Technical Service Bulletin
91 Bluetooth call quality issues for caller on other end of call (A5 Cabriolet, TT Roadster)
91 14 33 2036865/1 April 8, 2014.
Model(s)

Year

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

TT Roadster

2011 - 2012

All

Bluetooth®

TT Roadster

2013

000000 - 005436

Bluetooth®

A5 Cabriolet

2011 - 2012

All

Bluetooth®

A5 Cabriolet

2013

000000 - 005351

Bluetooth®

Condition
When the driver uses the Bluetooth hands-free telephone system to make a call, the listener on the other end
cannot clearly understand the driver. The driver’s voice sounds muffled, as if it is being heard from under water.

Technical Background
The microphone seal was damaged during installation into the roof module.

Production Solution
Improved microphone installation procedure and
optimized the microphone seal, beginning with January
2012 vehicle production. Microphones with improved
seals are at the 03S level or greater (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Microphones with improved seals.

© 2014 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
Service
Tip: This bulletin does not allow for replacement of the microphones unless there is physical damage found to
the rubber seal on the end of the microphone. Because there has been no hardware optimization to the
microphone, replacing a microphone that is not damaged will not improve the sound quality.
Confirm that the sound quality issue is not due to the phone or phone service provider:
1. Ensure that the customer’s phone is an Audi-approved Bluetooth device by checking the list located at
http://audi-intelligence.com/bluetooth/prod/
2. Before making any repairs, road test the vehicle at a minimum speed of 45 mph with the top up (if applicable)
and all windows closed.
3. During the road test, verify the call quality issue by making a Bluetooth call to someone at the workshop. Make
sure that the same person will be available to answer another call after any repairs are made so that the call
quality improvement can be verified.
4. If no call quality issues are confirmed during the road test, end all analysis. The issue is most likely due to the
customer’s phone and/or service provider, which can be demonstrated to the customer by using a different
paired phone with a different service provider. In addition, it is normal to have a small amount of road noise in the
A5 Cabriolet or TT Roadster, as the location of the microphone at the top of the windshield allows for noise to be
easily transmitted. None of the repairs below will eliminate this small amount of road noise.
If call quality issues are confirmed, proceed with the repair procedure below.
Remove the trim plate in order to inspect the microphone:
1. Remove the roof module from the vehicle according to ElsaWeb>>Repair Manual>> Electrical
System>>Electrical Equipment>>96 Interior Lights, Switches>>Removal and Installation>>Roof Trim Lamps and
Switches.
2. Remove the decorative trim plate from the roof module in order to inspect the seal of the microphone. The
decorative trim plate should only be pried from the base plate after the LED circuit boards are removed from the
LED jewels in order to prevent the LED jewels from breaking and causing a rattle after reassembly:
• To remove the LED circuit boards,
first pry the top of the small circuit
board away from the LED jewel, in
the direction indicated by arrow 1
(Figure 2). It will only need to be
lifted 1-2mm. Then, pull up on the
circuit board in the direction
indicated by arrow 2 (Figure 2) to
release the circuit board from the
LED jewel. There are three different
attachment points of the LED circuit
board and LED jewel (Figure 3).
• Repeat for the other side.
• Once the LED jewels are free from the
© 2014 Audi of America, Inc.

Figure 2. Prying the LED circuit-board of the jewel.

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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
circuit boards, the decorative trim plate can
be detached from the base plate. Use your
fingers to pry the two pieces apart.
• There are many clip points holding the two
pieces together. Sliding your finger slowly
around the perimeter is the most effective
way to separate the two parts without
damaging them (Figure 4).
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 trim, which can be visible once
the part is reinstalled in the headliner.

Figure 3. LED jewel attachment points.

Figure 4. Prying the trim plate from the base plate.

© 2014 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
Inspect and replace the microphone:
1. Visually inspect the round felt material on the
underside of the decorative trim (Figure 5).
The felt material pushes against the
microphone’s rubber seal and forms a barrier.
The decorative trim should be replaced (see
ETKA) if the material is bunched up or not
centered perfectly, as it can potentially affect
the call quality.

Figure 5. Felt on backside of decorative trim.
2. Inspect the seal of the microphone for
damage:
• There are two splits in the rubber seal. This
is normal as long as the two halves of the
seal are touching each other (Figure 6).
• If the two halves of the seal are loose and
move freely, the seal is damaged (Figure 7).

Figure 6. Undamaged seal.

Figure 7. Examples of damaged seals
3. If none of the seals are damaged, reinstall the microphones into the roof module:
© 2014 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
• Ensure that the microphones are firmly seated. A loud snap can be heard and felt when the microphone is
fully seated. Reinstall the roof module and retest for the complaint before proceeding with diagnosis. If the
complaint cannot be reproduced, no additional action is necessary.
If any of the seals are damaged, install a replacement
microphone:
• Before installing the new microphone, partially pull out
the foam that is inserted in the microphone to allow for a
better seal against the felt material (Figures 8 and 9).
• In order to prevent damage to the microphone seal,
install the microphone while the decorative trim is
removed from the base plate. Slowly install the
microphone perpendicular to the base plate (Figure 10).
Do not install the microphone at an angle, as this may
pinch the seal (Figures 11 and 12).
• Carefully inspect the new microphone seal after it has
been snapped into place.

Figure 8. After modification, the foam should be
partially pulled out of the microphone.

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

© 2014 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 10. Proper installation.

Figure 11. Incorrect installation at an angle, showing
a pinched seal on the left.

Figure 12. Damage caused by a pinched seal.

© 2014 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
Complete the repair:
1. After the repair, road test the vehicle at a minimum speed of 45 mph with the top up (if applicable) and all
windows closed.
2. During the road test, verify the call quality issue by making a Bluetooth call to the same person at the workshop
that was called before the repair in order to verify call quality improvement.
3. If the call quality is still poor, call the Technical Assistance Center (TAC).
4. 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.

© 2014 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
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

20 TU

Remove and install telephone microphones

9157 1950

10 TU

Extended road test before and after repair

9157 9999

40 TU Max

GFF

No allowance

0 TU

Road test prior to service procedure

0121 0002

10 TU

Road test after service procedure

0121 0004

10 TU

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 #2036865/1

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.

Required Parts and Tools
Part Number

Part Description

Quantity

See ETKA

Microphone

As needed

© 2014 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
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 (2036865) are subject to change and/or removal. Always
check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.

© 2014 Audi of America, Inc.

Page 9 of 9

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.