Technical Service Bulletin
91 Bluetooth call quality issues for caller on other end of call
91 12 68 2027718/3 November 12, 2012. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 91 number 12-53 dated
August 6, 2012 for reasons listed below.
Model(s)

Year

2011-2013

A6/A7

2011-2013

A5 CAB

2011-2013

TT

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

N/A

Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling

Condition
REVISION HISTORY
Revision

Date

Purpose

3

-

Revised Warranty (Adjusted TUs)

2

8/6/2012

Revised Service

1

10/25/2011

Original publication

The driver’ s voice is difficult to clearly understand by the caller on the other end of the call when using the
Bluetooth hands-free telephone system. The driver’ s voice sounds muffled, as if you are hearing them while
under water.

Technical Background
The microphone seal is damaged during installation in to the roof module.

Production Solution
Improved microphone installation procedure and optimized microphone seal staring with January 2012 vehicle
production. Microphones with improved seals are at the 03S level or greater.

Page 1 of 10
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
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
Service
1.

Ensure the customer’ s phone is listed in the Audi Bluetooth approved list located on the
www.audiusa.com/bluetooth website. Not all Bluetooth call quality issues can be attributed to the
microphone. OEM phone manufacturers use different types of Bluetooth chipsets and software which
have different characteristics (i.e. timing of timeouts) and as a result these differences can also affect the
Bluetooth connection stability and call quality.
For TT/A5 Cabriolet only: Road test the vehicle prior to repairs. Drive with the top and windows up and at
a speed of 45mph or greater if possible. Make a Bluetooth call to someone back at the workshop to verify
the call quality issue. Make sure the same person will be available for you to call back the next day once
the repairs are completed to verify the call quality improvement.

2.

Remove the roof module from the vehicle according to the instructions in the ElsaWeb Repair Manual.

Repair Manual>>Electrical System>>Electrical Equipment>>96 Interior Lights, Switches>>Removal and
Installation>>Roof Trim Lamps and Switches
3

Do Not Remove the microphone from the roof module at this step! The next step is to remove the
decorative trim plate from the roof module. This will allow you to inspect the seal of the microphone as it
was installed at the factory.

a

For the A6 and A7 vehicles, first attempt to use your fingers to pry the decorative trim from the
base plate. If this does not work then gently use a trim stick/bone tool to pry the decorative trim
from the base plate and finish it with your fingers. There are a different number of clips holding
the trim plate on to the base plate depending on the trim level of the vehicle (i.e. high-line roof
module vs. low-line roof module; see Figure 1 & 2).

Page 2 of 10
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
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. A6, A7 High line roof module.

Figure 2. A6, A7 Mid line roof module.

Page 3 of 10
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
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
b

For the TT/A5 Cabriolet vehicles, the decorative
trim plate should only be pried from the base plate

after the LED circuit boards are removed from the
plastic LED jewels. If this is not done prior to
removing the trim, the plastic LED jewels can break
and cause a rattle once the roof module is
reassembled. As seen in Figure 3, first pry up on
the top of the small circuit-board in direction
indicated by arrow 1 (away from LED Jewel). It will Figure 3. Prying the LED circuit-board of the jewel.
only need to be lifted about 1-2mm, then pull up on
the circuit-board in the direction indicated by arrow
2. This will release the circuit-board from the clear
LED jewel. Repeat for the other side. Figure 4
shows the three attachment points of the LED
Circuit board to the LED jewel.

Figure 4. LED jewel attachment points.

Page 4 of 10
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
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
c

Once the LED jewels are free from the circuitboards, the decorative trim plate can now be pried
apart from the base plate. This can be
accomplished by using your fingers and slowly
prying the two pieces apart. There are many clip
points along the edge holding the two halves
together, thus slowly sliding your finger all the way
around the perimeter between the trim plate and
base plate is the easiest and most effective way to
separate the two parts without damaging them.
Note:
The use of a bone tool or screw driver is not
recommended for this roof module assembly
because it can damage the soft touch paint on the
edge of the decorative trim. Damage to paint on
the sides of the trim can be visible once the part is

Figure 5. Prying the trim plate from the base plate.

reinstalled in the headliner.

4.

Inspect the seal of the microphone for damage.
There are two normal splits in the rubber seal. This
is normal as long as the two halves of the seal are
touching each other. If they are loose and move
freely then this indicates damage to the seal.
Figure 6 illustrates an undamaged seal and Figures
7 and 8 illustrate damaged seals.

Figure 6. Undamaged seal.

Page 5 of 10
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
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 8. Damaged seal, example 2.

Figure 7. Damaged seal, example 1.

5.

If any seals are damaged, replace the microphone
set. Install the replacement microphone with the
decorative trim removed from the base plate. This
will allow you to inspect the new microphone seal
after it has been snapped in to place. Take care
when doing so to prevent any damage to the new
microphone’ s rubber seal. Installing it
perpendicular to the base plate, and doing so
slowly, will help prevent any damage to the seal.
Figure 9 illustrates the proper installation technique
and Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the improper
installation of a microphone. Figure 12 shows the
resultant damage of improper installation.

Figure 9. Proper installation.

Page 6 of 10
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
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 10. Installing microphone at an angle.

Figure 11. Seal may be pinched.

Figure 12. Damage caused by pinched seal.
6.

If the seals are not damaged, ensure the microphones are firmly seated. There should be a loud snap
heard and felt when the microphone is fully seated.

Page 7 of 10
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
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
7.

For TT/A5 Cabriolet only: Visually inspect the
round felt material on the underside of the
decorative trim (Figure 13). This felt material
pushes against the microphone’ s rubber seal and
forms a barrier. If the material is bunched up and
off center it can potentially cause an issue with the
call quality by allowing unwanted noise to reach the

Figure 13. Felt on backside of decorative trim.

microphone. Replace the decorative trim
according to ETKA if damage is found with the felt
material or if the felt is not centered perfectly.
8.

For TT/A5 Cabriolet only: Before installing the new
microphone, partially pull out the foam which is
inserted inside the microphone (Figure 14). This
will allow for a better seal against the felt material.

Figure 14. Foam is partially pulled out of the
microphone.
9.

For TT/A5 Cabriolet only: Road test the vehicle with the top up at a speed greater than 45mph if
possible. Call the same person back at the workshop so they can verify the improved sound quality. If
you still feel the sound quality is poor please contact the Technician’ s Assistance Center helpline.

Page 8 of 10
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
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
10. If the seals and microphones are installed properly, continue with diagnosis.
Refer to TSB 2026895, 91 Microphone testing tips and TSB 2026888, 91 Bluetooth Phone: Poor call

quality.

Warranty
Claim Type:

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

Service Number:

9157

Damage Code:

0010

Labor Operations:

Remove and install interior light.

9620 1900

See Elsa Web for
TUs

Remove and install telephone microphones.

9157 1950

10 TU

Extended Road Test before and after repair

9157 9999

A-Time (Not to
exceed 40 TU)

Diagnostic Time:

GFF

No allowance

0 TU

Road test prior to service procedure

No allowance

10 TU

Road test after service procedure

No allowance

10 TU

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 # 2027718/3

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.

Page 9 of 10
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
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
Part Number

Part Description

Quantity

See ETKA

Microphone

1

Additional Information
The following Technical Service Bulletin(s) may be necessary to complete this procedure:
•

TSB 2026895, 91 Microphone testing tips

•

TSB 2026888, 91 Bluetooth Phone: Poor call quality

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

Page 10 of 10
© 2012 Audi of America, Inc.
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.