.
3. SVM - Direct Input: SVM code for vehicle conversion
Goal: This function allows for a factory approved retrofit of additional control unit(s) using a valid SVM Code
for Vehicle Conversion.
• This type of SVM code is documented inside the installation instructions for the control unit and is typically
performed as the last installation step. You can identify an SVM code for conversion by the way it is
named. They are typically named “050XXX”.
4. SVM – Activations
Goal: This function is designed to activate additional features or functions within an already installed control
unit using an Activation Code and possibly additional PIN codes or Customer codes.
• This function is designed with a security system similar to installing a new operating system on a personal
computer. Currently, SVM Activation codes are only being used with navigation map data updates for
vehicles with MMI3G/3G+. The customer no longer needs to purchase the Navigation map data. Instead
the customer must purchase an “Activation Packet” to unlock the map update in the MMI system. The
Activation Packet consists of an Activation Code, Activate Number, and Pin Code. Once the Activation
information is used, it becomes permanently tied to the customer’s vehicle in the SVM database and
cannot be reused with another vehicle.
5. SVM – communication, checking
Goal: This function allows the user to check the VAS Tester’s SVM online connection status to ensure the
tester is communicating with the SVM server.

© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.